Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Hitting the wall is dreaded amongst all marathoners – but it doesn’t have to be an inevitable experience. This episode delves into the research and statistics of hitting the wall in the marathon. Then, we provide you with a clear, practical guide of how to train, pace, and fuel so you can avoid hitting the wall.
✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What does hitting the wall feel like?
✅ What role does glycogen play in hitting the wall (or avoiding it)?
✅ Pacing strategies to avoid hitting the wall
✅ Why carb loading matters
✅ How training can be protective against hitting the wall
✅ Does dehydration cause you to hit the wall?
✅ What to do if you hit the wall
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
🎧 How to PR in the Marathon (19 Feb 2025)
🎧 How to Not Slow Down in Your Next Marathon (26 Jan 2024)
🎧 What to Eat Before a Race (23 June 2023)
🎧 What You Really Need to Know about Fueling Your Runs (28 Nov 2025)
References
🔬PMID: 32216656
🔬PMID: 41179514
🔬PMID: 40531717
🔬PMID: 35565153
🔬PMID: 39200635
🔬PMID: 34010308
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/

There are more running shoe brands and models than ever - and all the jargon can feel confusing. In this episode, we help you navigate what features of a running shoe actually matter - and what’s just good marketing. You’ll learn about supershoes vs supertrainers, why heel to toe drop matters, what the different foams do, and more.

Thank you to our sponsors:
✨ Amazfit: User-friendly simple running watches with advanced features, at an affordable price point. Use link http://bit.ly/4nai73H for 10% off your purchase.
✨Title Nine: Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned company. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for free shipping at https://runtothefinish.com/title-nine/
✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts for special subscriber-only content!

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The difference between carbon and nylon plated shoes
✅ Why you shouldn’t train in supershoes all the time
✅ How to safely introduce carbon plated shoes
✅ The pros and cons of high stack height shoes
✅ The most important features to consider when buying new running shoes
✅ Understanding PEBA, TPU, and EVA foams
✅ Do you need a running shoe rotation?

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
🎧 What Running Economy Really Means for Your Performance (31 Oct 2025)
🎧 Running Gear: What’s Overhyped vs Worth the Price (23 Aug 2024)
🎧 Do You Need Stability Shoes? (31 May 2024)

References
🔬PMID: 40059889
🔬PMID: 24286345
🔬PMID: 33982594
🔬PMID: 41207296
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/

Parenthood brings so many new joys and new challenges alike. Of those challenges, it can feel so difficult to find the time and energy to exercise. In this episode, we’re joined by Danielle Pascente as she discusses how to manage your athletic goals in early parentood.
Danielle Pascente is a personal trainer/fitness expert in Los Angeles and the creator of the DPFIT APP & Danielle Pascente Training Guides. She can be found as the lead trainer for FitOn App and BeFit, as well as a guest trainer for Studio Tone It Up & Pop Sugar Fitness. Danielle was recently named "trending fitness star" by Shape Magazine.  She's been in the industry for over a decade and is responsible for thousands of women's transformations online. Danielle specializes in strength + conditioning, as well as HIIT.
You can connect with Danielle at @daniellepascente on Instagram.
✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How to navigate poor sleep in the first year
✅ Balancing parent guilt with training
✅ How to fit in training around the balance of parenting and working
✅ Tips for implementing a flexible schedule mindset into your training
✅ What new parents should know as they resume training
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
🎧 How to Fit Running and Training into Your Life (14 June 2024)
🎧 Postpartum Running (9 June 2023)
🎧 How to Get Your Family and Kids Involved in Running (22 Sept 203)
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/

Love it or hate it, winter running poses several unique challenges, from speed workouts on icy roads to low motivation from seasonal affective disorder. In this episode, we discuss training modifications, running gear, and nutrition approaches for training in the cold and snow.

✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content!

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How to deal with cold hands and Raynaud’s syndrome
✅ How to layer for winter runs
✅ Shoe choices for winter running
✅ When to run on the treadmill in winter
✅ How to handle race training during the snow and cold
✅ Do you run slower in the cold?
✅ Dealing with low motivation and seasonal affective disorder
✅ How to balance running and winter sports
✅ Hydration on winter runs

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
🎧 Your Guide to Cold Weather Running (ep 42, 24 Nov 2023)
🎧 Your Treadmill Running Questions, Answered (ep 87, 11 Oct 2024)
🎧 A Science-Backed Guide to Hydration for Runners (ep 92, 15 Nov 2024)

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/

Base building is not very exciting – but it is highly effective, whether your goal is to run a faster marathon or 5K. While often conflated with an off-season, a base building phase is a distinct and crucial training phase. This phase of lots of easy miles develops both aerobic fitness and tissue tolerance, so that you can later build race-specific fitness with lower risk of injury and greater adaptations overall. In this episode, we discuss the adaptations of base building, how to structure a base building phase, and more!
✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content!

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What is base building and why is it beneficial?
✅ Is base building solely easy running?
✅ How long should a base building last?
✅ Sample workouts for a base building phase
✅ The role of long runs during a base build
✅ How often should you run during a base building phase?
References:
🔬 PMID: 40913707
🔬 PMID: 40878015
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/