The Run Smarter Podcast

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍

In this listener Q&A episode, Brodie tackles a wide range of questions from the Run Smarter community. From race-day fueling strategies and minimalist footwear to the nuances of tendon vs muscle rehab, this episode delivers practical, evidence-based advice to help you train smarter and reduce your injury risk.

❓ Questions Answered in This Episode:
  • What’s the optimal fueling strategy for long runs and race day?
  • How can I avoid calf cramps and “hitting the wall” after 32km?
  • Is it okay to strength train the day before a speed session?
  • What shoe or biomechanical adjustments can help with medial tibial stress syndrome?
  • Are ketone supplements worth the investment for performance or recovery?
  • Why do I only get sit-bone pain when running hills?
  • How can I safely find my upper weekly mileage limit?
  • What are the pros, cons, and research on barefoot running and Vibram shoes?
  • Are youth runners more prone to injuries due to early specialization?
  • How does tendon rehab differ from muscle rehab—and why do tendon injuries linger?
🧠 Key Lessons:
  • Carb fueling: Aim for 60–90g of carbs per hour during long races; train your gut beforehand.
  • Cramping prevention: Hydration must include electrolytes, not just water.
  • Strength & speed: Don’t compromise quality—if you notice performance drop-offs, rearrange your training week.
  • Barefoot shoes: They offer benefits but come with a very narrow margin for error and higher overload risk.
  • Injury rehab: Tendon injuries often linger due to stress shielding and require different loading strategies than muscles.
✅ Practical Takeaways:
  • Test fueling and hydration strategies during training, not on race day.
  • Consider cadence, step width, and load distribution when dealing with shin splints.
  • Use shoes as tools: rotate between minimalist and supportive footwear depending on recovery needs.
  • Vary youth training loads and encourage multi-sport participation for injury prevention.
  • Tendons need slow, progressive loading and may not respond to typical muscle rehab protocols.
💬 Quote to Remember:
“A part of training should be exploring your limits and learning from them—just don’t wait until injury forces the lesson.”
For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨ 

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.