The Stronger Stride Podcast

Stronger Stride
  • 5.0 (45)
  • Running
  • Updated Fortnightly

A podcast about running and more! A weekly conversation with accomplished athletes, health professionals, and weekend warriors on how and why they do what they do. We aspire to share value on topics surrounding training, nutrition, injury prevention, and mental strategies to not only improve your performance but enhance your life. Your hosts, Lydia Mckay; Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer, and Sophie Lane; Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Running Coach, are passionate about running and are excited to help you run stronger!

  1. 4 days ago

    268. We Changed Our Minds About Running. Here's Why.

    268. We Changed Our Minds About Running. Here's Why. Today Lydia and Sophie reflect on the biggest mistakes they've made throughout their running, coaching, and clinical careers; and how those experiences have completely changed the way they think about training, injury, and performance. From blindly following conventional advice to overcomplicating rehab, this episode explores the lessons that only come with experience. We discuss why questioning common beliefs is so important, how adaptable the human body really is, and why understanding training load often matters more than chasing the latest trend. We discuss: • The biggest training mistakes we've made as runners and clinicians• Why injury is often the biggest barrier to long-term performance• Common misconceptions around cardiovascular fitness and running conditioning• Why strength training should complement, not replace, running• Footwear, orthotics, and why our bodies are more adaptable than we often think• The importance of gradual progression and smart load management• Learning to ask for help with both physical and mental health challenges• Why questioning conventional wisdom can make you a better runner Whether you're new to running or have been training for years, this episode challenges some of the most common beliefs in the running world and shares practical lessons that could help you train smarter, stay healthier, and perform better. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Merging Perspectives01:04 Weekly Training Updates and Challenges08:18 Health Updates and Misconceptions14:47 Asking for Help: A Personal Journey21:21 Rethinking Running: Beyond Just Running28:23 Training Mistakes and Cardiovascular Fitness Misconceptions29:16 Understanding Running Conditioning and Injury Prevention33:48 The Importance of Gradual Return to Running38:17 Shifting Load and Footwear Adaptability45:57 The Value of Strength Training for Runners51:20 Questioning Shoe Choices and Orthotics Interested in Coaching? Work with us Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@strongerstride Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

    58 min

  2. 13 June

    267. Chronic Fatigue, Mara Training + The Data Obsession Era

    267. Chronic Fatigue, Mara Training + The Data Obsession Era Today Sophie and Lydia sit down for a casual catch-up episode, reflecting on recent training, adventures, injury niggles, and the lessons they've been learning both on and off the run. From marathon preparation and balancing training load, to gratitude, health, and the influence of social media, this conversation explores the challenges many runners face when trying to improve performance without losing sight of what really matters. The discussion highlights the importance of perspective, individualization, and finding a sustainable approach to health and fitness. We discuss: • Why good health is often something we only appreciate when it's threatened• Injury setbacks, recovery, and managing expectations as runners• Marathon training updates and recent adventures on the trails • Chronic fatigue; figuring out how much I can and can't do• The balance between optimizing performance and enjoying the process• How social media can shape our perceptions of health and fitness• Why there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach to training, nutrition, and recovery• Gratitude, perspective, and maintaining balance in a performance-focused world Whether you're training for your next big race, navigating an injury, or simply trying to find a healthier relationship with running and performance, this episode offers an honest and relatable conversation that many runners will connect with. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome to Stronger Stride Podcast06:09 The Importance of Health Appreciation24:25 Marathon Training Updates40:47 The Balance of Optimization and Enjoyment57:14 Navigating Social Media and Health Claims Interested in Coaching? ⁠Work with us⁠ Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

