# 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.

## 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
- [Is Zone 2 Running Overrated? Understanding the Backlash Against and Science of Easy Running](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tread-lightly-podca/episodes/Is-Zone-2-Running-Overrated--Understanding-the-Backlash-Against-and-Science-of-Easy-Running-e3oma9f) (2026-09-12): Weighs the competing social-media claims about easy running against the science.
- [Understanding Common Half Marathon Training Plans, From Hal Higdon to Hansons](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tread-lightly-podca/episodes/Understanding-Common-Half-Marathon-Training-Plans--From-Hal-Higdon-to-Hansons-e3q6767) (2026-10-10): Compares popular half marathon plans such as Galloway, Hansons, Hal Higdon and Daniels.

## 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
- Duncan Simpson, "Mental Skills That Get You Through the Hard Miles with Sports Psychologist Dr. Duncan Simpson" (2026-10-17)
- Alex Larson, "GLP-1s, Nomio, UCAN Gels, and Other Trendy Supplements with Dietitian Alex Larsen" (2026-09-19)
- Trent Claypool, "The Psychology Behind Peak Running Performance with Dr. Trent Claypool" (2026-08-08)
- Claire Shorenstein, "Gut Training for Runners: How to Fuel Without Stomach Problems with Claire Shorenstein, MS CSSD" (2026-07-11)
- Gaby Go, "What Does "Wake Up Your Glutes" Actually Mean? Dr. Gaby Go, DPT Explains Glute Activation" (2026-06-06)
- Taylor Kruse, "The Neuroscience of Pain (And How to Use It) with Kruse Elite" (2026-05-16)

## Facts
- Episodes: 192
- Latest episode: 2026-11-07
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tread-lightly-running-science-podcast/id1674913391?uo=4
- RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/da84ca30/podcast/rss

Checked 2026-11-12. Source: https://runningpodcasts.com/shows/tread-lightly-running-science-podcast/