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    Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

    Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

    About

    The Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast provides data-driven, evidence-based running advice in a practical, accessible, and inclusive manner. Each week provides a science-based episode on how to run faster, marathon training, fueling, injury prevention, and more. Tread Lightly Running Podcast is co-hosted by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Together, they have over 20 years of coaching experience and have helped thousands of runners reach their goals through 1:1 coaching and group training. They've appeared in Runner's World, SELF, NPR, Outside, and other major media.

    Hosted By

    Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris

    99: Does Heel Striking Cause Injury? Myth vs Science on Running Injuries

    99: Does Heel Striking Cause Injury? Myth vs Science on Running Injuries

    January 18, 2025
    32m

    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 max-cushioned shoes increase injury risk?
    • Did you get injured because you didn’t stretch enough?
    • Can running on concrete cause injury?
    • Will zero drop running shoes reduce injury risk?
    • Can you skip eating before runs?
    • Is strength training protective against injury?
    • What can you do to mitigate injury risk?


    This episode is sponsored by Final Surge. Whether you are a running coach or an athlete, start your new year off strong with Final Surge! Final Surge offers training plans for runners of all abilities, as well as a user-friendly platform to track your progress. If you are a coach, Final Surge provides a comprehensive training platform to develop plans and analyze your ath

    Go to ⁠⁠https://www.finalsurge.com/ ⁠⁠and use RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off your first coaching purchase (monthly or yearly) or RUNTOTHEFINISH for 10% off any training plan purchase. 

    References:

    • PMID: 38053265
    • PMID: 29791183
    • PMID: 34386286
    • PMID: 26304644
    • PMID: 22927504
    • https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Abstract/2020/02000/Influence_of_Gait_Retraining_on_Running_Economy__A.3.aspx
    • https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbmr.4658?af=R
    • https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/01/monday-shakeout-can-running-shoes.html
    • Ryan Norris, Mechanical Engineering PE (on explanation of concrete vs asphalt)


    💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lauranorrisrunning.com and runtothefinish.com for thousands of free articles on all things running, from training tips to gear reviews. 

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

    👉 Follow us @treadlightlyrunning @runtothefinish and @lauranorrisrunning on Instagram! 


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