273. Stronger Strides: 3 Game-Changing Strength Tips for Marathon Runners with Dr. Duane Scotti
Release Date: 05/15/2025
Healthy Runner Podcast
Does your hip pain disappear with rest… only to return a few miles into your next run? You are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti sits down with physical therapist, run coach, and hip specialist Dr. Sarah from Legacy Rehab and Performance to break down why hip pain is so common in women runners and why traditional advice like rest and stretching often fails. You will learn: - The top reasons hip pain keeps coming back in women runners - Why stretching alone does not fix the real problem - How hip, core, and glute strength influence running mechanics - The key strength...
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Most runners go into RunDisney Marathon Weekend just hoping to survive it. In this episode, I share how I completed the 2026 Dopey Challenge, four races totaling 48.6 miles and finished feeling strong, durable, and pain free. This is not just a race recap. It is a breakdown of the exact training, fueling, recovery, and race strategy decisions that allowed my body to handle four consecutive race days without breaking down. You will hear: - How I structured training after a recent marathon - Why patience and pacing mattered more than fitness - How I approached fueling and recovery across all...
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Join If you’ve trained for a half marathon before but didn’t follow through, this episode will change how you think about training. In this episode of the Healthy Runner Podcast, Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down the real reason half marathon training falls apart for so many runners (it has nothing to do with motivation or discipline). Most runners are committed and driven, but they’re missing a system that actually fits real life. You’ll learn why relying on motivation leads to burnout, how skipping strength and recovery increases injury risk, and what it really takes to stay...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Struggling to get stronger without sabotaging your marathon training?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to choose between getting faster or staying injury-free.
In this episode, we’re breaking down 3 game-changing strength training strategies that will finally help you train smarter, not harder. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or just want to finish strong without aches and setbacks, these are the tools most runners are missing.
You’ll learn:
💪 The essential strength moves every distance runner should be doing (no more guesswork).
🛡️ The exact injury-prevention blueprint that keeps you running healthy when mileage climbs.
🧠 The smart training integration tactics to balance strength and miles without burning out.
🎙️ Real-world insight from a running physical therapist and coach who’s helped countless runners crush their marathon goals.
This isn’t about lifting heavy or spending hours in the gym—it’s about working smarter so your legs, lungs, and mindset are fully prepared to perform.
✅ If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to fit it all in…
✅ If you’re tired of minor injuries derailing your training…
✅ If you want to feel strong, powerful, and proud at your next finish line...
This episode is your strength training shortcut to marathon success. Tune in now and take control of your running future!
Follow along with my 25 Minute Strength Workout for Runners (TO RUN PAIN FREE)
Listen to my previous episode on 6 Steps to building a stronger body during winter here!
Listen to my previous episode on why strength training is your foundation for running here!
Listen to my previous episode on how to build a solid foundation for your race with base training here!
Grab your FREE Ultimate Marathon Training Guide to Master Your Marathon Feeling Strong!
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
Want the structured strength, nutrition, and a run plan with full support and accountability to develop a strong running body for your marathon? Book a call and learn more about Strong Body Marathon Coaching here!
A big thanks to Naboso for your support for this episode!
Want to know how I prioritize foot health as a runner? Kinesis board and toe splays from Naboso.
Naboso’s Kinesis board features dual sensory stimulation, a micro-wobble system and a single-leg platform to improve my stability for running!
Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your entire Naboso order!
Connect with Dr. Duane:
- Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner
- Join Our Healthy Runner Facebook Community
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- duane@sparkhealthyrunner.com
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