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In this month’s Latest Running Research episode, Brodie breaks down three fascinating studies that challenge common beliefs and refine how runners should approach performance and injury prevention. First, a randomized controlled trial on ketone supplementation reveals that while ketones significantly improve cognitive function—helping with reaction time and mental clarity—they do not improve running performance, efficiency, or fuel utilization. Despite feeling better during efforts, runners didn’t run faster, and some even experienced gastrointestinal issues, raising questions about their real-world value for endurance athletes.

Next, Brodie explores a meta-analysis comparing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs moderate continuous running (MICT). The key takeaway: HIIT is more effective at improving running economy (efficiency at submax speeds), particularly at moderate intensities, while steady running is better for improving VO₂ max (your aerobic engine). This reinforces the idea that both training styles serve different physiological purposes—and combining them strategically is the smartest approach for performance gains.

Finally, a newly released review challenges one of the most common rehab narratives: that weak glutes cause poor running mechanics. Across 19 studies, there was no consistent link between hip strength and running biomechanics, and even strengthening programs failed to meaningfully change running form. Instead, Brodie reframes strength training as a way to increase load capacity, not “fix” technique—highlighting the importance of gait retraining and smart load management over blindly strengthening muscles.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Ketones may sharpen your brain—but won’t make you run faster
• HIIT improves efficiency, steady running builds aerobic capacity → you need both
• Stronger glutes ≠ better running form → focus on capacity, not just mechanics
• Fatigue, load, and training errors remain the biggest drivers of injury risk

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Episode Summary

In this Q&A episode, Brodie answers listener-submitted questions covering everything from transitioning to zero drop shoes to fixing ITB pain, understanding Zone 2 training accuracy, and safely introducing sprint work.

Along the way, he breaks down common misconceptions, highlights what actually matters, and provides practical, step-by-step strategies you can apply straight away.

If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting advice or stuck in an injury cycle, this episode will help you cut through the noise and run smarter.

🧠 Questions Covered

• How do you safely transition to zero drop / minimalist shoes (especially with a neuroma)?
• What are the best exercises for ITB syndrome—and are exercises even the priority?
• Do you need a VO2 max test to truly train in Zone 2?
• What’s the safest way to introduce sprint training?
• Why do your calves (soleus) feel like they’re burning early in runs—and what can you do about it?

🔑 Key Takeaways

Zero Drop Transition

• Transition gradually—this is non-negotiable
• Start with walking / strength work before running
• Introduce running in small doses (5–10 minutes per run)
• Build volume slowly (~10% per week)
• Monitor for warning signs: calf tightness, foot pain, Achilles stiffness

ITB Pain (What Actually Matters)

• The cause is usually load + mechanics, not just weakness
• Common triggers:
  • Downhill running
  • Narrow or crossover step width
  • Cambered surfaces
• First line of treatment:
  • Modify training load and mechanics
• Strength work (secondary but helpful):
  • Step-downs
  • Crab walks
  • Hip hikes
  • Single-leg control work

Zone 2 Training (Do You Need Lab Testing?)

• VO2 max testing = gold standard, but not essential
• Most runners can rely on:
  • Effort (RPE)
  • Conversation test
• True Zone 2 should feel:
  • Sustainable for long durations
  • Minimal fatigue buildup
  • “Could do it all over again” effort

Introducing Sprint Training

• Start with strides, not all-out sprints
• Structure:
  • Gradual acceleration (15 sec)
  • Short peak speed (8–10 sec)
  • Full recovery (1–2 min)
• Progression:
  • Start with 4 reps at ~75% effort
  • Build to 6–8 reps at ~90–95% effort
• Keep it controlled and progress gradually

Burning Calves (Soleus Overload vs Something Else)

• The soleus handles very high loads during running
• Common overload factors:
  • High intensity or hills
  • Minimalist footwear
  • Rapid training increases

But… consider another possibility:

👉 Compartment syndrome

Clues it might not be “just tight calves”:

• Burning sensation early in runs
• Bilateral symptoms
• Long-standing issue despite rehab
• Forced to stop rather than push through

Helpful strategies:

• Longer, more gradual warm-ups
• Walk/run approach
• Avoid sudden intensity spikes
• Let symptoms settle before continuing

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This episode is a previously recorded Ask Me Anything (AMA) that was originally released exclusively to podcast patrons. Now that the patron platform has been discontinued, these conversations are being shared on the main feed so the broader Run Smarter audience can benefit from the questions and discussions.

In this AMA, Brodie answers listener questions on several common challenges runners face. The episode begins with a deep dive into a practical training question: Is it better to improve running performance using run-walk intervals or continuous running? Brodie explains that the “best” approach depends on factors such as experience level, recent time off running, current injury status, effort levels, fatigue, and overall training consistency. The key takeaway is that consistent mileage without injury is the biggest driver of improvement, and run-walk strategies can often help runners build volume safely while maintaining proper effort levels.

The episode then shifts to injury management and race readiness. Brodie discusses how to distinguish between a manageable symptom flare-up and a warning sign that training load is too high. He emphasizes that runners should only race when their training has built enough confidence and tissue capacity to tolerate race demands, rather than rushing into events prematurely. Finally, he addresses a question about persistent knee pain and whether it’s better to consult a physio, doctor, or another professional. His advice: seek a practitioner you trust, someone who explains the problem clearly, provides a long-term plan, and adjusts treatment if progress stalls.

