The Runners Zone

Welcome to the Runners Zone Podcast hosted by Nathan Carlson and Chris Johnson. Lend us your ear as we We interview world leaders in endurance sports, discuss optimizing performance for runnings and help provide practical solutions to common running problems. We also discuss life as niche-practice business owners treating and training runners.

Episode 68: How much running will get you hurt? 07/21/2025

Episode 68: How much running will get you hurt? Thanks for tuning into The Runners Zone Podcast. Want to work with runners and build a thriving business around it? The Runner’s Zone is an upbeat, global online community of clinicians, coaches, and trainers who love working with endurance athletes. For over 10 years, we’ve helped passionate professionals fast-track their skills, grow their confidence, and build beautiful, word-of-mouth businesses that runners rave about. Join us if you’re ready to level up—and have fun doing it. Use code “rzpod” for 10% off the annual membership. To learn more click . Episode Timestamps 1:00 PTs should have a nationwide license 6:20 How much running is too much article 10:40 Principles for progressing a runner's training load 19:00 Life loads versus training loads 23:45 Tissue specific training considerations31:00 When training isn't working anymore Studies from this episode - /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/37447705

Episode 67: Pillars of professional success 07/04/2025

Episode 67: Pillars of professional success Thanks for tuning into The Runners Zone Podcast. Chris and I would love it if you gave us a review as those really help us continue to produce episodes. The Runners Zone Want to work with runners and build a thriving business around it? is an upbeat, global community of clinicians, coaches, and trainers who love working with endurance athletes. For over 10 years, we’ve helped passionate professionals fast-track their skills, grow their confidence, and build beautiful, word-of-mouth businesses that runners rave about. Join us if you’re ready to level up—and have fun doing it.Use code “rzpod” for 10% off the annual membership. To learn more click . Episode Timestamps 1:00 An update on the podcast 9:15 Current reading recommendations 11:30 Empathy without accountability is a slippery slope 16:45 The importance of communication in business 17:45 The need for delayed gratification 22:30 The need to share your ideas (not other people’s) 29:00 Why you need to write a newsletter 35:00 The need to edit roles out of your life 40:00 Think more about your follow up emails /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/37272410

Episode 66: Does zero pain mean you can run? 06/16/2025

Episode 66: Does zero pain mean you can run? Chris and Nathan both have new online courses for you to check out. Nathan's course Rebuild: BSI Management https://runningmatekc.com/rebuild-bone-stress-injury-online-course/ Chris's Course: Clinical Running Essentials https://chrisjohnsonpt.com/clinical-running-essentials/ In this episode, Chris and Nathan dive into 2:00 Does an absensce of pain mean you can start running?7:00 What if a physician gives the runners a green light?11:50 The research on asymptomatic BSIs12:45 Nathan’s phases of BSI rehab17:15 What if running is too important to the patient?21:00 Avoiding distractions in recovery23:00 The George article32:00 Navigating symptoms during BSI rehab39:00 Should patients avoid social media? Warden article https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33962529/ George article https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39141251/ Asymptomatic tibial BSIs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15333349/ /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/36944920

Episode 65: What do you struggle with in the clinic? 02/03/2025

Episode 65: What do you struggle with in the clinic? Boston Bones, Tendons, Weights, & Whistles Timestamps: 2:20 What’s new with Chris4:30 What’s new with Nathan5:30 Case study one - vague hip pain14:10 Case study two - glute med tendinopathy?16:30 Chris and Nathan come to Boston18:20 Solopreneuer corner: One tip for if and when you go out on your own25:00 What do we struggle with in the clinic? /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/35090095

Episode 64: The Skills You Don't Learn in School 01/14/2025

Episode 64: The Skills You Don't Learn in School To learn more about Chris and Nathan's new business offer click below. Episode Timestamps 3:00 Taking time off around the holidays 6:30 Downtime in training and in business 9:00 The space between the stimulus and response 12:42 A new offering from Chris & Nathan 15:20 The non-clinical skills you need 20:00 The top 3 skills that will help your career 25:43 Figuring out YOUR approach to social media 28:00 What we’ve learned from clinics across the country If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you gave us a review and shared with a friend. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/34702760

