The Stronger Stride Podcast
Latest Episodes
189. Mr Top Run - Paddy O'Brien
Summary
In this episode of the Stronger Stride Podcast, hosts Lydia and Sophie welcome Paddy O'Brien, a passionate runner and the founder of Top Run. The conversation explores Paddy's journey from a challenging lifestyle to embracing running, the importance of community in sports, and his unique training and nutrition strategies. They discuss the significance of icebreaker questions in fostering connections among runners, the balance of training with family life, and his higher-intenisty training approach. Paddy shares his goals for the upcoming Canberra Marathon and insights into his nutritional changes for optimal performance. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about running gear and future plans for the running community.
Join Top Run on Wednesday's at 6:25pm from the Robertson Gates, Centennial Park!
https://www.instagram.com/toprunrunclub/
187. Josh Phillips: The Mindset & Training Behind one of Australia's Best Middle Distance Runner
What does it take to become the Australian Mile Champion? 🏆
In this episode, we sit down with Josh Phillips, a Sydney-based middle-distance runner who recently claimed the national title in the mile. Josh is both and incredibly talented and hard working athlete who takes a meticulous yet sustainable approach to his training. Josh takes us behind the scenes of his training, racing, and mindset—sharing the key lessons he’s learned from competing at an elite level.
We dive into:
- The structure of his weekly training & why threshold workouts are crucial
- How he fuels his body for performance & recovery
- The mental side of racing: managing expectations & race-day mindset
- The importance of a strong coach-athlete relationship
- His shoe lineup for training & competition
- Why embracing discomfort is essential for growth
If you’re looking for insights from one of Australia’s top middle-distance runners, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you train and race smarter.
Connect with us:
📸 Instagram: @strongerstride | @lydia_mckay | @sophielane
🎥 YouTube: Watch on YouTube @strongerstride
Discount Codes:
🏃♂️ TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition for premium hydration & recovery
👟 STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
☀️ STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for listening & supporting the show! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode.
TSSP x
186. Should Runners Be Stretching? What The Science Says On Flexibility, Performance & Injury Prevention
Stretching before a run—does it actually help or could it be holding you back? 🤔
In this myth-busting, science-packed episode, we’re diving deep into the research on stretching, injury prevention, and performance. You’ll discover why some stiffness might actually be your secret weapon for better running economy and why strength training—not stretching—could be the key to staying injury-free.
We'll cover:
- What stretching actually does to your muscles & performance
- Whether stretching prevents injuries (or if that’s just a myth)
- Why elite runners might want to be stiff (yes, really!)
- The best warm-up strategies backed by science
If you’ve ever wondered "Should I be stretching?", this episode is for you. Expect fun, engaging science, practical takeaways, and some serious aha moments!
Research Mentioned:
- "The Effects of Different Warm-Up Methods on Explosive Strength" (2023, Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis)
- "Effects of Stretching on Strength, Endurance & Power" (2024, Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis)
- "To Stretch or Not to Stretch?" (2009, Systematic Review)
- "The Effectiveness of Exercise Interventions for Injury Prevention" (2016, Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis)
- "Running Economy & Lower Extremity Stiffness" (2022, Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis)
This episode will challenge what you thought you knew about stretching—and give you the tools to train smarter.
Connect with us:
📸 Instagram: @strongerstride | @lydia_mckay | @sophielane
🎥 YouTube: Watch on YouTube @strongerstride
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition for premium hydration & recovery
STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for listening & supporting the show! Let us know if this episode changed your approach to stretching!
TSSP x
In todays episode we chat about the mistakes we made when stepping up into longer distance - marathon and ultra-running.
Including issues such as not fueling properly, thinking trail and road kilometres were the same, the mentality of doing more and lots of other ramblings!
We hope you enjoy this chatty episode and the video! Let us know what you think in the comments!
Thanks so much for your support ☺️
In this episode, Sophie chats about her recent shift in strength training and how it may relate to your current or future training cycle.
Follow Us:
Instagram: @strongerstride | @sophielane | @lydia_mckay
YouTube: Watch on YouTube
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition for premium hydration and rebuild products
STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for all the love and support! TSSP x
182. I've torn my calf...now what?
Last week I tore my calf and so I thought I'd take you through the physio's guide to identifying and rehabbing a calf tear. The to-dos and not-to-dos which you can try out yourself.
This ep covers;
- calf anatomy and role in running
- risk factors for calf tears; types of movements and sports
- isometrics, strengthening and stretching guide
- plyos and return to run
- prevention and advice to the non-injured runner
Thankyou for supporting the show
Follow Us:
Instagram: @strongerstride | @sophielane | @lydia_mckay
YouTube: Watch on YouTube
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition for premium hydration and rebuild products
STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for all the love and support!TSSP x
181. Multiple stress fractures to podium finish at UTA100k with Juliette Soule
Juliette Soule is a Sydney based trail runner, born in Christchurch NZ.
Juliette has surged onto the scene debuting her first 100k during COVID times and most recently placing 2nd at Ultra Trail Kosciuszko 100km in November 2024. But her journey to the podium was anything but smooth.
Over the span of 1.5 years, Juliette faced three major bone stress injuries while pushing her ultra-training just that bit too much. Her comeback is a story of both grit and learning. As well as a mindset shift that has forced her to transform her love for running from an obsessive pursuit to a more balanced and sustainable passion. This is something Juliette admits she is still working on achieving.
In this episode, Juliette reflects on the training errors that led to her injuries and shares the hard truths of taking time off and rebuilding. She gives us an exclusive look into her Kosci training strategy, which included running just three days a week, and how she’s working to prevent future injuries. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, Juliette’s insights on training smarter and redefining success are invaluable.
It was an absolute pleasure to have Juliette on the show—her story is equal parts inspiring and thought provoking.
Thankyou for listening
Follow Juliette:
Instagram: @juliettesoule
Follow Us:
Instagram: @strongerstride | @sophielane | @lydia_mckay
YouTube: Watch on YouTube
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition for premium hydration and rebuild products
STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for all the love and support!
TSSP x
In this episode Sophie chats about some important considerations when buying a pair of running shoes.
Factors such as fit, comfort, heel-toe drop, flexibility and different midsole types.
She also breaks down the main shoe categories and how to balance out your shoe rotation.
Thanks for listening!
You can find us here:
@strongerstride @sophielane @lydia_mckay
Youtube: https://youtu.be/gYjrfVTHfyA
Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG www.tailwindnutrition.com.au for 15% off Tailwind's premium Hydration and Rebuild products! STRONGERSTRIDE www.solemechanics.com.au for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes STRONGER15 https://skorcha.com for 15% of Skorcha Sunscreen
Thank you so much for all the love and support!
TSSP x