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    Tread Lightly Running Podcast

    Tread Lightly Running Podcast

    About

    The Tread Lightly Running Podcast provides data-driven, evidence-based running advice in a practical, accessible, and inclusive manner. . You'll learn about how to run faster, marathon training, the latest fueling science, how to prevent running injury, 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

    What Research Actually Says About Ferritin, Iron Deficiency, and Running

    What Research Actually Says About Ferritin, Iron Deficiency, and Running

    July 4, 2026
    36m

    Are you noticing that you are tired all the time and cannot seem to hit your paces in training? Those are not symptoms to ignore. Sometimes, these are signs of low ferritin levels that warrant bloodwork and a doctor visit. In this episode, we examine the research on low ferritin and running, including the causes, how to treat, and how to prevent low ferritin.


    Thank you to our sponsors:

    ✨ Mizuno: Shop Mizuno’s newest bouncy supertrainer: https://runtothefinish.com/neovista3/


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    ✅ Why general population reference ranges for iron are not appropriate for endurance athletes

    ✅ Why iron and ferritin levels matter so much for runners

    ✅ Signs and symptoms of low ferritin levels in runners

    ✅ Why runners are so prone to low ferritin levels

    ✅ How long it takes for iron levels to increase

    ✅ What impacts your iron intake and absorption


    References

    🔬PMID: 35565873

    🔬PMID: 38407751

    🔬PMID: 31413088

    🔬 https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iron#toc-nutrient-interactions

    🔬 PMID: 36728680

    🔬PMID: 25247929

    🔬https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-024-01992-8

    🔬\https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/apnm-2012-0361#.WYClN9PyvBJ

    🔬 PMID: 28452395

    🔬 PMID: 37895389

    🔬 https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/140/Supplement 1/11074/488529/Prevalence-of-Iron-Deficiency-in-Endurance-Runners


    Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.


    Let’s stay connected:

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

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

    ➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.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/

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