Episode 63: Should You Run Through Pain? 01/12/2024

Episode 63: Should You Run Through Pain? Hey and welcome back to the RZ Podcast On episode 63 Nathan and Chris dive into navigating running related pain. They cover how we manage pain in our patients, when it’s necessary to push through pain or completely stop training, and how we help healthy runners navigate the inevitable discomfort of running. If you are ready to step up your game at managing RRIs, come join Chris and myself in Gig Harbor, Washington on 2/24-2/25. Learn more by clicking . /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/29433378

Episode 62: Starting a Running Business 11/14/2023

Episode 62: Starting a Running Business In today's episode, Chris and Nathan dive into how to start your own running business. They cover their mistakes and failures in starting out, navigating social media, how to grow local relationships, and how to develop your unique voice. Chris and Nathan are excited to launch our 2024 Long Run Mastermind, designed to help you build a business you love. Check out the link below to learn more and schedule a discovery call. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/28629228

Episode 61: A Practical Guide to Bone Stress Injuries 10/27/2023

Episode 61: A Practical Guide to Bone Stress Injuries In today’s episode, Chris and Nathan discuss how we got into teaching continuing education and the need for seasonality in training and life. Then Chris puts Nathan on the hot seat to answer common questions about BSIs. Be sure to check out the studies they site below. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/28430705

Episode 60: The Flavors of Patella Tendinopathy 08/18/2023

Episode 60: The Flavors of Patella Tendinopathy Welcome back to the Runners Zone Podcast! In this episode Chris and Nathan break down the fundamentals of patella tendinopathy. They discuss key considerations around subjective testing, objective examination, exercise prescription, return to run progression, and strength training considerations. They break down three case studies on how these cases can present very differently. Bones, Tendons, Weights, and Whistles Nashville - If you are looking to up your game at managing running-related injuries come join Chris and Nathan in Nashville, Tennessee on September 30th and October 1st. This two day course is designed to help you master the management of bone stress injuries and tendon disorders. We cover developing trust with patients, running through subjective and object examinations, optimal exercise prescription and how to develop long term return to run plans. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend in Nashville at Wolf PT in September. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/27781227

Episode 59: How Do You Measure Professional Progress? 08/01/2023

Episode 59: How Do You Measure Professional Progress? Hey and welcome back to The Runners Zone Podcast. I’m Nathan Carlson. Today, Chris and I discussed how we measure professional progress. We discuss how this has evolved from new grads to business owners. Chris and I will be bringing BTWW to Nashville, Tennessess at Wolfe Pt this Septemeber 30th-October 1st. We are pumped to share how we approach managing running related injuries from tendon related disorders to BSIs. Over the weekend, we cover running an effective subjective exam, performing a thorough orthopedic assessment, conducting functional testing and gait analysis and developing specific exercise and training plans for individual patients. We cover a lot of science, but at the end of the day this course is all about practical application to real life runners. To learn more and sign up check out the link below. BTWW Nashville - /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/27615261

Episode 58: Developing Running Plans for Patients and Clients 07/14/2023

Episode 58: Developing Running Plans for Patients and Clients In today's episode, Chris and I discuss how we approach designing running plans for our patients getting back to training and competition and how we coach athletes for performance and longevity. We discuss practical case examples and the need for open/honest communication, how to balancing work and life with training. Finally, we discuss how we approach running returning from bone and tendon injuries of the hip, knee, and foot. Chris and I are excited to announce we are taking our BTWW course to Nashville, Tennessee, on 9/30-10/1. This is a two day, in-person course designed to sharpen your clinical skills working with runners. We cover fundamental sciences of bone and tendon injuries, running a targeted orthopaedic exam, exercise progression, and developing return to run plans. And this course is heavy on practical application. It’s all about how you apply key ideas to actual runners. To learn more, check out the link below. Chris recently launched a new offering, “Run With Chris' is a subscription-based program designed specifically for recreational distance runners. Take the guesswork out of your programming with weekly running workouts and drills programmed by Chris. To learn more about Run with Chris, be sure to visit the link below! BTWW Nashville Run with Chris /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/27459171

Episode 57: You Graduated PT School...Now What? 05/30/2023

Episode 57: You Graduated PT School...Now What? In today’s episode, Chris and I explain how to navigate your PT career as a new grad. We cover the mentors and experiences that have shaped our professional careers and try to pull out some key ideas for new grads just starting their careers. If you have enjoyed The Runners Zone Podcast, we'd love it if you gave us a review and shared it with a friend! /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/26980431

