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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. 6D AGO

    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
  3. FEB 7

    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
  4. FEB 3

    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
  5. JAN 27

    235. ICYMI - Adam Didyk: The Art of Coaching Australia's Fastest Marathon Runner

    In case you missed it: a re-upload of one of our favourite episodes from the past, dropping every Wednesday. *Interview starts at 19.20* Adam Didyk is the Athletics Australia Pathways Transition Lead, Australian Olympic Team Coach (Athletics - Endurance) Tokyo 2021, SA Performance Advisor, a husband and a father among many other things.  In this conversation, Adam gave us a deep insight into his journey as a coach and the things that he has learnt along the way. He shares his beliefs around ensuring his athletes are well-rounded on and off the track through a holistic approach to not only training but their careers and family life.  Adam opens up about his experience with Jess Stenson (née Trengove) leading up to the recent 2022 Commonwealth Games where Jess won Gold in the Marathon. He shares the details of why they work so well together and how a few words that he shared moments before the race helped her get through. We also discuss what you should look for when seeking out a coach, and how for Adam, it is much more about building a trusting relationship than simply writing a program.  You can find Adam on Instagram @adamdidyk and @teamtemporun 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 33m

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