The Stronger Stride Podcast

268. We Changed Our Minds About Running. Here's Why.Today Lydia and Sophie reflect on the biggest mistakes they've made throughout their running, coaching, and clinical careers; and how those experiences have completely changed the way they think about training, injury, and performance.From blindly following conventional advice to overcomplicating rehab, this episode explores the lessons that only come with experience. We discuss why questioning common beliefs is so important, how adaptable the human body really is, and why understanding training load often matters more than chasing the latest trend.We discuss:• The biggest training mistakes we've made as runners and clinicians• Why injury is often the biggest barrier to long-term performance• Common misconceptions around cardiovascular fitness and running conditioning• Why strength training should complement, not replace, running• Footwear, orthotics, and why our bodies are more adaptable than we often think• The importance of gradual progression and smart load management• Learning to ask for help with both physical and mental health challenges• Why questioning conventional wisdom can make you a better runnerWhether you're new to running or have been training for years, this episode challenges some of the most common beliefs in the running world and shares practical lessons that could help you train smarter, stay healthier, and perform better.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Merging Perspectives01:04 Weekly Training Updates and Challenges08:18 Health Updates and Misconceptions14:47 Asking for Help: A Personal Journey21:21 Rethinking Running: Beyond Just Running28:23 Training Mistakes and Cardiovascular Fitness Misconceptions29:16 Understanding Running Conditioning and Injury Prevention33:48 The Importance of Gradual Return to Running38:17 Shifting Load and Footwear Adaptability45:57 The Value of Strength Training for Runners51:20 Questioning Shoe Choices and OrthoticsInterested in Coaching? Work with usFollow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@strongerstride Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

In case you missed it - one of our favourite episodes from the archives. *Interview starts at 21:45*It was a privilege to chat to Nick Jankovskis, Sport and Exercise Scientist with a Master of High Performance Sport. Nick has an extensive background working with elite athletes across a variety of sports, and currently specialises in performance testing for endurance athletes. Nick shares his expertise on blood lactate and VO2 max analysis for optimal athlete training prescription and output. We chat all about how blood analysis can give us an insight into areas of weakness and strength, allowing a more specific approach to training and recovery. Nick simplifies some complex topics such as lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold and fraction of expired oxygen (FE02). There’s so much in the conversation and we know you're going to take so much value.You can find Nick on Instagram @nj_sportscience Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training? Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at www.tailwindnutrition.com.au You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at www.solemechanics.com.au Thanks for all of your support!Dont forget to rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date. TSSP x

*In case you missed it - one of our favourites from the archives - Flow State + Goal Setting for runners w/ Scott Goddard PhD*Interview starts at 15:40*It was an honour to be joined by sports and exercise psychologist, researcher and PhD Scott Goddard, who devotes his time into the studies of human performance, goal setting and flow state. Scott has contributed to research focusing on developing and evaluating intervention strategies to induce optimal psychological states in athletes.We got to dive deep into the science of setting goals, why it's worth setting them and the relationship between setting a target and improving performance. We talk about process vs outcome and learn how our running experience or even personality type might influence the strategy we should select when reaching for a goal.Scott shares with us about the Flow State, an elusive yet favourable human experience that appears to have a multitude of benefits and not just for performance. We learn about what the current research says about how we can access flow and what it might look like for different runners. Scott gives us some practical ideas on how we might include this into our training.Today's episode was deeply insightful and left us excited to get out running to trial some flow state techniques and even re-adjust our 2023 goals. Scott was an absolute wealth of knowledge and we know you'll love learning from him.Thanks for all of your support! Please rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date.Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training? Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au

