Expand your running knowledge, identify running misconceptions and become a faster, healthier, SMARTER runner. Let Brodie Sharpe become your new running guide a...
Latest Research: Healing Degenerative Tendons / Timing of Nutrition in Marathons / Smartwatches Predicting Performance
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍🧠 Episode Summary:In this jam-packed episode, Brodie dives into the latest running research added to the Run Smarter database for March 2025. From tendon rehab protocols to marathon fueling strategies and smartwatch accuracy, you'll walk away with practical takeaways and cutting-edge insights to train and rehab smarter.🔍 Featured Research Papers:Stress Relaxation & Nutrition in Patellar Tendinopathy (Keith Barr, 2019)Explores how combining gelatin + vitamin C with isometric loading can heal even severe degenerative tendons.Case study of an NBA player with 50% degenerative patellar tendon—healed to normal MRI status after 18 months.Practical rehab protocol: Heavy isometrics (leg extensions, leg press, Spanish squats) + 15g gelatin + 225mg Vitamin C, taken 1 hour before.Key concept: Stress relaxation allows load to reach the injured part of the tendon.Nutrition Timing & Marathon PerformanceExamines how pre-, during-, and post-race fueling impacts finish times.Top performers consumed 30–60g of carbs per hour (those closer to 60g performed best).Having a nutrition plan, especially one guided by a dietitian, correlated with faster times.Surprisingly, pre-race caffeine, carbs, and fluid intake didn’t significantly affect finish time.Overhydration linked to slower finishes—individualize hydration plans!Smartwatch Accuracy for Predicting Performance (Huawei GT Runner Study)Watches accurately predicted marathon times within 3% error margin based on 5K/10K/HM times.Great alternative to expensive lab VO2 max or lactate threshold tests.Encouraging for recreational runners looking to track and plan training more effectively.🏃 Key Takeaways for Runners:Tendon Rehab: Healing degenerative tendon is possible—target it with specific loading + nutrition.Race Day Fueling: Practice your carb intake in training and aim for 60–90g/hr during long races.Hydration: Don’t overdo fluids—tailor to sweat rate and environmental conditions.Tech Insights: Smartwatches can be surprisingly accurate in predicting race performances—use that data!For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨
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The Right Strength Training to Improve Fatigued Running with Michele Zanini
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍 In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, Brodie sits down with researcher and lecturer Dr. Michele Zanini to discuss his groundbreaking new study: "Strength Training Improves Running Economy Durability and Fatigued High Intensity Performance in Well-Trained Male Runners."We dive into what durability actually means in a running context, why it matters, and how strength training—done the right way—can help you maintain performance under fatigue and finish your races stronger.🔍 Topics Covered:Why Dr. Zanini designed this study and the research gaps it aimed to fillThe concept of running economy durability and how it differs from standard running economyHow the study was structured and what made it uniqueDetailed breakdown of the strength training protocol:10-week program, 2x/weekExercises: back squats, single-leg press, isometric calf raises, plyometric drillsProgressive overload and focus on intent (explosive effort)Key results:35% improvement in time-to-exhaustion at 95% VO2maxSignificant gains in running economy under fatigueNo change in economy in a fresh state—why this might be the casePractical implications for recreational runnersStrength training tips to optimize durability and late-race performanceAdditional insights on how female and recreational runners might respond to similar training📌 Key Takeaways for Runners:Strength training doesn’t just help with injury prevention—it can enhance fatigue resistance.Running economy improvements may be more visible during fatigue, especially for well-trained runners.Strength protocols should include progressive loading, low reps with high intent, and strategic plyometrics.Even without fancy lab equipment, runners can apply these training principles and see real-world performance gains.Follow Michele on:X @MicZaniniBlueSky @mzaniniphysiology.bsky.socialLinkedInFor MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨
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1:02:59
Moira’s Chronic Injury Success Story
