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114. Dr Izzy Smith - Hormonal function in sport, stress fractures & optimising bone health. We were over the moon to get to chat to Dr Izzy Smith today, expert in the field of hormonal health and all things bones. Dr Izzy is the medical expert for female-led womens coaching service Femmi, a Movember ambassador and of course a runner. Izzy is a dedicated and enthusiastic practitioner & educator. If you follow her on instagram you'll likely be familiar with her ability to debunk common myths in the health & wellness space, whilst synthesising complex areas of research producing practical advice for the everyday person. At the time of recording, Dr Izzy was a few short months away from completing her residency, becoming an endocrinologist. In this ep we chat about;- Understanding endocrinology - Relative Energy deficiency in sport (REDS)- Low carb diets and training fasted- Understanding the bone remodelling process- Blood tests + supplements for athletes- Coffee and cortisol in the morning You can find more from Izzy on her instagram here @doctorizzyksmithAs always thankyou so much for listening and supporting the show. We know you’re going to love this one.TSSPX

In this episode, expert in running technique Paul McKinnon shares insights on biomechanics, efficient movement patterns, and common running errors. Discover how understanding physics and body awareness can transform your running and prevent injuries. Paul's Links: Instagram - @thebalancedrunner Website including online course - www.tbrunner.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Paul McKinnon and His Expertise 00:59 Paul's Journey into Running Technique 03:18 The Influence of Hockey on Biomechanics 07:17 Running as a Skill: The Physics of Movement 11:16 Understanding Natural Running and Its Challenges 17:14 Common Errors in Running Technique 21:47 The Importance of Arm Movement in Running 29:17 Asymmetry in Running and Its Consequences 34:48 Understanding Movement Patterns 36:49 The Complexity of Walking and Running 39:30 The Cadence Debate 43:39 Movement Patterns and Injury Prevention 51:18 Conceptualizing Ideal Movement 56:48 Red Flags in Running Mechanic

In case you missed it, one of our favourite episodes from the archives! *Interview starts at 24:35* About The Slow Coach: "She wasn’t interested in metrics like getting faster, but in celebrating time alone, time on feet, personal progress, better mental health and the life affirming process of overcoming a personal obstacle. Over time she clarified these insights into a running community and qualified as a Level 3 Performance Development Coach (Trail & Ultra) through Athletics Australia. She is a wife and mum to two (almost) grown-up boys. The Slow Coach aims to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for runners who might otherwise be intimidated by running programs. No matter your age, experience, fitness levels, size or aspirations we can get you from flat to finish line." In this episode we speak about: - How Andrea went from a self-proclaimed 'couch potato' to an ultra-marathon runner - The Slow Coach Philosophy and how Andrea's service differs from others - The mindset of going into a race knowing that you're going to finish at the back of the pack - Advice for those who want to start running but feel as though they are too “slow/unfit/old” - The assumption that a good athlete is automatically a good coach - The inclusivity of the running community and what we can do better to help runners of all abilities feel more welcome You can find Andrea at: ⁠@_the_slow_coach⁠ on Instagram or online at ⁠https://runwiththeslowcoach.com/⁠ She has some great FREE resources as well as online and in-person running programs. Use our code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠ for 15% off Tailwind's premium Hydration and Rebuild products! 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

253. Debating Most Common Running Tropes Today Soph and Lydia dive into a scientifically backed debate about some of the longest standing tropes, stereotypes and beliefs around running injury prevention and performance. We can't wait to hear who's side you take. We'd love you to contribute to the conversation too, post a comment on this episode or send us an instagram DM! We debate; - running ruining our knees and bodies - avoiding impact to make running more sustainable - hill running for strength training - running technique needs to be learned As always thankyou for tuning in, we are so grateful for your support. Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠ @strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielane⁠ YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks 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  T hanks 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

This episode explores the science behind cardiovascular and tendon adaptations during return to running post-injury, discusses social media running trends, and offers practical advice on combining walking and running in races. Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠ @strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielane⁠ YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! 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.au⁠ You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au

