Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What Your Running Gel Label Actually Means - with Kylee Van Horn Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

Isotonic, real food, maltodextrin, sugar-free, and high-sodium: if you have recently shopped for running gels, you likely have seen these terms and more on the labels. We sit down with sports dietitian Kylee Van Horn to understand the labelling on your sports nutrition products and how to pick the best running gel for you.

Thank you to our sponsors:

✨Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at ⁠https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY⁠ for 20% off your first purchase.

✨ Upstep: Custom orthotics, molded from the comfort of your home. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH at ⁠https://www.upstep.com/?ref=cajmuang⁠ for $20 off your purchase.

✨ Boulderthon: If you're looking for a scenic Colorado race, Boulderthon offers it all: views, big race vibes, and faster courses this year. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH to get $20 off registration at ⁠https://www.boulderthon.org/⁠ for the half marathon, 10K, or 5K.

You will learn:

✅ What’s actually in low-sugar gels - and do they work?

✅ How to identify non-nutritive sweeteners on your gel label

✅ Understanding the types of carbohydrates and glucose:fructose ratios

✅ Understanding hyrogels, isotonic gels, and other gel formulations/textures

✅ What claims of “clean” and “natural” ingredients actually mean

✅ How to find gels that are easy on your gut

✅ Do you need to have electrolytes in your gels?

About our guest:

➡️ Kylee Van Horn is an endurance sports dietitian based on Carbondale, CO. She is a published author and co-host of the Your Diet Sucks podcast. Since 2022, she has worked with hundreds of endurance athletes at Fly Nutrition, helping them improve their performance, heal their relationship with food, and overcome GI issues.

➡️ You can connect with Kylee at @flynutrition3 on Instagram and at https://flynutrition.org/.

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

Avoid These Peak Week Training Mistakes Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

Peak weeks are often discussed in the context of the marathon; however, whether you are training for a short distance like a 5K/10K, a half, marathon, or even an ultra, your training will include a peak week - the week of the highest volume and/or hardest workouts. Peak week is not a magical week - but it does matter in a training build. In this episode, we guide you through what a peak week is, mistakes to avoid, and tips to help you come out of your peak week healthy, fit, and ready to race.

You will learn:

✅ What is peak week (and how is it different than peak performance)?

✅ Understanding the super-compensation theory

✅ Is it possible to peak too early?

✅ Peak week mistakes to avoid

✅ The differences of functional over-reaching, non-functional overreaching, and overtraining

✅ What to do if you miss peak week workouts

✅ Tips to make the most of your peak week

:Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️ Shokz: Open ear headphones so you can enjoy your music or audiobook while staying safe and aware of your surroudnings. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for $10 off at https://shokz.com?utm_source=TLR&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=podcast

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

Heart Rate Variability and Resting Heart Rate: Do These Metrics Matter for Runners? Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

More than likely, your watch reports your resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) - but what do these numbers actually mean? We look at the science behind these metrics and discuss whether or not runners should use HRV and RHR to adjust their training.

You will learn:

✅ Why does resting heart rate matter for runners?

✅ Should you use HRV to inform your training?

✅ Does these metrics help you recover better?

✅ Does tracking your HR improve your running performance?

✅ Are your HRV trackers reliable?

References:

✅ PMID: 35853460

✅ PMID: 37516677

✅PMID: 29686813

Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️Skratch: Naturally flavored, science-backed sport nutrition. Follow link Skratch Sample Pack and use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.

➡️Boulderthon: If you're looking for a scenic Colorado race, Boulderthon offers it all: views, big race vibes, and faster courses this year. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH to get $20 off registration at https://www.boulderthon.org/ for the marathon, half, 10K, or 5K.

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

How to Build an Annual Race Calendar Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re talking about how to plan out your race calendar! Most races now require signing up months, if not almost a year, in advance. We’ll guide you through how to plan out goal races, how often to race, and more.

You will learn:

✅ How to pick races based on your goals

✅ Why racing a variety of distances can be beneficial

✅ How to approach several races in one season

✅ Racing frequency for beginners vs experienced runners

✅ How to run back-to-back marathons

✅ How often can you race half marathons

✅ How long do you need to prepare for an ultra?

✅ How to structure a racing calendar for BQing

✅ How to plan around race lotteries

✅ How to use tune-up races in training

Thank you to our sponsors:

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning /

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

How Enneagram Type Can Help You Understand Your Motivation in Running Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

Enneagram is a model of understanding your personality and motivations. While its scientific validity is mixed, some research indicates it may be helpful for understanding personal growth. Whether or not it is psychometrically valid, Enneagram is a popular way to help understand your motivations - which can help you through the psychological aspects of running. In this episode, we take a less scientific, more fun approach with Jillian Keaveny, a Denver-based coach who uses Enneagram to help athletes understand motivation and areas for growth.

You will learn:

✅ What is Enneagram and how can it be useful for runners

✅ The three instinctual biases and nine types of Enneagram

✅ How athletes can use the Enneagram type to understand their motivation in training

✅ The limitations of using Enneagram

✅ Are some Enneagram types more common amongst runners?