    59 min

  3. 6 June

    266. From Rural Ireland to 2:36 Marathon Elite: The Grace Lynch Story

    267. From Rural Ireland to Marathon Elite: The Grace Lynch Story Today we're joined by Irish marathon runner Grace Lynch, whose rise through the distance running ranks has been nothing short of impressive. From growing up in rural Ireland to competing at an elite level over the marathon, Grace shares the lessons she's learned along the way; from training and racing to setbacks, identity, and personal growth. In this open and insightful conversation, Grace takes us behind the scenes of her marathon journey. We discuss her debut marathon experience, the challenges of injury and setbacks, how she approaches training and recovery, and the mental strategies that help her perform when it matters most. Whether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a personal best, there's something in this episode for every runner. We discuss: • Grace's journey from recreational runner to elite marathoner • What she learned from early setbacks, injuries, and a marathon DNF • The importance of maintaining an identity outside of running • How she balances training, work, and life commitments • Weekly training structure, mileage, strength training, and plyometrics • Nutrition strategies for marathon preparation and performance • Common mistakes runners make when preparing for a marathon • Race-day pacing strategies and avoiding early mistakes • Mental approaches for handling discomfort and setbacks during races • Recovery, reflection, and personal growth through running Grace shares practical advice throughout the episode, including why runners shouldn't put too much pressure on time goals, how to navigate difficult emotions after setbacks, and the value of developing personal mantras for race day. This episode is packed with wisdom for runners of all levels and offers a refreshing perspective on performance, resilience, and enjoying the process. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Grace Lynch and Her Journey 01:09 Early Years and Introduction to Running 03:59 Transition to Competitive Running 05:06 Debut Marathon Experience 06:29 Learning from Challenges and DNF 09:11 Struggles and Identity in Running 11:45 Advice on Diversifying Identity 14:48 Balancing Running with Life 18:05 Current Training and Marathon Preparation 21:28 Strength Training and Plyometrics 24:01 Volume vs. Intensity in Training 25:30 Balancing Mileage and Recovery 28:47 Listening to Your Body: The Importance of Recovery 31:46 Nutrition Strategies for Runners 36:26 Preparing for Your First Marathon 38:43 Common Mistakes in Marathon Training 40:03 Pacing Strategies for Race Day 43:58 Mental Strategies for the Final Push 47:12 Post-Marathon Recovery and Reflection 49:29 The Impact of Running on Personal Growth Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@fed.collaborative⁠ YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA Find Grace here: @gracelynchrunning Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

    53 min

  4. 30 May

    265. Marathon Training Guide - Periodidation, Long Runs, Shoes, Pacing & Gels

    Interested in coaching? Fill out this quick form - ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/XKgPwhPkVXLJsiWn6⁠⁠ This episode covers marathon pacing strategies, training essentials, shoe choices, nutrition, and race day preparation, providing practical tips for runners of all levels. Key Topics - How to plan out a training week, block and full 16 week program - Marathon pacing strategies - Training essentials for marathon - Shoe selection and nutrition - Race day preparation and tapering Related Episodes: Strength Training - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hCwcQZ9pT1FGpWRhg328P?si=FmKcQSUWQ5KEVVcL0q7Svg Sydney Marathon 2025 Tips - https://open.spotify.com/episode/67FA1lRboXHuywnzrnsHY9?si=vNsC1rfCSUe4DgxnY7u50w Nutrition - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aIV3FFeRPzjxOky581Pmc?si=jgDBa2_PQKSr3Cb3qIe4HA Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Marathon Season 00:29 Preparing for Your First Marathon 01:00 The Importance of Long Runs in Marathon Training 01:34 The Importance of the Long Run 04:25 Strength Training Essentials 07:25 Weekly Training Structure 10:47 Training Blocks and Progression 13:37 Nutrition and Race Preparation 16:31 Tapering and Race Week Strategies 16:54 Building a Strong Marathon Foundation 17:55 Determining Long Run Distances 19:50 Managing Training Load and Injury Risk 21:13 The Importance of Race Day Experience 22:41 The Importance of Long Runs in Marathon Training 23:55 Recovery and Training Duration for Beginners 24:19 Pacing Strategies for Marathon Runners 31:01 Nutrition and Fueling During Races 34:40 Choosing the Right Marathon Shoes 39:55 Training Insights and Future Episodes Follow Us: Instagram: @strongerstride | @lydia_mckay | @sophielane YouTube: Watch on YouTube ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠

    38 min

  5. 23 May

    264. Sophie is Unemployed?! And UTA 2026 Recap

    Sophie is now working for herself full time! And a full recap of the UTA weekend. Interested in coaching? Fill out this quick form - https://forms.gle/XKgPwhPkVXLJsiWn6 Follow Us: Instagram: @strongerstride | @lydia_mckay | @sophielane YouTube: Watch on YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in!TSSP xv

