269. Half Marathon Race Day: Your Ultimate Guide to Success with Coach Whitney LaCombe
Release Date: 04/10/2025
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...
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278. The 5-Step Injury Prevention System Every Runner Needs with Dr. Duane Scotti
Healthy Runner Podcast
Tired of stretching, foam rolling, or buying new shoes — only to still end up injured? In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti pulls back the curtain on the real system that helps adult runners stay strong, consistent, and injury-free. You’ll learn the exact 5-stage framework used inside the Healthy Runner Program to prevent injuries before they start — so you can train smarter, avoid setbacks, and hit your race goals with confidence. Whether you’re starting fresh, bouncing back from an injury, or chasing a new PR… this system works because it evolves with you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ...
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277. Running Again After Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Surgery with Tina Muir
Healthy Runner Podcast
Is stubborn Achilles pain keeping you from running the way you want to? In this powerful episode, we sit down with a former professional runner and CEO of , Tina Muir who shares her personal journey through insertional Achilles tendinopathy — from the frustration of chronic pain to the difficult decision to undergo surgery, and ultimately, her triumphant return to running. You’ll hear what it really takes to recover both physically and mentally, how she navigated setbacks, and what made the biggest difference in finally running pain-free. Whether you’re managing heel pain now,...
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Team 26.2 Is OPEN - Why You Need to Join Before It’s Gone
Healthy Runner Podcast
🏃♂️ Ready to run your strongest marathon yet? In this special episode, Coach Duane shares an exciting announcement: Team 26.2, the only group marathon training program built for lifelong injury-free running, is officially open — but only for 5 days! If you're tired of nagging injuries, confused by cookie-cutter training plans, or just want to feel confident heading into your next marathon… this is for you. Team 26.2 is designed specifically for adult runners who want to train smarter, stay healthy, and finally reach their marathon goals with structure, support, and strength....
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276. Injury-Free Marathon Training: 6 Proven Steps Every Runner Should Know with Dr. Duane Scotti
Healthy Runner Podcast
Are you tired of injuries derailing your marathon dreams? You're not alone—70% of runners get injured during marathon training. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this game-changing episode, Dr. Duane Scotti—physical therapist, running coach, and founder of Spark Healthy Runner—shares the proven 6-step framework he’s used to help thousands of runners train smart, stay strong, and cross the 26.2 finish line pain-free. Whether you’re a first-time marathoner or a seasoned runner who’s been stuck in the injury cycle, this episode will show you exactly what it takes to stay...
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275. Sub-3 Marathon Training Plan: Mileage, Pacing, and Strategy with Coach Lufeng Zou
Healthy Runner Podcast
Think running a sub-3 marathon is only for elite athletes? Think again. Whether you're a fast-track competitor, an ultra runner looking to pivot, or a dedicated recreational runner — cracking that 3-hour barrier is possible… with the right plan. In this episode, our marathon training expert, coach from our Spark Healthy Runner coaching team breaks down the exact fitness benchmarks, weekly mileage, and key training strategies you need to finally make that sub-3 dream a reality — plus 6 game-changing training tips and 5 in-race tactics that separate the runners who...
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274. The One Mistake That Sabotaged My Marathon (So You Don’t Make It Too)
Healthy Runner Podcast
Ever trained harder than ever for a marathon — nailed every long run, crushed the speed work, felt stronger than ever — only to have race day fall apart? That’s exactly what happened during my 5th marathon at the Steel Rail Marathon. I made one key mistake that completely sabotaged my race… and it had nothing to do with how fit I was. In this episode, I’m sharing what went wrong, why it happened, and how you can avoid making the same costly error — especially if you’re chasing a PR, qualifying time, or just want to run strong and healthy to the finish. 👉 If you believe more...
info_outline[Download] Race Day Blueprint: 10 Tips to Crush Your Half Marathon!
Have you been half marathon training and you’re worried that you won’t be ready for success for your big race day? Race day can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but with the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success!
Coach Whitney LaCombe from our Spark Healthy Runner team is back on the podcast to share her proven half marathon strategies for race day success!
In this episode, coach Whitney and Dr. Duane Scotti dive into the ultimate race day strategy to help you master your half marathon with pre-race rituals to pacing tips, ensuring you cross that finish line with confidence and a smile!
We'll provide valuable insights on how to make a race day plan, half marathon pacing strategy, half marathon nutrition, hydration, adjusting for adverse weather, and mental strategies to use during your half marathon
Whether you're a seasoned half marathoner or gearing up for your first 13.1 miles, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to ensure you cross that finish line strong and so you can go on to enjoy lifelong injury free running after your half marathon!
There are six parts of your running journey that need to be optimized so you can run strong and last long! Learn them here
Want Dr. Duane to answer your question on the podcast? Submit questions here
Related Resources:
Listen or watch all of coach Whitney’s previous episodes
Listen to my previous episode on half marathon fueling here!
Listen to my previous episode on the top 5 half marathon mistakes to avoid here!
Listen to my previous episode on unlocking my fastest half marathon time in 7 years here!
Listen to my previous episode on half marathon prep the week before your race here!
Listen to our previous episode on how to pack for a destination half marathon here
Listen to our previous episode on running gear for your half marathon race here
Listen to my previous episode on mantras and mental strategies for your half marathon here
Want the structured run and strength plan with motivation and accountability to reach your highest running potential and crush your summer running? Book a call to learn more about Healthy Runner coaching
A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode!
Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge starter pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your next UCAN order.
Connect with coach Whitney:
- Instagram: @runwhitspark
- Email: [email protected]
- Healthy Runner Facebook Community
Connect with Dr. Duane:
- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner
- Join Our Healthy Runner Facebook Community
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
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