288. Weighted Vest Training for Runners: Helpful or Harmful? What You Need to Know with Coach Cat
Healthy Runner Podcast
Should you run or walk with a weighted vest to get stronger or faster? Or is it just another social media fitness fad that can lead to injury? In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti sits down with from the Spark Healthy Runner team to break down the science behind weighted vest training for runners. Together, they uncover what fitness influencers often get wrong and explain when (and how) a weighted vest might actually be helpful — and when it can do more harm than good. You’ll learn: - Whether weighted vests really help with bone density, weight loss, or speed - Why runners over 40...
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287. Stop Making These Marathon Fueling Mistakes (Especially If You’re Over 40) with Jennifer Giles, RDN
Healthy Runner Podcast
Are you unintentionally sabotaging your marathon with fueling mistakes? You’re not alone. Most runners over 40 struggle with energy crashes, GI issues, cramping, or bonking — and it has nothing to do with fitness and everything to do with fueling. In this episode, I’m joined by sports nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and speaker , who specializes in marathon fueling for masters runners. Together, we break down the most common marathon nutrition mistakes and exactly how to fuel smarter so you can run strong from start to finish. ✅ Here’s what you’ll learn: - The biggest fueling...
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286. NYC Marathon Survival Guide: Race Day Tips from Ferry to Finish with Coach Whitney LaCombe
Healthy Runner Podcast
Are you running the TCS New York City Marathon this year? Whether it’s your first 26.2 or your fifth, this episode is your complete survival guide to race day — from the ferry ride to the finish line in Central Park! Coach from the coaching team joins Dr. Duane Scotti to break down everything you need to know to make race day smooth, confident, and unforgettable. We cover: 🏃♀️ Race morning logistics — what time to leave, what to bring, and how to handle the start village chaos 🗽 Course experience — where the hills really hit, what the crowds are like, and how to...
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285. How to Run for Life Without Getting Injured - Running Longevity Tips (Interview by Coach Sara Manderscheid)
Healthy Runner Podcast
Want to keep running strong for decades — without dealing with the same nagging injuries? In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Coach Sara Manderscheid on the Elevate Your Running Podcast to talk all about how to make running a lifelong pursuit. We dive deep into: - How to adapt your training as you age so you can stay strong and confident in every season of life - Why strength and plyometric work are non-negotiable for injury prevention - How to tell the difference between “normal” soreness and red flags that mean you need to pause - The key mindset shifts that turn setbacks...
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284. Never Get Bored Running Again: 3 Route Planning Secrets with Coach Lu
Healthy Runner Podcast
Do you find yourself running the same loop over and over… and getting bored? In this episode, Coach Duane sits down with coach from our Spark Healthy Runner team to uncover the secret to keeping running exciting, purposeful, and fun through smart route planning. You’ll learn the 3 types of running routes every runner needs: - Routine Runs — familiar loops that make recovery days stress-free - Workout Routes — purposeful paths for speedwork, hills, and long runs - Exploration Runs — fun adventures (yes, even Strava Art 🎨) that bring joy back to running Whether you’re...
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283. Chicago + NYC Marathons 3 Weeks Apart: Smart Training & Recovery Tips for Runners Over 40 with Rhonda Hunt
Healthy Runner Podcast
Back-to-back world majors — Chicago and NYC — just three weeks apart. How can you train, recover, and show up strong for both without breaking down? In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Rhonda Hunt — run coach, personal trainer, lululemon ambassador, Hyrox coach, and expert in the physiology of menopause. Rhonda is an incredible leader and inspiration for women chasing big running goals beyond menopause, and she’s here to share how she’s preparing to tackle Chicago and NYC back-to-back. You’ll learn: - How to safely train and adjust your plan for multiple marathons...
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282. Strides 101: The Most Underrated Running Tool for Speed & Injury Prevention
Healthy Runner Podcast
Most runners skip one of the simplest, fastest ways to get quicker, smoother, and more injury-resistant — strides. In this episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down everything you need to know about strides — the most underrated tool in your running toolbox. Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR, training for your first 5K, or just want to make running feel easier, strides can change the game. You’ll learn: -What strides actually are (and what they are NOT) -Why they improve speed, efficiency, and injury resilience at any age -How to perform strides...
