Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Morning runners will skip a pre-run snack for many reasons: gut comfort, time constraints, or the belief that running fasted will make them faster. For years, fasted running was trendy and even recommended. However, science and training theory evolve, and so we’re here to tell you in 2025: fed is fastest, and that includes during training. 

We address some common misconceptions around fasted running. Does fasted cardio make you a be...

Many runners find it difficult to balance their enjoyment of the sport with their goals. We sit down with Laura Green (@lauramcgreen), who has created her brand around the fun side (and poking fun at) running. She chats about finding the balance of fun and competition in your running. 

This episode is sponsored by:

• BodyBio: If you are searching for a flavorless electrolyte, consider BodyBio E-lyte! Use code AMANDA BROOKS and foll...

Fatigue resistance - also called durability or physiological resilience - is the ability to not slow down when physiological fatigue sets in. Fatigue resistance is what part of what keeps you from slowing down at the end of your half marathon, marathon, or ultra. We dive into the science of durability, as well as providing practical tips for how to improve your fatigue resistance.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What is fat...

Many episodes back, we provided some guidance on how to run a 5K as a newer or intermediate runner. This episode is for our more experienced runners who are coming to the 5K and want to run fast. Whether you are aiming for sub-20 and or sub-30, this episode will guide you through how to structure your training for your fastest 5K yet. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• If you need long runs during 5K training
• How many miles per wee...

With record numbers of lottery entrants to the majors, we are seeing marathon participation boom! More runners are finishing the marathon now than ever. The average women’s marathon finish time is now approximately 4:50 - which means many runners finish in the five to six hour range. This episode provides a guide for 5-6 hour marathoners, whether you are running your first marathon or aiming for a PR in that time range. 

In this epi...

We speak often on this podcast about strength training for runners - which is drastically different than lifting for aesthetics. We are joined by running and strength coach Montana Depasquale for a discussion on how to pick a strength training plan that will actually improve your running performance - not just change your appearance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What to look for in a strength training plan
• Should you lift t...

Most runners inevitably deal with these minor issues - blisters, black toenails, chafing, and more. They aren’t full injuries, but they certainly are inconvenient and uncomfortable. We guide you through how to prevent these, how to treat them, and if you can run through them when they happen.  

In this episode, you’ll learn how to deal with:

• Calf cramps

• Blisters

• Chafing

• Black toenails

• Numb toes during a run

• Red and itchy legs while ru...

If a 10-15 minute investment each week helped you run faster, would you do it? In this episode, we explore plyometrics for runners and how they can help you run faster with just a few minutes per week - when done correctly. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What are plyometric exercises?
• How runners can benefit from plyometrics
• How to incorporate plyometrics into your routine
• Who should NOT do plyometrics
• Sample plyometric exercises
• Com...

Ketones, bicarb, creatine, and more - there are more supplements for runners on the market now more than ever. We discuss some of the most popular supplements for runners, including the research, potential benefits, risks, and more.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs)
• Ketone monoester supplementation
• Sodium bicarbonate (“bicarb”) supplements
• Black currant supplements
• Creatine for runners

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We sat down for a thought-provoking discussion with Tina Muir, former elite runner and sustainability advocate. Tina brings a balanced and accessible approach to how runners can reduce environmental waste and make small, effective changes for climate justice. 

 Tina hosts the Running for Real podcast, on which she discusses climate justice and social change. She is the co-author of Becoming a Sustainable Runner, is the Sustainabilit...

After completing a marathon or two, most runners set their sights on running their fastest marathon. However, when you train for a marathon PR, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of overreaching, or to end up injured. In this episode, we’ll guide you through how to train for a marathon PR - and actually reach that PR on race day. 

The advice is this episode is targeted towards intermediate and experienced marathoners; if you are ru...

You asked, and we answered - it’s another Q&A episode! In these episodes, you can pick our brains as experienced running coaches. All answers are generalized, not individual. 

We answer your questions, including:

• Is running selfish?

• How do you add in speedwork as a beginner?

• How do you prevent overstriding and increase your cadence?

• How does wind impact your running paces?

• Does creatine...

Mobility is a buzzword in the fitness space - but what does it actually mean? Can improving your mobility help you run faster? Do you need complicated routines, or just a few intentional movements? We sort through the trends to bring you an evidence-based and practical approach to mobility for runners.  

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between mobility and flexibility
• Why does mobility matter for runners?
• The...

Is cross-training just for injured runners, or could it unlock your best running performance? We are joined in this episode by Mary Johnson, a running coach who recently ran a 3:08 at CIM. Mary has embraced cross-training as both an athlete and a coach; in this episode, she shares how it’s helped her get faster - and how it can do the same for you. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

You’ve likely encountered all sorts of different marathon training plans - Higdon, Hansons, Run Less Run Faster, Low Heart Rate, and more. You may have wondered which of these plans, if any, is right for you - and we are here to take that guesswork out for you! In this episode, two seasoned running coaches examine different marathon training methodologies.

This is episode 100 and we want to thank each and everyone of you for listen...

Is heel striking bad? Should you change your running form? You’ve probably heard conflicting answers on your questions about running injuries - so we bring the science to work through myth vs supported theory on running injuries. We also share approaches for actually reducing your injury risk - and these may surprise you. 

Discussion points include:

• Does heel striking cause injury?
• Should you change your running form?
• Do m...

You’ve likely heard that high sugar consumption has health risks - so how do you reconcile that with your need to fuel as a runner? Is sugar bad for runners, or is it a necessary fuel source for your fastest running and healthiest self? (Spoiler: it's the latter!) We brought on Cortney Berling, RD, MPH, to dispel common myths about sugar for runners. 

Discussion points include:

• Defining the different types of sugar
• What’s th...

We take an informed deep dive on run streaks. Who benefits from run streaks (if anyone)? What are the risks and drawbacks? Are there alternative goals you can set? 

Discussion points include:

• What defines a running streak?
• Why are running streaks so popular?
• What are the drawbacks of run streaks?
• When should you stop a running streak?
• How to safely do a run streak 
• Alternative activity streaks
• What to do if you feel ...

Warming up before a run is something both Amanda and Laura have repeatedly preached - so in this episode, we take a deeper dive into warm-ups. We explore the science warming up properly before a run and provide practical examples of how to warm up before different types of workouts.

Discussion points include:

• Why should you warm up before running?
• How long should a warm-up be?
• Should you stretch before a run?
• Examples of ...