Episode 56: Luke Nelson on The Calf Muscle Complex 03/09/2023

Episode 56: Luke Nelson on The Calf Muscle Complex In this episode, Nathan and Chris sat down with chiropractor Luke Nelson. Luke has 20 years of experience working with runners and endurance athletes and has a particular interest in the calf muscle complex. He breaks how to assess calf and foot strength and how that . He also speaks to the importance of how to apply that data to the unique patient in front of you. To learn more about Luke, be sure to give him a follow IG and check out his online course for managing running related injuries below. Luke's IG: Luke’s Courses: If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you gave us a review! /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/26165451

Episode 55: Myths, Meniscus Tears, & Managing Knee Pain 02/21/2023

Episode 55: Myths, Meniscus Tears, & Managing Knee Pain In this episode, Chris and Nathan break down intra-articular pain. They cover runners dealing with Meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries breaking down the essentials to a quality examination. The dissect important misconceptions about what to do and not do with these injuries. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you gave us review! /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/25985505

Episode 54: Getting a Grip on Your Hip - Pain, Pathology, & Programming 02/07/2023

Episode 54: Getting a Grip on Your Hip - Pain, Pathology, & Programming In this episode, Chris and Nathan dive into everything you need to know about your hip and running. They cover how they've changed their views on the runner's hip, managing hip pain, key assessments to understand, programming principles to improve hip strength. Be sure to check out the show resources and articles below! Research Articles - Exercise Video Links /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/25848072

Episode 53: Maybe Runners Shouldn't Lift? 01/12/2023

Episode 53: Maybe Runners Shouldn't Lift? Hey welcome back to the RZ podcast. On this episode, Chris and Nathan dive into why some runners shouldn’t lift weights. Be sure to check out the references and useful links from the podcast below! Strength and Conditioning for Runners Effects of Strength Training on Running Performance Ko study Yamaguchi study Dorn study Iversen study Nathan Newsletter Chris Newsletter /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/25575495

Episode 52: Handling Complex Stress Fractures 10/24/2022

Episode 52: Handling Complex Stress Fractures In this epsiode, Nathan and Chris break down the current state of injuries and triathlong, expected timelines for racing after a stress fracture, and how "life loads" are often more important than "training loads". RunWell is a website to help runners run with more confidence and less pain by providing actionable guides, timeless training plans, and always-available support from expert coaches and physical therapists through an engaged and supportive online community. Check out and access lifetime membership today. As a token of appreciation for being a listener and supporter of our podcast, plug in "rw10" to save 10% off. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/24781299

Episode 51: Greg Lehman 09/15/2022

Episode 51: Greg Lehman In this episode, Chris sat down with Greg Lehman. Greg is a chiropractor and physiotherapist based out of Canada. Greg is extensively published in the literature on manual therapy and exercise biomechanics. In his clinical and teaching roles, he blends the fields of biomechanics, pain science, and psychology to help active individuals with injury management and prevention. They dive into how to manage osteoarthritis, the importance of staying active when dealing with an injury, and the need for variability in movement throughout life. Greg’s Online Course Greg’s Course Live Course Calendar Check out Greg’s Website and free pain guidebook /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/24374268

Episode 50: Coach Chris Gannon 08/25/2022

Episode 50: Coach Chris Gannon In this episode, Nathan sat down with Creighton Cross Country and Track Coach Chris Gannon. Coach Gannon talks about navigating collegiate running, the recruiting process, how to coach athletes that have to compete for nine months a year, what success looks like, and how we can be better advocates for our athlete's mental health and well-being. If you have enjoyed the Runners Zone Podcast, Chris Johnson and I would love it if you signed up for our monthly newsletters. We cover wide range of topics from running related injuries, performance enhancement, entrepreneurship, and life. That's the easiest way to stay up to date on all our courses, products, podcast episodes, and other content. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/24153123

Episode 49: Having Difficult Conversations 07/27/2022

Episode 49: Having Difficult Conversations In this episode, Nathan and Chris discuss the need to have difficult conversations with patients and athletes. They explore the college recruiting process, navigating challenging coaching and life situations, and discuss how to set patients up for long-term success. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/23866023

Episode 48: Dr. Michelle Barrack 07/08/2022

Episode 48: Dr. Michelle Barrack Dr. Michelle Barrack is a registered dietitian and associate professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at California State University at Long Beach. She is the President of the Athlete Triad Coalition and a world-renowned researcher on the topics of the Male and Female Athlete Triad, bone density in endurance athletes, and youth endurance sports. To learn more about Dr. Barrack be sure to follow her on social media and the athlete triad coalition website at the links below. University Bio: Dr. Barrack’s IG: The Athlete Triad IG: The Male Athlete Triad Consensus Paper Part I: The Male Athlete Triad Consensus Paper Part II: /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/23649458