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281. Run Stronger After 40: 5 Recovery Essentials with Coach Sara Manderscheid
Healthy Runner Podcast
Are you over 40 and feeling like recovery takes longer than it used to? Struggling with lingering aches, slower bounce-backs, or training fatigue that just won’t quit? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to settle for feeling “past your prime.” In this episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, Dr. Duane Scotti is joined by Coach Sara Manderscheid, founder of Elevate Your Running Coaching in Boulder, Colorado, to uncover 5 essential recovery secrets every masters runner needs to know. Together, they break down what recovery really looks like in your 40s, 50s, and beyond — and how...
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280. Achilles Pain Questions... Answered! (Your Recovery Roadmap)
Healthy Runner Podcast
Still dealing with stubborn Achilles pain — even after trying rest, PT, or all the “right” exercises? You’re not alone… and chances are, you might be making one of the most common mistakes that’s actually stopping your tendon from healing. In this special Q&A episode, Dr. Duane Scotti answers your most asked questions about insertional vs. mid-portion Achilles tendonitis, running with pain, heel drops, shoes, recovery timelines, and more. - Should you stop running completely? - Are heel drops hurting or helping? - How often should you do Achilles exercises? - What’s...
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279. Running Injuries: What Social Media Isn’t Telling You with Victoria Sekely
Healthy Runner Podcast
Ever felt like you did everything right in your training — strength work, recovery, stretching, sleep — and still got injured? You’re not alone… and it’s not your fault. In this powerful episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Victoria Sekely — a fellow running physical therapist and coach — to unpack the real truth about running injuries that social media often leaves out. We dive deep into: ✅ Why runners still get injured even when they follow “perfect” plans ✅ How social media sets unrealistic expectations around injury prevention ✅ The hidden...
info_outlineCoach LaToya is no stranger to the podcast! She is one of our Healthy Runner Coaches who helps many of our athletes crush their half marathon or marathon goals!
In this deep dive training, Coach LaToya shares her insight into why tapering before a race is so important and how you can properly taper for your marathon or half marathon without getting the taper tantrums!
LaToya answers the following questions in this episode and so much more!:
- Should you taper before a race?
- Why is tapering important?
- Do you lose fitness when tapering?
- How many weeks before a race should you taper?
- How do you properly taper for your marathon?
- How do you properly taper for your half marathon?
- What should I eat during taper week?
Check out Coach LaToya’s previous episodes here:
How to Run without Mom Guilt (episode 30): https://sparkyourtraining.com/how-to-find-time-to-run-without-mom-guilt/
Running Mindset (episode 78):
https://sparkyourtraining.com/running-mindset-with-coach-latoya/
Are you struggling to put all the pieces together and just can’t stay healthy? Trying to get stronger as a runner but just throwing random exercises at the wall and don’t have the structure or consistency you need in your training. Well we have a solution for you….
In our Team Healthy Runner Coaching program LaToya and the rest of our coaching team works with you 1:1 to provide you the structure and take the guesswork out of your strength program and run plan & then you get the support from our whole coaching team and all our athletes to keep you motivated to become a lifelong injury free runner!
If you are ready to take your running and health seriously and finally put all the pieces together like all our athletes have done this past training cycle then just jump on a strategy call with me to see if you are a good fit to work with coach LaToya or any of the coaches on our team to crush your running goal and become lifelong injury free runner!
Grab your slot on my calendar here:
https://calendly.com/duanescotticoaching/30-minute-strategy-session
Connect with Coach LaToya:
Healthy Runner Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HealthyRunnerGroup/
Instagram: @llf423 https://www.instagram.com/llf423/
Sponsored by...
This week we are sponsored by our partner, Noxgear! Feel safe running in the dark with their amazing products like the tracer 360 that keeps me lit up during my 5:30am runs! Use the code HEALTHYRUNNER to get 35% off your purchase at checkout! Check out their website here ---> https://www.noxgear.com
As always, thank you for listening and I hope you enjoyed the episode!
Are you a dedicated runner trying to get out of the injury cycle or a frustrated runner looking to get faster?
Get stronger, run faster, and become a lifelong injury free runner with our 16 week 1-on-1 Healthy Runner Coaching Program. Get the support, structure, and accountability from experts in the health and running industry. Personalized easy to follow plans tailored to your unique needs and busy life.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’ve got a behind the scenes video tour of our coaching program and hear from many of our athletes who were struggling with the same sticking points that you are. Just head to: https://learn.sparkhealthyrunner.com/coaching
Connect with Dr. Duane:
- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner
- duane@sparkyourtraining.com
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