The Stronger Stride Podcast

Stronger Stride

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

    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
  2. 30 APR

    260. ICYMI - Diagnosis and Management of Tibial Stress fractures with Physiotherapist Beau Tyrrell

    In case you missed it - this ep was one of our most popular ever! Recorded in 2024 before Beau became known as 'The Stress Fracture Physio'! Since then, he has posted SO much great content related to this topic so be sure to check out his instagram. Diagnosis and Management of Tibial Stress Fractures with physiotherapist Beau Tyrrell AKA The Stress Fracture PhysioBeau is a physiotherapist with a special interest in bone stress injuries. Beau has worked as head physio for a number of rugby teams across Sydney, is qualified as a strength and conditioning coach, lover of active gym based rehab and physio nerd amongst other things. Beau has next level passion when it comes to diving into the research and ensuring his patients have the most successful return to sport possible.We got to hear Beaus personal experience as well as how he’s managed this injury being a physio himself and the hurdles he’s faced. We cover: - Beau’s personal experience getting injured, early signs/symptoms and the diagnostic process- Training leading up to the injury, risk factors and load management - Imaging results, boot vs crutches, off-loading considerations - High risk vs low risk bone stress injuries - Bone stress site, healing times, risk of progression - Rehab, plyometrics and return to runBeau shares some incredibly valuable insights for runners looking to reduce their risk of bone stress injury as well as how to identify them quickly to reduce severity and long term consequences. Get ready to take notes! You can learn more from Beau on his Instagram @thestressfracturephysio or book in with him at The Running Room here https://www.therunningroom.net/beau-tyrrellWe know you’re going to love it.Thankyou as always for all your support.TSSP X

    1hr 10min
  3. 25 APR

    259. Implementing Best Practice Plyometric Protocols

    259. Implementing Best Practice Plyometric Protocols Plyometrics are one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) tools in running performance. In this episode, Lydia breaks down how to use them effectively; improving power, efficiency, and tendon capacity, without tipping into overload or injury. Grounded in current research and clinical experience, this is a practical guide to implementing plyometrics safely. From understanding the “why” to knowing exactly what to do (and when), you’ll walk away with a clear framework you can actually apply to your training. We cover:• What plyometrics are and how they load tendons, bones, and muscle• The role of rate of force development in running performance• How plyos improve running economy, speed, and stiffness• Evidence-based programming: frequency, volume, and progression• Key exercises (pogos, squat jumps, bounds, depth jumps) with sets and reps• When not to do plyometrics: yellow flags and injury risk• Building a pre-plyometric strength base before progressing• How to individualise based on injury history, goals, and training phase• Avoiding common mistakes that lead to overload and breakdown If you’ve been told to “just add plyos” but never shown how, this episode gives you the structure, context, and caution to do it properly. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction: Why plyometrics are essential yet risky for runners00:48 Research overview on plyometric protocols and performance03:12 What are plyometrics? Understanding the stretch-shortening cycle06:00 Tendon stiffness, energy storage, and running economy09:00 Performance benefits: speed, VO2 max, and economy13:30 Exercise selection and progression principles17:00 Programming from high-quality research22:10 Frequency, volume, and progression strategies26:30 Safety considerations and injury risk35:00 Pre-plyometric strength phase43:00 Practical session design: sets, reps, intensity50:00 Individualising for sport and athlete needs54:00 When to modify or pull back55:45 Getting personalised support Research mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12627298/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23838975/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375775137_EFFECTS_OF_PLYOMETRIC_JUMP_TRAINING_ON_RUNNING_ECONOMY_IN_ENDURANCE_RUNNERS_A_SYSTEMATIC_REVIEW_AND_META-ANALYSIS Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielaneYouTube: ⁠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 x

    53 min
  4. 14 APR

    254. ICYMI - Andrea Doney "The Slow Coach"

    In case you missed it, one of our favourite episodes from the archives! *Interview starts at 24:35* About The Slow Coach: "She wasn’t interested in metrics like getting faster, but in celebrating time alone, time on feet, personal progress, better mental health and the life affirming process of overcoming a personal obstacle. Over time she clarified these insights into a running community and qualified as a Level 3 Performance Development Coach (Trail & Ultra) through Athletics Australia. She is a wife and mum to two (almost) grown-up boys. The Slow Coach aims to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for runners who might otherwise be intimidated by running programs. No matter your age, experience, fitness levels, size or aspirations we can get you from flat to finish line." In this episode we speak about: - How Andrea went from a self-proclaimed 'couch potato' to an ultra-marathon runner - The Slow Coach Philosophy and how Andrea's service differs from others - The mindset of going into a race knowing that you're going to finish at the back of the pack - Advice for those who want to start running but feel as though they are too “slow/unfit/old” - The assumption that a good athlete is automatically a good coach - The inclusivity of the running community and what we can do better to help runners of all abilities feel more welcome You can find Andrea at: ⁠@_the_slow_coach⁠ on Instagram or online at ⁠https://runwiththeslowcoach.com/⁠ She has some great FREE resources as well as online and in-person running programs. Use our code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠ for 15% off Tailwind's premium Hydration and Rebuild products! Use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au⁠  Thanks for all of your support! Dont forget to rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date.  TSSP x

    1hr 17min

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!

You Might Also Like