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. Aug 8

    275. Can Music Make You Run Better? The Science of Pre-Task Music

    275. Can Music Make You Run Better? The Science of Pre-Task Music Can the right song actually improve your running performance? 🎧 In this episode, we dive into the science behind pre-task music and its impact on exercise performance, breaking down a systematic review of 30 controlled studies. We explore how listening to music before exercise can influence motivation, arousal, mood, perceived effort, and ultimately performance. We also look at what makes an effective pre-run playlist; from tempo and volume to one of the most important factors: choosing music you actually enjoy. We cover: What the research says about music and exercise performance How pre-task music can influence motivation, arousal, and perceived exertion Whether music can actually help you produce more power and effort How to use music strategically before training or racing So, should you be building a pre-run playlist? If you’re looking for another tool to help you get the most out of your training, this episode is worth a listen. REFERENCES:Primary source: Delleli, S., Ouergui, I., Ballmann, C.G., Messaoudi, H., Trabelsi, K., Ardigò, L.P., & Chtourou, H. (2023). The effects of pre-task music on exercise performance and associated psycho-physiological responses: a systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis of controlled studies. Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1293783. 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

  2. Jul 18

    272. Overcoming Addiction Through Running: Georgia Weir

    *DISCLAIMER: this episode discusses addiction and mental health concerns. Please skip this episode if these topics are an issue for you. Lifeline: 13 11 14 National Alcohol and Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015 Thank you to ASICS for supporting this episode. The Kayano 33 it out now! In this episode, Georgia Weir shares her inspiring journey from battling mental health and addiction to becoming a First Nations leader in the running community. She discusses the healing power of running, overcoming trauma, and how sport can be a tool for empowerment and cultural connection. We discuss: ​Georgia's personal journey from addiction to recovery​The role of running in mental health and healing​Cultural significance of running for First Nations communities​Challenges faced by Indigenous athletes in mainstream sports​Strategies for overcoming trauma and building resilience​The importance of representation and community support in sports Links: ​Find Georgia here - @georgiaweir83​Deadly Runners​We Run Foundation​Sydney Marathon​Jenny Valentich, Everything Harder Than Everyone Else - book Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Georgia Weir and her background 00:42 Georgia's journey into running and its impact on her mental health 03:39 The mental challenges of starting running and overcoming self-doubt 05:09 Georgia's childhood, upbringing, and the roots of her trauma 08:08 The link between addiction, trauma, and the healing power of running 12:12 Georgia's recovery from ice addiction and the role of community support 13:04 How running initiated her inward journey and self-awareness 16:18 The importance of love, support, and unconditional acceptance in recovery 19:40 The parallels between addiction and endurance sports 22:24 Managing obsessive tendencies in running and maintaining balance 34:36 The origins and mission of Deadly Runners 37:01 Deadly Runners' programs, community impact, and leadership development 41:10 Barriers faced by First Nations athletes and cultural safety in sports 44:00 Addressing racism and stereotypes in mainstream sporting events 45:02 How non-Indigenous allies can support and learn from First Nations communities 48:52 Navigating conversations about race, trauma, and cultural understanding 50:17 Building trust, respect, and authentic allyship in community engagement Interested in Stronger Stride Coaching? Enquire here Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Our website: ⁠www.strongerstride.com.au⁠ Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

  3. Jul 4

    270. Knee Pain? Here's exactly how to manage it in the gym.

    270. Navigating Knee Pain In The Gym Runner's knee is one of the most common injuries affecting runners, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Lydia breaks down exactly how to manage patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), sharing the assessment process, rehabilitation principles, and evidence-based gym exercises that help runners return to pain-free running. Rather than simply resting or avoiding painful movements, Lydia explains how to progressively rebuild strength, increase tissue capacity, and safely reload the knee. Whether you're currently dealing with runner's knee or want to understand how to prevent it, this episode provides practical advice you can start applying straight away. We cover: • What patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee) actually is • Why knee pain often develops from chronic overload rather than a single injury • How different pain patterns can help guide your rehabilitation • When to modify training versus when to keep running • The most effective strengthening exercises for the quads, hips, and glutes • How to progressively reload the knee through gym-based rehab • Reintroducing knee conditioning and painful movements safely • When and how to progress into plyometric exercises • Managing pain during rehab and building long-term load tolerance If you've ever been frustrated by persistent knee pain or wondered how to get back to running without constantly flaring it up, this episode will give you a clear, practical framework to guide your rehabilitation. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Knee Pain in Runners 00:59 Understanding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) 03:57 The Importance of Gym Work for Runners 09:25 Navigating Pain and Exercise Modifications 18:59 Building a Strong Foundation in the Gym 25:12 Reintroducing Knee Conditioning Exercises 30:19 Building Capacity in the Knee and Quad 35:09 Re-exposing the Knee to Painful Movements 39:51 Full Lower Body Program and Plyometrics 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

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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