Key Takeaways for Runners

• Consistency beats everything. The best training strategy is the one you can maintain week after week without breaking down.
• Run-walk intervals can be powerful. They help manage fatigue, reduce repetitive loading, and allow runners to safely build mileage.
• Effort matters more than format. Easy runs should stay easy (roughly 2–3/10 effort) to maintain an effective training balance.
• Don’t rush back into racing. Confidence and capacity should be built gradually through training before entering an event.
• If rehab isn’t improving over time, something needs to change. Consider reassessing diagnosis, load management, or the practitioner guiding your rehab.

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Tendon pain is often treated as a purely physical problem. Strengthen the tendon, adjust the load, and eventually things should improve.

But what happens when the pain persists for months… or even years?

In this episode, Brodie speaks with physiotherapist and PhD researcher Jack Mest about a recent systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the psychological profile of people with persistent tendinopathy. The research compared people with chronic tendon pain to healthy controls and uncovered something surprising: fear of movement wasn’t the main psychological factor.

Instead, the research found that pain catastrophizing — a negative outlook toward pain and recovery — appeared more common in people with persistent tendinopathy.

This episode explores how psychological factors may influence tendon pain, why lower limb injuries may carry a greater psychological burden, and why clinicians need to treat the person behind the injury — not just the tendon itself.

If you’re a runner struggling with Achilles pain, plantar fasciopathy, proximal hamstring tendinopathy, or another persistent tendon injury, this conversation will help you understand why recovery can feel so frustrating — and what might help.

In This Episode

Brodie and Jack discuss:

• Why tendinopathy often becomes a chronic condition
• What the biopsychosocial model means for tendon rehab
• The difference between kinesiophobia (fear of movement) and pain catastrophizing
• Why catastrophizing appears more common in persistent tendon pain
• Why lower limb tendinopathies may have greater psychological impact than upper limb injuries
• The role of beliefs, expectations, and past experiences in shaping pain
• Why clinicians should ask about patients’ thoughts and fears about their injury
• Whether psychological traits are pre-existing or develop after chronic pain begins
• Practical advice for runners dealing with long-term tendon pain

About the Guest

Jack Mest is a physiotherapist and PhD researcher whose work focuses on understanding why tendinopathy becomes chronic and how psychological factors influence tendon pain.

His research aims to improve the way clinicians approach tendon rehabilitation by integrating biological, psychological, and social factors into treatment.

Follow Jack's research and updates:
X (Twitter): @Mest_Jack
Facebook: Jack Mest Physio
Paper summary: https://www.jospt.org/do/10.2519/jospt.blog.2026017/full/

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Andy Blow is the founder of Precision Hydration and a former elite triathlete. In today's episode, we delve into the misconceptions around sweat & hydration advice and how to individually tailor a fueling strategy to help your performance.

Andy also answers your questions around cramping, running in cold conditions, gels for a sensitive stomach and if hydrating days before a race is necessary.

Check out precisionhydration.com for electrolytes and fuelling products.

Click here to book in a free 1 on 1 chat with the precision hydration team.

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In this month’s research roundup, Brodie reviews three new papers examining super shoes (advanced footwear technology) and their impact on running economy and performance.

Across a large review, a meta-analysis, and a randomized crossover trial, the consistent finding was a ~2.5–3% improvement in running economy when using carbon-plated, high-stack, high-rebound foam shoes. Importantly, benefits weren’t limited to elites. Even at slower speeds (7.5–12 km/h), recreational runners showed meaningful reductions in oxygen cost, translating to roughly a 1% improvement in marathon performance — about three minutes for a four-hour runner.

The key insight is that it’s not just the carbon plate doing the work. The performance gains appear to come from a synergy between plate stiffness, PEBA-style high-rebound foams, rocker geometry, and stack height. The shoes don’t “create” energy — they reduce energy loss, particularly around the big toe joint and during stance. Interestingly, comfort didn’t correlate with better economy, and biomechanical changes were smaller than many expected.

From a practical standpoint, super shoes offer real performance advantages, but gradual integration is essential. Altered loading patterns and increased stiffness may raise injury risk if introduced abruptly, with case reports highlighting midfoot stress reactions. Rotate them in carefully, monitor symptoms, and be aware that high-rebound foams can degrade over time, reducing their metabolic benefit.

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In this episode, Brodie dives into a long-awaited research review examining whether active cool downs actually do what we’ve been told they do.

You’ve probably heard that cooling down helps “flush lactic acid,” reduce soreness, prevent injury, and speed up recovery.

But what does the evidence say?

This episode breaks down a comprehensive narrative review titled “Do we need a cool down after exercise?” and explores the physiological, psychological, performance, and injury-related effects of active cool downs compared to passive recovery

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In this episode, Brodie breaks down a newly published review paper that takes a deep dive into what’s actually happening inside painful tendons — far beyond the usual “overuse” explanation. You’ll learn how healthy tendons are structured, what changes at a microscopic level when tendinopathy develops, and why pain severity often doesn’t match what shows up on scans. The episode explores how factors like load management, low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, ageing tendon cells, and overall metabolic health all interact to influence tendon pain and recovery.

Brodie also discusses what this emerging science means for real-world rehab — including why rest alone doesn’t work, why exercises sometimes stall progress, and why a more holistic approach is often needed. The episode finishes by looking ahead at future treatment directions, from improved diagnostics to regenerative and molecular therapies, while grounding everything in practical takeaways runners can apply right now. If you’re dealing with persistent tendon pain — especially proximal hamstring or Achilles tendinopathy — this episode will help you understand why recovery can be slow and what actually gives you the best chance of long-term success.