Expand your running knowledge, identify running misconceptions and become a faster, healthier, SMARTER runner. Let Brodie Sharpe become your new running guide a...
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! 🎉✨
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57:25
How to Survive & Thrive in All Weather Conditions with Andrew & Michael
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍How to Survive and Thrive in All Weather Conditions with Andrew and MichaelEpisode Summary: In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, we sit down with Andrew and Michael, hosts of the Endurance Innovation Podcast, to explore how runners can optimize performance in various weather conditions. Whether you’re training in freezing temperatures, racing in extreme heat, or battling humidity, Andrew and Michael break down the science behind heat transfer, thermoregulation, and practical strategies to maintain performance. Expect a deep dive into the mechanics of cooling, hydration, layering, and more!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why understanding thermoregulation is key to running performanceHow to dress appropriately for cold weather runs and avoid frostbiteWhy runners naturally slow down in extreme cold and how to manage itThe role of humidity in heat stress and how to handle itHow heat adaptation works and how to train for hot conditionsThe best cooling strategies, including ice slushies, wrist cooling, and pre-cooling methodsHow clothing color and material impact heat absorption and reflectionCommon mistakes runners make in extreme temperatures and how to avoid themGuest Bios:Andrew Buckrell: Mechanical engineer with a research background in aerodynamics and heat transfer. Passionate about applying engineering principles to endurance sports.Michael Petralia: Mechanical engineer turned endurance coach. Specializes in performance optimization through scientific principles.Listener Questions Answered:Why do I run slower in the cold, no matter how warm my muscles get?Why does my heart rate increase more in cold weather?How can I stay cool in extreme heat and humidity?Should I train by heart rate in hot conditions?Do hot drinks really help cool you down?Search 'The Endurance Innovation' wherever you find your podcastsYou can also follow 3X training on InstagramFor 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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1:16:27
Healing Chronic Scar Tissue in Tendons with Keith Barr
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Keith Barr from the University of California, Davis, to uncover groundbreaking research on tendon health, rehabilitation, and performance. Dr. Barr shares his expertise on tendon tissue engineering, the role of mechanical loading in healing tendinopathies, and how to reverse chronic scar tissue formation. Whether you're a runner struggling with tendon pain or a coach looking to optimize performance, this episode is packed with game-changing insights.What You'll Learn in This Episode🔹 Why tendons develop scar tissue – and how stress shielding plays a role in tendinopathy🔹 How to reverse chronic tendon damage – with the right type of loading strategy🔹 The difference between tendon stiffness and perceived stiffness – and how it impacts performance and injury risk🔹 Why isometric exercises are a game-changer – and how to use them effectively in rehab and injury prevention🔹 The role of hormones in tendon injuries – including how menopause and testosterone affect tendon health🔹 How to train smarter to avoid tendon injuries – including the optimal way to structure your running volumeKey Takeaways & Actionable Strategies✅ Target the scar tissue with load – Use isometric holds after a workout to gradually reintroduce load to the weak areas✅ Don’t rush into plyometrics – Start with long-duration isometric exercises before progressing to slow, heavy strength training✅ Train twice a day for better tendon adaptation – Splitting your runs into two sessions improves tendon recovery and adaptation✅ Respect the first few sessions of new training – The first track session, spikes workout, or hill session introduces high jerk forces, increasing injury risk✅ Consider hormonal factors – Women going through menopause may need to adjust their training due to changes in tendon stiffness and collagen synthesisDr. Keith Barr’s Research & Resources🔹 Follow Keith Barr on BlueSky: Muscle Science🔹 Read his research paper: Using Load to Improve Tendon Ligament Tissue Engineering and Develop Novel Treatments for TendinopathyFor 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.