Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast
Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast is a running training and science podcast hosted by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris. Weekly co-host episodes that each take one training, fueling or health question through the research, with an occasional expert guest; episodes run about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Episodes
- 192
- Since
- 2023
- Last 6 months
- 26 episodes
- Latest
- Nov 7, 2026
What it is
Two running coaches take one question a week, such as whether zone 2 is overrated or how long it takes to get faster, and work through what the studies say. Topics stay close to everyday training: half and marathon plans, tapering, heat, iron, fueling and recovery tools. Guest episodes bring in dietitians, sports psychologists and physical therapists.
Why listen
- Short, single-topic episodes that fit an easy run.
- Reviews of trending claims, like 120 grams of carbs per hour, sodium bicarbonate and recovery gadgets, against the published research.
- Practical race topics for half marathoners and marathoners: comparing well-known training plans, tune-up races, tapering and the week after a race.
Start here
- Episode 5: The Applied Science of Long Run Fueling Mar 12, 2023 Spotify · Apple · YouTube
How much carbohydrate to take on long runs and races from 15K to ultra, and how to get it down without stomach trouble. - 58: How to Pace a Marathon | Updated Episode Mar 23, 2024 Spotify · Apple · YouTube
A re-recorded, expanded version of the show's marathon pacing episode, covering goal pace, heat, hills, heart rate and fueling on race day. - What Running Economy Really Means for Your Performance with Dr Shalaya Kipp Nov 1, 2025 Spotify · Apple · YouTube
Exercise scientist and former Olympic steeplechaser Dr. Shalaya Kipp explains what running economy is, whether a watch can measure it and how to improve it.
Hosts
- Amanda Brooks Running coach and co-host; the show's description credits the two hosts with over 20 years of combined coaching experience.
- Laura Norris Running coach (MSc) and co-host who works with runners one-on-one and in group training, per the show's description.
Recent guests
| Guest | Episode | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Duncan Simpson | Mental Skills That Get You Through the Hard Miles with Sports Psychologist Dr. Duncan Simpson Spotify · Apple · YouTube | Oct 17, 2026 |
| Alex Larson | GLP-1s, Nomio, UCAN Gels, and Other Trendy Supplements with Dietitian Alex Larsen Spotify · Apple · YouTube | Sep 19, 2026 |
| Trent Claypool | The Psychology Behind Peak Running Performance with Dr. Trent Claypool Spotify · Apple · YouTube | Aug 8, 2026 |
| Claire Shorenstein | Gut Training for Runners: How to Fuel Without Stomach Problems with Claire Shorenstein, MS CSSD Spotify · Apple · YouTube | Jul 11, 2026 |
| Gaby Go | What Does "Wake Up Your Glutes" Actually Mean? Dr. Gaby Go, DPT Explains Glute Activation Spotify · Apple · YouTube | Jun 6, 2026 |
| Taylor Kruse | The Neuroscience of Pain (And How to Use It) with Kruse Elite Spotify · Apple · YouTube | May 16, 2026 |
Good for
- half marathon and marathon training
- fueling questions
- checking running myths
Listen
Apple Podcasts Running chart, Nov 12, 2026: #16 US, #40 UK, #9 Canada, #32 Australia. All charts
Checked Nov 12, 2026 against the show's own feed and pages. Something wrong? Send a correction. Host of this show? Claim it free.