Connect with Jillian and learn more about your Enneagram:

➡️Jillian’s website and programs: jilliankeaveny.com

➡️ Instinctual Biases quiz https://enneagram-on-demand.com/instinctual-biases-quiz/

➡️ Enneagram Type quiz: https://enneagram-on-demand.com/type-quiz/

Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️Skratch: Follow link Skratch Sample Pack and use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

Stop Making These Half Marathon Mistakes! Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

The half marathon is one of the most popular race distances - but it is also one that runners can dismiss because it’s not a marathon. However, all-out racing a half marathon can be a very rewarding challenge if you approach it correctly. In this episode, we discuss some of the most common half marathon training mistakes and how you can avoid them. You’ll learn how to train for a half marathon PR, how to set half marathon goals, how to taper for a half marathon, and fueling and pacing strategies for race day.

You will learn:

✅ Common mindset mistakes

✅ How to balance speedwork and race pace workouts

✅ Strength training mistakes to avoid

✅ How long should you spend training for half marathon?✅ The problem with setting too aggressive time goals

✅ Why you need a nutrition and hydration strategy for a half marathon✅ How to correctly taper for a half marathon

✅ Is your shakeout run sabotaging your race?

✅ Common half marathon race day mistakes

Thank you to our sponsors:

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

How to Train for Downhill and Hilly Races When You Don’t Have Hills Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

If you are preparing for a hilly race, such as the New York City Marathon, or a downhill race such as a REVEL marathon, your training will look different from what it would for a flat marathon. We guide you through an evidence-based, practical approach for training for a hilly race - including creative interventions if you live in a flat area.

You will learn:

✅ The different energetic and mechanical demands of uphill and downhill running

✅ How to muscularly prepare for a downhill race

✅ How to train for a hilly race when you live in a flat area

✅ Strength training exercises for a hilly race

✅ Developing a performance mindset for hilly races

✅ Proper hill running form

✅ Pacing strategies for hilly races

✅ How to fuel during a hilly race

Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/

➡️ Tifosi: Follow link https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/c/2475256/2888012/29284 for durable, budget-friendly, no-slip sunglasses!

➡️Skratch: Follow link Skratch Sample Pack and use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:

https://runtothefinish.com/

References:

PMID: 27501719

PMID: 30357515

PMID: 38921863

Do You Need to Cool Down After a Run? Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

As many runners know, a run takes more time than just the miles themselves. You have a pre-run warm-up and recovery nutrition - and so you may wonder if you really need a cooldown after your run, or if you can save some time there. In this episode, we answer a common listener question about what a cooldown after runs actually does - and if you need to do them.

We break this discussion into a physiological explanation of what a cooldown does (and what a cooldown won’t achieve) and a practical explanation of how to apply effective cooldowns in your training.

You will learn:

✅ What a cooldown after a run achieves - and what it doesn’t

✅ If you need to cool down after an easy run

✅ Why you don’t need to worry about flushing out “lactic acid”

✅ How cool down miles can improve your running performance

✅ Do you need to stretch for your cool down?

✅ How to cool down after an interval or tempo run

✅ Should you use an ice bath for a post-run cooldown?

Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/

➡️ Tifosi: Follow link https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/c/2475256/2888012/29284 for durable, budget-friendly, no-slip sunglasses!

➡️ Skratch: Follow the link Skratch Sample Pack and use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

References:
🤓 PMID: 39263899

🤓 PMID: 29663142

Does Zone 2 Actually Matter for Runners? Debunking Myths and Answering Your Top Zone 2 Running Questions Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

Are you confused about all the zone 2 chatter on social media? Do you experience frustration when you try to run and your watch tells you running in zone 3 despite it feeling easy? There is so much information about zone 2 and running - and some of it is correct, some of it is over-simplified, and some is over-exaggerated.

In this episode, you will learn what exactly zone 2 is - and how much it actually matters for running. We answer your questions about zone 2 and dispel myths about zone 2.

You will learn:

✅ Different tests and formulas to accurately calculate your zone 2

✅ If you need to use heart rate for easy runs

✅ If new runners should worry about heart rate zones

✅ Variables that can impact your heart rate while running

✅ Why zone 2 is not the only training zone that matters

✅ The importance of fueling during long zone 2 runs

✅ How to manage hills during easy runs

Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/

➡️ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

References:

PMID: 31045681

PMID: 24408353

PMID: 35661059

PMID: 39616560

PMID: 26578968

The Best Running Books and Our Summer Reading List May 30, 2025

Show notes

Are you looking for a good audiobook to listen to as you start logging more miles this summer? We have a whole list of audiobook recommendations for your long runs, plus our current favorite running books.

Our recommendations include:

Up to Speed by Christine Yu

Peak Performance by Steve Magness and Brad Stulburg

Run to the Finish by Amanda Brooks

Out of Thin Air by Michael Crawley

Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman

Everything Fat Loss by Ben Carpenter

The Athlete’s Gut by Patrick Wilson

Run Like a Pro by Matt Fitzgerald

The Explorer’s Gene by Alex Hutchinson

How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald

Brazen by Julia Haart (audiobook)

Project Hail Mary; The Martian; Artemis by Andy Weir (audiobook)

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb (audiobook)

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (audiobook)

I’m Glad by Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (audiobook)

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Lost Gods by Brom

This episode is sponsored by:

Skratch: Use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off first purchase at https://www.skratchlabs.com/discount/ABROOKS?redirect=/products/skratch-labs-sample-pack?utm_source=ABrooks&utm_medium=ABrooks&utm_campaign=Podcast531

BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/

The show notes contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing and support the show creators.

Let’s stay connected:

Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend!

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