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. 17H AGO

    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
  2. APR 14

    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

    1h 17m

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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