    47 min

  6. 16 May

    263. Plyometrics, Longevity & Athleticism with Angus Bradley

    263. Plyometrics, Longevity & Athleticism with Angus Bradley Today we sit down with strength & conditioning coach Angus Bradley to unpack the principles behind effective training, athletic development, and why fitness doesn’t need to be as complicated as the internet makes it seem. Angus shares his approach to simplifying training while still getting great results; focusing on consistency, individuality, and understanding the “why” behind programming decisions. We dive deep into plyometrics, resilience, longevity, and what it actually means to train like an athlete across the lifespan. From runners trying to stay injury-free, to gym-goers wanting to move better and perform better, this episode is packed with practical insights grounded in sports science and real-world coaching experience. We discuss: Why simplicity often beats over-optimization The key physical qualities that make someone “athletic” Plyometric training: benefits, risks, and common misconceptions How to safely program jumps, hops, and explosive work Dose, intensity, and progression for different experience levels Why plyometrics matter for longevity, resilience, and injury prevention The balance between strength and endurance training The interference effect explained simply Common weak links seen in runners Angus also breaks down concepts like ground contact time, limb velocity, and his intensity tier system for plyometrics; making complex sports science practical and easy to apply. Whether you’re a runner, strength athlete, clinician, or just someone wanting to train smarter for the long term, this episode offers a fresh perspective on performance, movement, and health. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Angus Bradley and His Journey09:40 Simplifying Fitness: The Need for Guiding Principles21:39 Defining Athleticism: Key Physical Qualities23:42 Navigating Training Myths26:23 The Importance of Session Structure29:10 Consistency Over Optimization31:14 Understanding Athletic Attributes34:21 Plyometrics: The Key to Resilience45:11 The Longevity of Plyometric Training46:05 Strength Training for Longevity47:55 Strength Training as Healthcare49:55 Training Older Adults Effectively51:16 Weak Links in Runners’ Training55:22 Zone Training & Running Performance59:16 Balancing Strength and Endurance01:03:22 The Interference Effect Explained01:07:41 Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance Follow Us:Instagram: @strongerstride | @lydia_mckay @sophielane YouTube: Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA Find Angus here: @angusbradley92 @generalphysicalpreparation https://www.youtube.com/@angusbradley92 Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in!TSSP x

    1hr 9min

  7. 10 May

    262. Tim Ashelford - UTA100 Prep & Trail Running with Purpose

    In this episode, we speak to the Managing Director of Australian outdoor publication ‘We Are Explorers' - Tim Ashelford. We discuss his appreciation for outdoor adventure and trail running, as well as his preparation for his first ever 100km trail run - UTA100. We dive deep into the purpose behind his running, how he’s approached this training block with coaching from Matty Abel, and the ups and downs of injury setbacks. You can find Tim @tim_ashelford on Instagram Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielane YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠ Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen Thanks for tuning in!TSSP x

    58 min

  8. 2 May

    261. Sub-2hr marathon, walkers tolerated & getting "chicked" - Running News

    In this episode, Sophie discusses recent running news, race results, barriers in marathon times, and social issues in running culture. She shares insights on goal setting, the significance of breaking barriers like the sub-two-hour marathon, and the impact of marketing and social perceptions. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Stronger Stride Podcast 01:28 Breaking the Sub Two Hour Marathon Barrier 06:06 Women's Marathon Records and Prize Money 09:09 The Evolution of Running Shoe Technology 10:24 Nike's Controversial Marketing Strategy 14:04 Community Insights from the Ballarat Marathon 14:12 Disappointment in Race Results 19:27 The Power of Words in Podcasting 26:16 Controversies in Backyard Ultras 34:04 Upcoming Events and Personal Training Updates

    41 min
See All (266)

5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

A podcast about running and more! A weekly conversation with accomplished athletes, health professionals, and weekend warriors on how and why they do what they do. We aspire to share value on topics surrounding training, nutrition, injury prevention, and mental strategies to not only improve your performance but enhance your life. Your hosts, Lydia Mckay; Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer, and Sophie Lane; Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Running Coach, are passionate about running and are excited to help you run stronger!

Information

  • Creator
    Stronger Stride
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stronger Stride
  • Show Website
    The Stronger Stride Podcast

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