249. Why Do I Keep Getting Running Injuries? (And How to Break the Cycle) If you feel like you’re constantly dealing with niggles, setbacks, or full-blown injuries… this episode is for you. Lydia dives into one of the most common (and frustrating) questions runners ask: “Why do I keep getting injured?” Drawing on her experience as a physiotherapist, strength coach, and runner, she breaks down the key reasons injuries keep happening and what you can actually do about it. This episode goes beyond surface-level advice. It explores the evidence behind injury risk and gives you practical, realistic strategies to help you train more consistently, build capacity, and stay injury-free long-term. We discuss: • Why previous injury is the strongest predictor of future injury• The role of consistency (and why stop-start training sets you up to fail)• How strength training improves tissue capacity and resilience• The risks of always progressing and never maintaining• Why “no pain” doesn’t mean you’re ready to ramp things up• The impact of load management, recovery, and overtraining• Low energy availability and its link to injury risk• How to actually break the injury cycle and train smarter If you’re stuck in the cycle of injury → rehab → return → re-injury, this episode will help you understand why and give you the tools to finally move forward. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Injury Prevention in Running00:54 Common Reasons for Running Injuries and Personal Experiences01:14 Introduction to Injury in Runners03:44 Understanding Previous Injuries and Their Impact06:36 The Role of Inconsistency in Training09:39 Importance of Strength Training12:19 The Impact of Early Sports Exposure14:54 Managing Training Load and Recovery17:51 The Dangers of Over-Progression20:30 Conclusion and Key Takeaways32:10 The Importance of Maintenance in Running Training37:10 Understanding Pain and Injury Recovery44:07 The Risks of Overtraining and Inconsistency47:45 Simplifying Recovery and Training Strategies54:24 Nutrition and Energy Availability in Running57:56 Completing Rehabilitation for Previous Injuries Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielane⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in!TSSP x

248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe Keain 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 help This 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 podiatrist Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielaneYouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

In case you missed it - this is one of our favourite episodes from 2023. *Interview starts at 9:25* Women's health physiotherapist Madison Cutmore joined us to debunk myths around the pelvic floor including; incontinence, hyperactivity and kegels. Mad's runs us through the pelvic anatomy, its normal function and the common things that can go wrong. We discuss pre and post-natal considerations for runners aiming to prevent leakage and prepare for a smoother birthing experience.  Mads explains that pelvic floor dysfunction can be experienced by anyone at any age, and she discusses some of the common causes, signs to watch out for and when to seek professional treatment. If you've every experienced leakage or pelvic pain then this episode is a must listen. Incontinence is not normal as runner, despite it being more common that we think! There's so much we can do and seeking help from a professional like Mads is a great place to start.  You can reach out to Mads on social media where she shares educational content here @physiomads Thanks for all of your support! Please rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date.

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 Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: A Dive into Running History 03:38 Pheidippides and the Birth of the Marathon 06:34 The Evolution of the Marathon Distance 09:50 Breaking Barriers: Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile 12:42 The Rise of Mass Participation in Running 15:26 Katherine Switzer: A Trailblazer for Women in Running 20:40 The Need for Women's Sports Opportunities 21:10 The Evolution of Women's Marathon Running 23:54 The Rise of Popularity in Running 24:44 Breaking Barriers: The Two-Hour Marathon Challenge 26:36 The Evolution of Athletic Footwear 32:34 The Impact of Minimalism and Barefoot Running 33:41 The Evolution of Running Shoe Technology 43:25 Personal Journey in Running 49:14 The Impact of Running on Life

Josh Kwan is a Sydney-based cyclist who share's his adventures on YouTube with an incredible knack for story-telling. In this episode, Josh shares his journey with cycling, insights on how to get started as a beginner , and how and why runners can implement cycling into their training. We also discuss what gear is important, safety precautions and why he loves it so much. Follow Josh: Instagram: @josh.kwan YouTube: Josh Kwan Cycling Club: Pastries CC Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielane YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

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 | ⁠@sophielane YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

In Case You Missed It - this is a catch-up episode of one of our favourites from 2023! *Interview starts at 17:10* Highly esteemed Ian Griffiths joins us on the pod today to chat about running biomechanics from a sports podiatry perspective. Ian is a Sports Podiatrist and researcher, currently lecturing in Sports and Exercise Medicine at Queen Mary University London and lecturer at Monash University in Melbourne. Ian has spoken at conferences worldwide, provided sports podiatry services on a world-class scale for multiple professional sporting teams and continues to publish research on lower limb biomechanics. We took a deep dive into all things lower limb injury and performance. Ian’s approach is nuanced yet easy to understand. We know you’re going to love it. Ian's Instagram - @sportspodiatryinfo Our Instagram - @strongerstride 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! Please rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date. 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 Runway Instagram: @sportschiroluke Clinic: Health & High Performance Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielane YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in!TSSP x Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luke and His Background 05:19 Understanding Running-Related Injuries 13:15 The Role of Stress in Running Injuries 17:04 Managing Occupational Stress and Running 21:06 Running Load Considerations and Injury Risk 27:51 Understanding Speed Work in Running 30:16 The Impact of Previous Injuries on Training 32:31 Adjusting Training Based on Goals and Experience 37:14 The Importance of Volume Over Intensity 39:11 Navigating the Introduction of Speed Work 42:25 Managing Training Load and Recovery 46:46 The Complexity of Injury Prevention 53:03 Holistic Approaches to Running and Injury Management