Episode 47: Linda Steinhardt 06/10/2022

Episode 47: Linda Steinhardt Linda Steinhardt is a registered dietitian based out of Denver Colorado. In this episode, Linda talks about her research on athletes' perception of body comp testing and the negative experiences that are quite common. Linda also shares her thoughts on what we can do to better utilize testing with athletes without jeopardizing their mental and physical health. To learn more about Linda, be sure to visit her Instagram . I’m excited to announce the release of my new resource, “ A Guidebook to Navigating Running After a Stress Fracture”. This guidebook is a combination of my last decade of clinical practice working with hundreds of runners and the current best literature on these injuries. To learn more, and pick up your copy visit the link . /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/23352254

Episode 46: How We Approach Social Media 04/27/2022

Episode 46: How We Approach Social Media In this episode, Chris and Nathan discuss their history and current approach to social media. They cover the challenges young clinicians and entrepreneurs face and some tips for navigating the social media landscape. Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/22924178

Episode 45: Todd Hargrove 04/01/2022

Episode 45: Todd Hargrove In this episode, Chris sat down with Todd Hargrove. Todd is a Feldenkrais practitioner and author of A Guide to Better Movement and Playing with Movement. Todd discusses determining good vs. bad movement, the role anatomy plays in how we move, encouraging movement and variability during development, and how pain impacts how we move. Check out Todd’s writing on Substack and pick up a copy of his books below. Chris and I are excited to announce our Spring 2022 Virtual Bones, Tendons, Weights, and Whistles Course. We're pumped that our good friend Rebecca McConville will join us in teaching this three-day course. The course covers everything you need to know when working with runners. To learn more, and sign up, check out the link below. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/22637084

Episode 44: Culture, Coaches, and Negative Positivity 02/25/2022

Episode 44: Culture, Coaches, and Negative Positivity Nathan and Chris discuss the recent podcast with Anna Mae Flynn. They touch on how positive feedback can be detrimental, the crucial role of team culture on collegiate runners' experience, the challenges college coaches face, and how positive messages can make us feel worse. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/22242695

Episode 43: Michaela Parisi 02/10/2022

Episode 43: Michaela Parisi Today, I chat with runner, educator, coach, and PhD student Michaela Parisi. We go through her early days of running, her experience with an eating disorder, navigating post-collegiate marathon training, and how her experiences shape how she coaches high school runners and swimmers. Michaela shares her nuanced opinion of perfectionism and social media and a bunch of other topics. Be sure to check her out below. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/22080566

Episode 42: Anna Mae Flynn 01/24/2022

Episode 42: Anna Mae Flynn In this episode, Nathan sat down with Anna Mae Flynn. Anna Mae is a professional trail runner and coach based out of California. She discusses her experience developing as a runner, navigating the challenges of college running, and how training in a negative environment negative training environment influences how she coaches. To learn more about Anna Mae, check out her website and social media accounts below. Website: https://www.mountainendurancelife.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/annamaeflynn/ /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/21851402

Episode 41: Tom O'Brien 01/03/2022

Episode 41: Tom O'Brien Tom O'Brien is a director, writer, and acting coach. He discusses growth, creativity, running as an escape, being in your body versus your mind, and the importance of visualization. Check out Tom's website below! /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/21648140

Episode 40: Adversity, Communication, & Sherpas 12/20/2021

Episode 40: Adversity, Communication, & Sherpas Hey and welcome back to the Runners Zone Podcast. In this episode, Chris and I recap a lot of the themes from our last episode with Lindsey Plass. We discuss the challenges of being a rehab professional and having difficulties managing your own pain, the need for having “sherpas” in your life, and how easily we can positively or negatively impact others with the messages we send. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/21543179

Episode 39: Lindsey Plass 12/02/2021

Episode 39: Lindsey Plass In this episode, Chris sat down with Lindsey Plass. Lindsey is an expert in all things related to the hip. They discuss her struggle with a labral tear and FAI as an athlete. They also go over her work with patients dealing with hip pain. /episode/index/show/runnerszone/id/21342185

The Runners Zone

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