297. Stronger Strides: 6 Recovery Tips That Actually Work for Half Marathon Runners with Dr. Duane Scotti, PT, PhD, DPT

[Download] Half Marathon Training Kickstart Kit: Start Strong and Stay Injury Free!   Still feeling sore, tired, and beat up after your runs? It's probably not your training… It's your recovery. Most runners think recovery means stretching or foam rolling… But real recovery is what allows your body to adapt, get stronger, and stay injury free. 👉🏼 Training is the stimulus 👉🏼 Recovery is where adaptation happens Miss this… and you don't get fitter — you just get more fatigued. 🎯 In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✔️ Why you're still sore after long runs ✔️ How many rest days you actually need ✔️ The most powerful recovery tool you're probably missing ✔️ Simple strategies to feel better and train consistently Download the Recovery Blueprint: https://learn.sparkhealthyrunner.com/recovery Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Strength Training Here Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Follow Through Here Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Training for Beginners Here Listen to my previous episode on determining if you are ready to run your first half marathon here! 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!   Want Structured Support? Inside the Healthy Runner Academy, you get: - Stage-based strength plans - Run programming that matches your life - Expert coaching guidance - A supportive community of runners training smart Learn more and join the waitlist here!   A big thanks to Naboso for your support for this episode! Want to know how I prioritize foot recovery?  Neuro ball, recovery socks, and toe splays from Naboso! Also, the 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 - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website

If you're a female runner and lately running feels harder than it used to, you're not alone. More fatigue. Slower pace. Longer recovery. Sleep disruption. Changes in body composition. For many women, these shifts begin during perimenopause, a stage that can start earlier than most runners realize. The problem is that most training plans never account for these hormonal changes, leaving many runners feeling frustrated and wondering if their best running days are behind them. The good news is they are not. In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti sits down with our newest addition to the Spark Healthy Runner team, Coach Emily to demystify running through perimenopause.  Emily Fox is a UESCA Certified Running Coach, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, yoga instructor, marathoner, and mom who is passionate about helping women stay strong, injury free, and confident through every season of life. Together we break down what female runners need to understand about training during perimenopause and how to adapt your training so you can continue progressing, feeling strong, and chasing big goals. In this episode, we discuss: - What perimenopause is and when female runners may begin noticing changes - Common symptoms runners experience such as fatigue, slower pace, and longer recovery - Why strength training becomes even more important during this stage - How protein, nutrition, and recovery influence performance - How to balance training, career, family, and self care during this busy season of life - Why your best running may still be ahead of you with the right training approach Perimenopause does not mean your running has to decline. With the right strength training, smart programming, and support, many women continue to run strong and even set new personal records.   Listen to my previous episode on running through menopause here! Listen to my previous episode on weighted vest training for runners here! Listen to my previous episode on how older runners can still get faster here! Listen to my previous episode on 5 recovery essentials ever runner over 40 needs here!   There are six steps to growing in your running journey so you can enjoy it and stay healthy!  Learn them here! Looking for 1-on-1 guidance, structure, support, and accountability?  Check out our signature Spark Healthy Runner Coaching here!   A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode! Want to know what we recommend to our athletes during hard marathon training?  We use EDGE Energy Gels from UCAN for those long runs!  Fuel smarter during a run with the best no sugar energy gel on the market delivering up to 75+ minutes of steady energy to power your best running performance. Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your entire UCAN order!    Connect with Coach Emily: - Instagram: @emfox87 - 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 - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website

[Download] The Ultimate Achilles Guide for Runners  If you've been told the only way to fix Achilles tendonitis is to stop running… this episode might completely change how you think about healing. One of the biggest myths in the running world is that you can't run with Achilles pain. But in most cases, total rest doesn't build a stronger tendon, it actually reduces its load tolerance and keeps you stuck in the frustrating start-stop injury cycle. In this episode, I break down: - Why total rest can make Achilles tendinopathy worse - The real reason your pain keeps coming back - The 3 signs it's SAFE to run with Achilles pain - The difference between insertional vs midportion Achilles tendinopathy - How to modify running without making your symptoms worse - The exact strengthening principles that rebuild tendon capacity - When you actually SHOULD stop running You'll also hear real runner success stories from inside our Healthy Runner community who went from fearing their running days were over… to rebuilding strength and returning to racing pain free. If you're wondering: Can I run with Achilles tendonitis? Is it safe to run with Achilles pain? How do I heal without completely shutting it down? This episode gives you the clarity and structure you need. Because tendons don't heal from avoidance. They heal from smart, progressive loading. 🎁 Download my free Achilles guide here! If you're ready for structured strength plans, progressive return-to-run programming, and coaching support so you're not guessing week to week, join the Healthy Runner Academy waitlist  Return to Running Program without Achilles Pain here Listen to my previous episode answering the most common achilles questions answered here! Listen to my previous episode on insertional achilles tendinopathy treatment here! Listen to my previous episode on the Best Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis Listen to my previous episode on Running Again After Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Surgery with Tina Muir Listen to my previous episode with Lisa who overcame achilles tendonitis to run double digit long runs for the first time in her life! Learn how to get rid of achilles pain to run pain free in 5 minutes!   Want to work with Dr. Duane as your running physical therapist and coach with structured achilles rehab, strength, nutrition, and a run plan with full support and accountability to overcome your achilles tendonitis and keep it from coming back again? Book a call and learn more about Healthy Runner coaching here  Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website

