272. Fuel Smarter, Run Stronger: Your Top Running Nutrition Questions Answered with Brooke Czarnecki, RDN, LD
Release Date: 05/08/2025
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...
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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: ...
info_outline[Download] Nutrition Blueprint
Can you run a half marathon on potatoes instead of gels? Should you eat before a 5 a.m. run? What the heck should you eat after a hard 5K and before a cooldown?
In this listener-powered Q&A episode, Brooke Czarnecki, RDN from our Spark Healthy Runner team tackles all the questions runners are actually asking — from ideal running weight and fueling clean to protein confusion, hydration tips, and supplement breakdowns.
We cover:
✔️ Real food vs. gels for long runs
✔️ Fueling for shorter efforts like 5Ks
✔️ Protein timing and how it changes based on training
✔️ Thoughts on Nuun vs. LMNT electrolytes
✔️ Vegan/vegetarian options that aren’t protein shakes
✔️ What to eat if you hate bananas (yes, seriously!)
✔️ Collagen, creatine, turmeric… are they worth it?
Plus a rapid-fire lightning round to wrap it all up. If you’re a runner who wants clarity without the confusion, this episode is for you.
🎙️ Let’s take the guesswork out of fueling your runs — hit play and dive in!
Links and Resources from the show:
- Get all of Brooke’s previous episodes on the podcast in one place!
- Listen to my previous episode on how injury and nutrition guidance sparked Rachel’s first marathon success!
- Listen to my previous episode on How to Eat Like a Runner
- Listen to my previous episode on hydration and electrolytes for running
If you are a runner who is looking for an individualized nutrition plan and want to prevent under-fueling so you can run strong and last long then you can begin to work with Brooke within our 1:1 signature Healthy Runner Coaching program here.
Want Dr. Duane or Brooke to answer your question on the podcast? Submit questions here
A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode!
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Connect with Brooke:
- Instagram: @intentfulnutrition
- Email: intentfulnutrition@gmail.com
- Healthy Runner Facebook Community
- Actively Fueled Podcast on Spotify
Connect with Dr. Duane
- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner
- Join Our Healthy Runner Facebook Community
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- duane@sparkhealthyrunner.com
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