248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe KeainThis episode is sponsored by ⁠ASICS⁠ - celebrating the release of the brand new Superblast 3. Check them out ⁠here⁠ Today we’re joined by podiatrist Joe Keain to break down one of the most common (and frustrating) running injuries: plantar fasciopathy.In this episode, Joe shares a clear and practical approach to understanding heel pain - from what’s actually going on in the tissue, to why the term “fasciitis” might not always be accurate. We dive into the key risk factors, common mistakes runners make, and how to effectively manage and progress this injury without getting stuck in the boom–bust cycle.We cover:• What plantar fasciopathy is (and fasciitis vs fasciopathy)• Early stage management and the role of inflammation• Key risk factors: load, footwear, and training errors• Strengthening the foot and building tissue capacity• Pain management and returning to running safely• When to progress to higher load (plyos, faster running)• Shoe considerations and what might actually helpThis episode is packed with practical takeaways for runners dealing with heel pain, or those wanting to stay ahead of it. Whether you’re in the early stages or stuck in a recurring cycle, this will help you better understand what your body needs, and how to progress with confidence.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:55 Joe’s background and journey into podiatry14:52 Working with runners and injury prevention17:42 What is plantar fasciopathy and its symptoms19:19 Fasciitis vs fasciopathy20:57 Inflammation and early treatment21:58 Risk factors and load management27:05 Foot posture: does it matter?31:07 Foot strengthening exercises32:20 Offloading and early management34:20 Pain management and return to running36:42 Boom–bust cycle explained40:56 Recovery timelines42:54 Progressing to higher loads43:25 Shoe considerations45:05 When to seek further assessment47:35 Choosing the right podiatristFollow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielaneYouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WADiscount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

Explore the fascinating history of running from ancient Greece to modern innovations, highlighting key milestones, technological advances, and inspiring stories of perseverance. In this episode, Sophie takes you through a brief history lesson - when the first marathon was run, Kathrine Switzer's nearly getting kicked out of Boston Marathon, the 4-minute mile and 2-hour marathon barriers, as well as her own personal running journey. This episode is sponsored by ASICS - celebrating the release of the brand new Superblast 3. Check them out here Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: A Dive into Running History03:38 Pheidippides and the Birth of the Marathon06:34 The Evolution of the Marathon Distance09:50 Breaking Barriers: Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile12:42 The Rise of Mass Participation in Running15:26 Katherine Switzer: A Trailblazer for Women in Running20:40 The Need for Women's Sports Opportunities21:10 The Evolution of Women's Marathon Running23:54 The Rise of Popularity in Running24:44 Breaking Barriers: The Two-Hour Marathon Challenge26:36 The Evolution of Athletic Footwear32:34 The Impact of Minimalism and Barefoot Running33:41 The Evolution of Running Shoe Technology43:25 Personal Journey in Running49:14 The Impact of Running on Life

In this episode of the Stronger Stride podcast, we discuss our recent training experiences, including challenges with illness and the importance of maintaining fitness. We explore various gym techniques, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of partial range exercises. The conversation also delves into the mindset required for sports and the empowering nature of physical activity. We finish by discussing some listemer questions. Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielaneYouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

In this episode, Sports Chiropractor Luke discusses his extensive background in running and injury management. He emphasises the complexity of running injuries, the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, and the need for runners to understand their stressors and capacity. Luke shares insights on managing occupational stress, analysing running loads, and the significance of deload weeks in training. He also addresses the common discomforts runners experience and the importance of communication with health professionals to navigate recovery effectively.Check out Luke here: Podcast: Rehab RunwayInstagram: @sportschirolukeClinic: Health & High PerformanceFollow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielaneYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP xChapters00:00 Introduction to Luke and His Background05:19 Understanding Running-Related Injuries13:15 The Role of Stress in Running Injuries17:04 Managing Occupational Stress and Running21:06 Running Load Considerations and Injury Risk27:51 Understanding Speed Work in Running30:16 The Impact of Previous Injuries on Training32:31 Adjusting Training Based on Goals and Experience37:14 The Importance of Volume Over Intensity39:11 Navigating the Introduction of Speed Work42:25 Managing Training Load and Recovery46:46 The Complexity of Injury Prevention53:03 Holistic Approaches to Running and Injury Management