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Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris 169 episodes Latest May 30, 2026

The Tread Lightly Running Podcast offers data-driven, evidence-based running advice in a practical and inclusive way. Topics include running faster, marathon training, fueling science, and injury prevention. Co-hosted by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, who have over 20 years of coaching experience and have been featured in Runner's World, SELF, NPR, and Outside.

Episodes

What Does "Wake Up Your Glutes" Actually Mean? Dr. Gaby Go, DPT Explains Glute Activation Jun 6, 2026 00:35:34 You have probably encountered claims that your “glutes aren’t firing” or that you have “sleepy glutes,” and that lazy glutes are hurting your running. This approach misses a lot of nuance: if you can stand, your glutes work; but weak glutes can impact running injury risk and running economy. We are joined by Dr. Gaby Go, DPT and run coach, who explains the nuances of glute activation and why stron
Heat Acclimation Strategies and Science-Backed Cooling Techniques for Summer Running May 30, 2026 00:37:31 In our last episode, we discussed the physiology of running in the heat, including why you run slower. However, you are not doomed to suffer through slow slogs all summer long. In part two of our summer running series, we discuss heat acclimation strategies and cooling techniques to make summer running a little less miserable.Thank you to our sponsors:✨Title Nine: Comfortable sports bras that actu
The Science of Running in Heat & Humidity (and How to Handle It) May 23, 2026 00:39:44 It doesn’t have to be a cruel summer of slogging through hot, humid runs. You can adjust your training so that summer running is productive and enjoyable. In part 1 of our summer running episodes, we discuss the physiological impacts of running in the heat and humidity, and how to adjust your training based on those responses.Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Good Ranchers: American-grown meat, delivere
The Neuroscience of Pain (And How to Use It) with Kruse Elite May 16, 2026 00:46:14 Pain is not just tissue damage - but it’s also just not in your brain. In this episode, we’re joined by Taylor Kruse of Kruse Elite. We discuss the neuroscience of pain and movement, including how the brain processes pain, the role of the vestibular system, and how we can think about non-injury pain for runners. Bonus: you will also learn why motion sickness happens!Thank you to our sponsors:✨Titl
Race Banditing, AI Coaching Apps, If Downhill Races are PRs, and Other Grey Areas of Running Culture May 9, 2026 00:43:09 Is bib-sharing wrong? Should downhill races count as a PR? Are AI running apps the future of the sport, or setting up runners for injury? In this episode, we have a nuanced discussion on many of the gray areas of sportsmanship and running culture.✨Title Nine: Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned company. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for free shipping at https://runtothefinish.c
How To Race On A Budget (Because Running is Not Cheap) May 2, 2026 00:34:19 Running for exercise can be cheap, but running for performance and participating in races can be expensive. Maybe you are also weary of the wastefulness of influencer culture and want to know how to purchase fewer things and make your gear last longer. In this episode, we share our advice on how to race on a budget, from gear to fuel and more. Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Good Ranchers: American-gr
What to Eat Before a Race, from the 5K to Marathon Apr 25, 2026 00:35:32 Carbohydrates, caffeine, and water (sometimes with electrolytes): these seem so simple, but they all improve performance when taken before a race. In this episode, we discuss how to structure your pre-race meal before a 5K to marathon, including what to eat, how to time it, and how to avoid GI upset.Thank you to our sponsors:✨Wahoo KICKR RUN: A treadmill that feels like running outdoors. Shop here
Strava Anxiety: When Data Makes You Slower Apr 18, 2026 00:34:36 Data can be useful (when it’s valid and reliable) - but excessive data, especially when mixed with comparison against others, can negatively impact your training and relationship with running. In this episode, we discuss Strava anxiety, the comparison trap, and when data can actually make you slower.Thank you to our sponsors:✨Wahoo KICKR RUN: A treadmill that feels like running outdoors. Shop here
What the Rise of Women in Sports Means for Everyone with Ashley Mateo Apr 11, 2026 00:39:23 Women account for a majority of the growth in the sport of running over the past few years - and media is catching up with this shift. We sit down with runher magazine’s founder Ashley Mateo to discuss trends and media representation of women in running.Thank you to our sponsors:✨Title Nine: Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned company. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for free shi
Track Intimidation: How to Show Up and What Workouts to Do Apr 4, 2026 00:34:53 Are you curious about running your speed workouts at the track, but feeling intimidated by it? This episode will guide you through how to confidently run at the track: the proper etiquette, terminology, popular workouts, and more. Plus, you’ll learn about smart approaches for running speedwork, whether you are on the roads or the track.Thank you to our sponsors:✨ Amazfit: User-friendly simple runn
Half Marathon Taper: It’s Not Just Less Running Mar 28, 2026 00:38:16 The taper is not solely reserved for the marathon. When you are racing a half marathon as your goal race, a gradual and deliberate taper will prepare you to run your strongest, fastest race. In this episode, we discuss how to taper for a half marathon, including common taper mistakes and more. Thank you to our sponsors:✨Title Nine: Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned comp
Running Through Allergies, Illness Or Asthma Mar 21, 2026 00:35:34 You are experiencing itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sneezing on your runs. Are these allergy symptoms or illness? Is it okay to run through these symptoms, and if so, will these slow you down? In this episode, we discuss seasonal allergies, illness, and exercise-induced asthma in relationship to running and racing.(Disclaimer: this episode does not serve as medical advice. Please consult a medi

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