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

    242. The Key Considerations of Return to Run Post-Injury - Luke Nelson Sports Chiro

    In this episode, Sports Chiropractor Luke discusses his extensive background in running and injury management. He emphasises the complexity of running injuries, the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, and the need for runners to understand their stressors and capacity. Luke shares insights on managing occupational stress, analysing running loads, and the significance of deload weeks in training. He also addresses the common discomforts runners experience and the importance of communication with health professionals to navigate recovery effectively. Check out Luke here: Podcast: Rehab Runway Instagram: @sportschiroluke Clinic: Health & High Performance Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielane 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 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luke and His Background 05:19 Understanding Running-Related Injuries 13:15 The Role of Stress in Running Injuries 17:04 Managing Occupational Stress and Running 21:06 Running Load Considerations and Injury Risk 27:51 Understanding Speed Work in Running 30:16 The Impact of Previous Injuries on Training 32:31 Adjusting Training Based on Goals and Experience 37:14 The Importance of Volume Over Intensity 39:11 Navigating the Introduction of Speed Work 42:25 Managing Training Load and Recovery 46:46 The Complexity of Injury Prevention 53:03 Holistic Approaches to Running and Injury Management

    56 min
  2. 17 FEB

    241. ICYMI - Disordered Eating in Runners w/ Dietitian Maddi Parsons

    In case you missed it! Here is a throwback to one of our favourite early episodes. *Interview starts at 18:00* Ep: 82: Disordered Eating in Runners / Dietitian Maddi Parsons Maddi Parsons is a dietitian specialising in disordered eating, mental health and sports nutrition.  Maddi speaks on an array of topics within the world of nutrition for runners and our relationship with food. We learn about the difference between Disordered Eating and an Eating Disorder, some red flags to lookout for and the implications of under fuelling on performance and bone health. Some of the topics covered include; -power to weight ratio -intuitive eating vs planned for performance goals -fitting processed gels into a predominately 'wholefood' diet -fibre and gut comfort during races -fuelling for long runs -diet culture and body image in sport -cravings and hunger cues for athletes  -using food as a reward and running to earn food Our chat with Maddi shone a light on some topics that are often swept under the rug, it was both emotive and educational. We know you'll have lots of takeaways from this one and we can't wait to hear what you think. You can reach out to Maddi on her website https://www.maddiparsonsnutrition.com/about  or instagram via https://www.instagram.com/maddiparsonsnutrition/  If this ep has brought anything up for you we've put some links below where you can reach out for help; Lifeline: ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au/⁠Kids Helpline: ⁠https://kidshelpline.com.au/⁠000 EmergencyButterfly Foundation https://butterfly.org.au/ Thanks for all of your support! Please rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date. Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training? Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠ You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au

    1h 19m
  3. 14 FEB

    240. Can We Visualise Our Way To Improved Running Performance?

    240. Can We Visualise Our Way To Improved Running Performance? Today we dive into one of the most underused but powerful tools in performance; visualisation. Can we visualise our way to better performance? Today we unpack the affect of mental rehearsal on sporting performance. Lydia explores the science behind visualisation, breaking down how the brain processes mental imagery and why rehearsing performance in your mind can translate to real-world improvements. Drawing on research and practical sport psychology frameworks, this episode explains how visualisation can influence pacing, fatigue tolerance, skill development, and overall race execution. We also unpack the PETTLEP model, a structured and evidence-based approach to mental imagery, and walk through a practical step-by-step example of how runners and endurance athletes can implement visualisation into their training. We cover: • What visualisation actually is and how it influences performance• The neuroscience behind mental rehearsal and motor learning• Research showing improvements in pacing, fatigue management, and skill acquisition• The psychological benefits including confidence, focus, and emotional regulation• The PETTLEP model and how to structure effective visualisation sessions• A practical imagery protocol runners can start using immediately If you’ve ever felt like you’re physically prepared but struggle with execution, race nerves, or confidence, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen the mental side of performance. Whether you’re chasing a PB, preparing for your first race, or simply wanting to train smarter, visualisation is a tool worth exploring. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Visualisation for Performance02:52 Understanding Visualisation and Its Impact05:49 Research Insights on Visualisation Techniques08:15 Types of Visualisation and Their Applications09:44 Performance Outcomes from Visualisation Practices12:43 Psychological Benefits of Visualisation15:12 Practical Implementation of Visualisation Techniques17:20 The PETTLEP Model Explained19:57 Key Principles for Effective Visualisation23:00 Creating a Visualisation Protocol25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Visualisation Mentioned References: https://members.believeperform.com/imagery-in-sport-elite-athlete-examples-and-the-pettlep-model/ https://discobolulunefs.ro/media/September2020.4.pdf 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