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, Brodie sits down with Moira, a dedicated endurance athlete and physical therapist, to discuss her long and challenging battle with chronic injury. What started as a suspected stress fracture turned into a frustrating cycle of pain, conflicting diagnoses, and psychological hurdles. Moira shares her journey of setbacks, self-reflection, and ultimately, breakthrough moments that led her back to running. Her story highlights the importance of understanding pain science, overcoming fear of movement, and following a structured, gradual return-to-running plan.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The progression of Moira’s injury and the many misdiagnoses she received along the way.How medical imaging (MRI, x-rays) and different professional opinions added to her confusion.The psychological impact of chronic pain and injury on an athlete’s identity.The role of pain science in Moira’s recovery and how she shifted her mindset.The importance of finding a trusted health professional who aligns with your approach.How Moira gradually returned to running and her current training routine.Key Takeaways:Pain Science & Nervous System Sensitivity: Moira learned that her pain wasn’t solely due to structural damage but also a result of a hypersensitive nervous system. Recognizing this was a major turning point in her recovery.Fear of Movement (Kinesiophobia): Despite being a physical therapist, Moira developed a deep fear of movement, which prolonged her symptoms. A gradual and confidence-building approach to movement helped her break this cycle.Small, Sustainable Steps: Her return to running started with 10-second run intervals. This slow approach was crucial in rebuilding confidence and reducing fear-driven pain responses.The Power of Self-Talk & Mental Reframing: Moira used mantras, journaling, and positive reinforcement to change her mental approach to pain and injury.Trust & Patience in the Process: Finding a professional she trusted and following a structured plan were critical in her return to pain-free running.For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨
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1:14:03
Understanding & Enhancing Running Economy with Mark Connick
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍For a summary & graphic of Mark's paper, click hereUnderstanding and Enhancing Running Economy with Mark ConnickEpisode 379 | Run Smarter Podcast🎙 Guest: Mark Connick – Postdoctoral Researcher in Sports Biomechanics and Physiology📄 Topic: Individualization of Footwear for Optimizing Running EconomyEpisode Overview:In this episode, we dive deep into the science of running economy and how different footwear choices impact performance. Mark Connick shares insights from his recent paper and explains the direct and indirect effects of footwear on biomechanics. Whether you're an elite athlete or a recreational runner, this episode will help you understand how shoe selection can make you more efficient and faster.Key Takeaways for Runners:✅ What is Running Economy? – Learn how oxygen cost impacts running performance and how you can run faster while using less energy.✅ How Footwear Affects Performance – Discover the direct (mechanical) and indirect (biomechanical) effects of shoes on your stride, muscle activation, and efficiency.✅ The Role of Carbon Fiber Plates – Do super shoes really make you faster? Understand how plates act as a lever rather than a spring and why different runners experience different benefits.✅ Foam, Midsole, and Energy Return – Learn why shoe stack height, midsole density, and weight impact how much energy is saved or lost with each step.✅ How to Test Your Own Running Economy – A simple DIY test using a heart rate monitor and a track to compare shoes and determine which is most efficient for you.✅ Choosing the Right Shoe for Your Needs – Should you get a super shoe for your next marathon? Mark shares practical advice on how to find the best shoe based on comfort, biomechanics, and race goals.✅ How to Transition Safely into Super Shoes – Avoid injuries by gradually adapting to new footwear and listening to your body's response.For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Compression Garments: Hype or Helpful?Does wearing compression gear actually improve running performance?A deep dive into the latest systematic review and meta-analysis.The surprising truth about muscle vibration and efficiency.What this means for your race day gear choices.✅ Achilles Tendon Pain: The Role of Anxiety & FearHow psychological factors like anxiety and fear of rupture impact your pain levels.Why fear of movement may not be as important as fear of rupture.The proven strategies to manage Achilles tendinopathy more effectively.✅ Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): Self-Management That WorksThe power of strengthening your quads and glutes.How education and load management can speed up recovery.The unexpected role of mindfulness in pain management.Key takeaways from the latest systematic review.Why You Should Listen:🎯 Stop Wasting Money on Unproven Gear – Learn what science says about compression wear before you invest. 🎯 Break Free from Persistent Achilles Pain – Understand the mental and physical strategies that will help you heal faster. 🎯 Recover from Runner’s Knee More Effectively – Discover the best exercises, education strategies, and mindset shifts to get back to pain-free running.For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨
Expand your running knowledge, identify running misconceptions and become a faster, healthier, SMARTER runner. Let Brodie Sharpe become your new running guide as he teaches you powerful injury insights from his many years as a physiotherapist while also interviewing the best running gurus in the world. This is ideal for injured runners & runners looking for injury prevention and elevated performance. So, take full advantage by starting at season 1 where Brodie teaches you THE TOP PRINCIPLES TO OVERCOME ANY RUNNING INJURY and let’s begin your run smarter journey.
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