Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

Are broccoli sprout shots the secret to your next PR? Will U-Can gels help you manage weight? And are greens powders a scam or magic bullet? We sit down with registered dietitian Alex Larson, the founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. She answers all our questions on GLP-1s, cortisol-reducing supplements, lactate gels, if Laura can make her own Nomio at home, and more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The difference between GLP-1 medications and “GLP-1-like” supplements
✅ Are superstarch gels worth the money?
✅ Do cortisol reducing supplements work?
✅ Are greens powder a scam or worthwhile?
✅ Are broccoli shots the secret to a PR?
✅ If lactate gels are the next big thing

Thank you to Our Sponsors:
✨ Use link to enter Run to the Finish Fall Training Support Giveaway, featuring podcast sponsors Mizuno, Title Nine, and more: https://runtothefinish.com/fall-training-support-giveaway/
✨ Join Amanda on the Japan Running Retreat: https://www.wildexplorers.travel/tours/wild-japan-running-retreat-with-amanda-brooks

Connect with our Guest:
🔗 https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/
https://alexlarsonnutrition.substack.com/
https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/podcast/
https://www.instagram.com/alexlarsonnutrition
Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

Let’s stay connected:
➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/
➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/
➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/
➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en
➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

Zone 2 is the magic bullet for improved health and endurance fitness - or it is overrated and spikes your cortisol. You have likely encountered both claims on social media, and neither are correct. In this episode, we dive into the science of zone 2 for runners. We discuss how to set your zone 2 correctly, who should use it, who should ignore their heart rate zones, and what happens if you run slower than zone 2 on your easy runs. Whether you are a new runner or a marathoner, you will learn something from this episode!

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How to use zone 2 correctly
✅ Is zone 2 a waste of time for low-volume runners?
✅ Should female runners train in zone 2?
✅ Do new runners need to use zone 2?
✅ Do you get benefits from training in zone 1?
✅ What to do if you feel you cannot run in zone 2

References
🔬PMID: 40225831
🔬PMID: 40560504
Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.
If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:
🎧 The Benefits of Using the Run-Walk Method (17 Oct 2025)
🎧 Why You Need All Training Zones to Improve as a Runner (29 Aug 2025)

Let’s stay connected:
➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/
➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/
➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/
➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en
➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

Slower summer runs lead to fast fall races - so you have heard. But as you slog through another humid, hot long run, you may be wondering: is there truth to this adage? In this episode, we discuss ideal fall racing temperatures, all the variables that contribute to fall race performances, and how long heat adaptations actually last.

Thank you to our sponsors:
✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How long do heat adaptations last?
✅ Other variables that contribute to fast fall races
✅ Could summer training impair your fall goals?
✅ Should you heat acclimate for fall races?
✅ Does your watch’s VO2max predict your fall race time?
✅ What are the ideal racing temperatures?
✅ Can you run a fast fall race if you train in mild temperatures?
Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:
🎧 The Science of Running in the Heat and Humidity (22 May 2026)
🎧 Heat Acclimation Strategies (29 May 2022)
🎧 Gut Training for Runners with Claire Shorenstein (10 July 2026)
Let’s stay connected:
➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/
➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/
➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/
➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en
➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

Post-race recovery is not the avoidance of training. Rather, it is a crucial component of a well-periodized training plan, especially for a marathon or half marathon. In this episode, we first examine the physiological impact of racing a marathon or half marathon on the body. Then, we detail how to approach a recovery phase, including what can enhance or impair recovery after a race.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What happens to your body after you run a marathon
✅ Should you do a recovery run after the race?
✅ How to structure a recovery phase after a half marathon
✅ How to recover after a marathon
✅ How to improve your post-race recovery
✅ Health risks during the recovery phase
Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

References
🔬PMID: 42298171
🔬PMID: 39094181
🔬https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01244-7
🔬PMID: 41101781
🔬 PMID: 31045685
🔬 PMID: 42299359
🔬PMID: 27338452

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:
🎧 Tune Up Race Formula (14 August 2026)
🎧 Do You Need to Cool Down after a Run? (13 June 2025)

Let’s stay connected:
➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/
➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/
➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/
➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en
➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

You have likely encountered the advice that all you need to do to run better is to run more. Is training really that simple? In this episode, we discuss high volume running: why people do it, who it works for, and who should skip it. We examine the research and assess unique situations such as busy athletes, beginners, masters athletes, and injury-prone runners. You will also learn how to safely increase and support high volume training, so that you can secure the biggest driver: consistent training over years.

Thank you to our sponsors:
✨ Tailwind: Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How “high volume” running is defined (and why pace impacts it)
✅ The benefits of high volume training
✅ How to safely increase running volume
✅ Who will not benefit from higher volume training?
✅ Is there a point where you should lower your training volume?

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

References
🔬PMID: 31855590
🔬PMID: 38695978
🔬PMID: 40913707
🔬 PMID: 31704026
🔬 PMID: 32421886
🔬PMID: 42272862

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:
🎧 What Does Training Like an Elite Runner Actually Look Like? (6 Feb 2026)
🎧 Why 80/20 Doesn’t Work for Every Runner with Jonah Rosner (12 Dec 2025)

Let’s stay connected:
➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/
➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/
➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/
➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en
➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/