    43 min
  4. 11 FEB

    239. ICYMI: Flow State + Goal Setting for Runners w/ Scott Goddard PhD

    In case you missed it, one of our favourite episodes from 2023! Ep: 80: Flow State + Goal Setting for runners w/ Scott Goddard PHD *Interview starts at 15:40* It was an honour to be joined by sports and exercise psychologist, researcher and PhD Scott Goddard, who devotes his time into the studies of human performance, goal setting and flow state. Scott has contributed to research focusing on developing and evaluating intervention strategies to induce optimal psychological states in athletes. We got to dive deep into the science of setting goals, why it's worth setting them and the relationship between setting a target and improving performance. We talk about process vs outcome and learn how our running experience or even personality type might influence the strategy we should select when reaching for a goal. Scott shares with us about the Flow State, an elusive yet favourable human experience that appears to have a multitude of benefits and not just for performance. We learn about what the current research says about how we can access flow and what it might look like for different runners. Scott gives us some practical ideas on how we might include this into our training. Today's episode was deeply insightful and left us excited to get out running to trial some flow state techniques and even re-adjust our 2023 goals. Scott was an absolute wealth of knowledge and we know you'll love learning from him. Thanks for all of your support! Please rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date. Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training? Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠ You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au

    1h 12m
  5. 7 FEB

    238. Triathlon Training, Volume & Longevity with Coach Jack Saunders

    238. Triathlon Training, Volume & Longevity with Coach Jack Saunders Today we sit down with triathlon coach Jack Saunders to explore the world of triathlon training, endurance performance, and what it really takes to succeed across three demanding disciplines. Jack shares his journey into triathlon during the pandemic, how his swimming background shaped his progression in the sport, and the key lessons he’s learned as both an athlete and coach. We unpack the realities of triathlon training volume, the complexity of balancing swimming, cycling, and running and scheduling intensity into the training week. This conversation dives deep into the often-overlooked importance of swimming technique, the role of cross-training for runners, and why strength training is essential not just for performance, but long-term injury prevention. Jack also shares insights into athlete success, coaching philosophies, and why consistency and sustainability are the foundation of endurance sport longevity. We discuss:• Jack’s pathway into triathlon and coaching• Training volume and structuring triathlon programs• Different triathlon distances and how training changes• Why swimming technique can be a major performance limiter• How to structure swim sessions for beginners and developing athletes• The importance of brick sessions and transition training• Cross-training benefits for runners and single-sport athletes• Strength training for injury prevention and performance• Traits commonly seen in successful endurance athletes• Why consistency and sustainability outperform short-term intensity Whether you're a runner curious about triathlon, an endurance athlete looking to improve performance, or someone interested in the coaching and lifestyle side of multisport training, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Triathlon Training with Jack Saunders02:44 Jack's Journey into Triathlon and Coaching05:44 The Life of a Triathlete: Training Volume and Structure06:29 Understanding Different Triathlon Distances08:40 Swimming Techniques for Triathletes11:25 The Importance of Technique in Swimming18:47 The Importance of Swim Technique21:09 Balancing Technique and Cardiovascular Training24:47 Neuroplasticity in Swimming Technique27:51 Structuring Swim Sessions for Beginners30:24 Cross-Training Benefits for Runners33:03 The Role of Volume in Endurance Training36:26 Common Traits of Successful Athletes Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@jacksaundersauYouTube: ⁠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

    40 min
  6. 3 FEB

    237. ICYMI - Andy Bryant - Barefoot Podiatrist

    This is a catch-up episode from one of our favourites from 2022! Andy Bryant - The Barefoot Podiatrist 👣  Andy is well known for his movement in the barefoot podiatry and running community. Andy is a podiatrist based in Melbourne, specialising in analysing individual gait patterns, prescribing specific exercises to address the underlying causes of poor function/pain. and educating clients on how to improve their movement & health.  Andy is passionate about promoting and helping people restore their most natural foot movement pattern and function in order to prevent injury and enhance performance. We chat about Andy’s career beginnings and how he shifted away from the more traditional orthotic-prescribing practitioner into a more active, movement-based practitioner.   We cover the details of Andy’s approach to assessing the foot, what he looks for and how his perspective has changed over the years. Andy goes through some case studies and unpacks the importance of having strong feet for general foot health as well as injury prevention. He speaks on foot intrinsics, big toe position, shoe cushioning, lower limb load transfers in running and shoe pitch influences on biomechanics. If you’re interested in upgrading your anatomy and bio-mechanical knowledge of the foot, learning about influences of shoes on foot shape and the barefoot shoe continuum then this is the episode for you!  You can find Andy on instagram @andybryant_podiatrist Thanks again for all of your support!  Please leave us a review, subscribe & follow us on insta @strongerstride. Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training? Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠  You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au

    1h 27m

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!

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