The Run Smarter Podcast

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In this month’s research breakdown, Brodie dives into four fascinating studies every runner should know about. From bone health and marathon pacing to hamstring flexibility and recovery tools, these findings reveal how science can help you train smarter and avoid common pitfalls.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
  • Bone Health in Distance Runners
    Why running alone isn’t always enough for strong bones, and the crucial roles of nutrition, vitamin D, strength training, and recovery. Learn the red flags—like stress fractures and missed periods—that signal compromised bone health.
  • The Science of Negative Splits in Marathons
    How running the second half faster than the first can preserve glycogen, improve thermoregulation, reduce cardiac drift, and even protect your biomechanics. Plus, practical training strategies to master pacing discipline.
  • Hamstring Flexibility & Performance
    A small but insightful study shows how hamstring tightness may reduce quadriceps strength—but doesn’t necessarily affect speed or endurance. What this means for your strength balance, mobility work, and injury prevention.
  • Foam Rolling vs Massage Guns for DOMS
    Which recovery tool actually works? Foam rolling improved muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness faster than rest, but neither reduced soreness compared to doing nothing. Find out what this means for your post-run recovery routine.
Key Takeaways for Runners:
  • Fuel properly—low energy availability harms bone health.
  • Strength training twice a week boosts bone density and performance.
  • A slight negative split is often the optimal marathon pacing strategy.
  • Hamstring flexibility supports strength balance but doesn’t guarantee speed gains.
  • Foam rolling may help restore function, but don’t expect it to erase soreness.

What is The Run Smarter Podcast?

Expand your running knowledge, identify running misconceptions and become a faster, healthier, SMARTER runner. Let Brodie Sharpe become your new running guide as he teaches you powerful injury insights from his many years as a physiotherapist while also interviewing the best running gurus in the world. This is ideal for injured runners & runners looking for injury prevention and elevated performance. So, take full advantage by starting at season 1 where Brodie teaches you THE TOP PRINCIPLES TO OVERCOME ANY RUNNING INJURY and let’s begin your run smarter journey.