286. NYC Marathon Survival Guide: Race Day Tips from Ferry to Finish with Coach Whitney LaCombe
Release Date: 10/23/2025
290. RunDisney Marathon Weekend: 7 Race Week Essentials for Dopey Runners
Healthy Runner Podcast
Preparing for RunDisney Marathon Weekend or taking on the Dopey Challenge? Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down the 7 race week essentials that every Disney runner must know from how to taper the right way, to what to eat each day, to the weather, packing, and logistics that make RunDisney so unique. Learn how to avoid the common mistakes that drain energy, derail race week, or increase your injury risk, and instead run each magical mile with confidence, gratitude, and joy. Whether you're running the 5K, 10K, Half, Full, Goofy, or Dopey, this episode will help you feel prepared, strong, and...
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289. Philadelphia Marathon Recap: What Went Wrong and What I Nailed to Get Stronger for My Next Race
Healthy Runner Podcast
If you have ever trained perfectly… only to fall short of your goal on race day… this episode is for you. I am breaking down my Philadelphia Marathon, the lessons that cost me a PR and the wins that set me up to come back even stronger. Inside, you will learn: • The exact moment my race slipped away • How I managed pacing, fueling, and hydration with zero cramps (until I didn’t) • The elevation traps most runners underestimate in Philly • Why “middle mile mindset” can make or break your race • What I will do differently next time, so you can too Race...
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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...
info_outline[Download] The Ultimate Marathon Guide to Master Your NYC Marathon Feeling Strong!
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 Whitney LaCombe from the Spark Healthy Runner 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 pace yourself across the five boroughs
🎽 Expo essentials — what’s worth seeing (and skipping) before race day
💧 Race strategy — fuel, hydration, and mindset tips to avoid hitting the wall
🎉 Post-race recovery & meetup tips — how to reunite with family, manage soreness, and celebrate your finish
Coach Whitney has conquered NYC twice and helped countless runners do the same — so if you’ve ever worried about missing your corral, running out of toilet paper (yes, we go there), or hitting the wall at mile 20… this episode will calm your nerves and prepare you for your best race yet.
🎁 Download your free Marathon Blueprint
Grab your copy of our Healthy Runner Marathon Blueprint for your step-by-step race week
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and run NYC with confidence — we’ve got your back from ferry to finish!
Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free for your Marathon? The Healthy Runner Academy provides you the step-by-step system to finally stay consistent, avoid burnout, and prevent nagging injuries — all with expert coaching and a supportive community behind you.
Perfect for adult runners who want to:
- Stop nagging injuries
- Build a resilient running body
- Get faster and stronger
- Enjoy pain-free, consistent training
Join the waitlist today and be first in line when doors open (only 3x/year) + get a special bonus to strengthen your running journey!
Episodes and Resources mentioned in this episode:
Listen or watch all of coach Whitney’s previous episodes
Listen to my previous episode on Beginner Marathon Training here!
Listen to my previous episode on Advanced Marathon Training here!
Listen to my previous episode on injury prevention for marathon training here!
Listen to my previous episode on marathon strength training guide: run stronger with these 3 essentials here!
A big thanks to CurraNz for your support for this episode!
Want to know my favorite recovery supplement for runners? CurraNz is New Zealand’s natural running supplement made of a strong antioxidant (polyphenol anthocyanin) found within blackcurrants.
Learn more about the real science behind blackcurrant extract in my interview with Fleur Cushman in episode 233 on the Healthy Runner Podcast.
Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your first order!
Connect with coach Whitney:
- Instagram: @runwhitspark
- Email: whitney@sparkhealthyrunner.com
- Healthy Runner Facebook Community
Connect with Dr. Duane:
- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner
- Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter
- Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- duane@sparkhealthyrunner.com
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