[Download] Half Marathon Training Kickstart Kit: Start Strong and Stay Injury Free! What's the real goal of half marathon training? It's not pace. It's not mileage. It's preventing breakdown. Because if you're injured heading into race day… you won't hit your goals. In this episode, Dr. Duane Scotti breaks down why strength training is the most misunderstood and most powerful tool in half marathon training. You'll learn: ✅ Why 7 out of 10 half marathon runners get injured ✅ How strength training increases durability and prevents common running injuries ✅ The simple weekly strength structure that works for busy runners ✅ How strength improves running efficiency (so pace feels easier) ✅ Why strength training helps you finish strong on race day Dr. Duane also shares a real runner success story showing how the right strength system helped an athlete handle hills, stay consistent, and conquer race day feeling strong. If you've been skipping strength training… or doing random workouts that don't match your running… this episode will give you clarity and a plan.   Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Follow Through Here Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Training for Beginners Here Listen to my previous episode on determining if you are ready to run your first half marathon here! 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!   Want Structured Support? Inside the Healthy Runner Academy, you get: - Stage-based strength plans - Run programming that matches your life - Expert coaching guidance - A supportive community of runners training smart Learn more and join the waitlist here!   Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website  

[Download] The Ultimate Recovery Guide for Runners 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 categories women runners need (heavy compound, unilateral, and stability work) - Simple tests to know if you are truly ready to return to running - Red flags that mean you are progressing too fast   If you are stuck in the cycle of resting, returning, and re-injuring your hip, this episode will give you a clearer, smarter path forward so you can rebuild strength, run with confidence, and stay healthy for the long run. Grab Sarah's free Empowered Runners Checklist   Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free? The Healthy Runner Academy gives you a proven system to stay consistent, prevent injuries, and build strength with expert coaching and a supportive running community. Join the waitlist to be first in line when doors open (only 3x/year) and get a special bonus.   Related Resources: Listen to my previous episode with Gretchen to learn how she got over her hip pain here! Listen to my previous episode on 4 essential hip mobility exercises for tight hips here! Listen to my previous episode on the secret to stronger hips revealed here! Listen to my previous episode on injury prevention for marathon training here!   Sign up for Free Healthy Runner Newsletter here! ➡︎ https://sparkhealthyrunner.com/newsletter/   A big thanks to the Amino Company for your support for this episode! If you have heard from any of the runners who I help with stubborn PHT, I always recommend they supplement our training with HEAL from the Amino Company. Heal is an amino acid, whey and creatine based formulation designed to reduce recovery times and improve physical function after injuries by accelerating muscle repair while helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 30% off your entire Amino Company order!    Connect with Dr. Sarah: Instagram & Threads: @thehipdocsarah Website: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/ Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Sarah_TheHipDoc Legacy Running Podcast on Apple Legacy Running Podcast on Spotify   Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website

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 four races - The biggest mistakes runners make during RunDisney Marathon Weekend - And what actually allows runners to finish strong instead of just surviving You will also hear stories from runners in our community who conquered all 48.6 miles and experienced what is possible when you stop guessing and start training with structure. If you are training for RunDisney Marathon Weekend, the Dopey Challenge, or simply want to run long term without constantly worrying about injuries, this episode will give you a clear blueprint for how to approach big goals with confidence. Grab your FREE RunDisney Marathon Training Guide Here!  Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free? 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 to my previous episode on 6 Steps to Mastering runDisney Training Listen to my previous episode on How to Prepare for RunDisney Marathon Weekend: 7 Race Week Essentials for Dopey Challenge Runners Listen to my previous episode on my 2024 Disney Marathon Weekend Recap Conquering the Dopey Challenge Listen to my previous episode on what to do after you sign up for the Dopey challenge  Watch how Sonya overcame her fears to finish her first marathon in Disney by getting stronger not only physically but mentally here!  Watch how Dipti went from chronic shin splints for over a year to running the Disney Dopey Challenge in 6 months here! Watch how Stephanie went from IT band pain with every long run to conquering the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge here!     A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode! Want to know what we recommend to our athletes during hard marathon training?  We use EDGE Energy Gels from UCAN for those long runs!    Fuel smarter during a run with the best no sugar energy gel on the market delivering up to 75+ minutes of steady energy to power your best running performance.   Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your entire UCAN order!    Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music

Join The Half Marathon Follow-Through Formula (FREE 4-Day Challenge) 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 consistent when life gets busy.  Inside the episode, you'll discover: - Why most half marathon training plans fail - The 5 biggest mistakes that cause runners to fall off - How to build a realistic weekly training schedule - Why strength and recovery are essential for consistency - How to adjust training without quitting when setbacks happen Duane also shares a real runner success story and invites you to join a free 4-Day Challenge, The Half Marathon Follow-Through Formula, designed to help you stop feeling stuck and finish strong in 2026. If you want to stop starting over and finally follow through on your half marathon goals, this episode is for you.   🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward making 2026 different.   [Download] Half Marathon Training Kickstart Kit: Start Strong and Stay Injury Free!   Join the Waitlist and learn more about Half Marathon Group Coaching Here   Listen to my previous episode on Half Marathon Training for Beginners Here   Listen to my previous episode on determining if you are ready to run your first half marathon here!   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!   Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free?   The Healthy Runner Academy gives you a proven system to stay consistent, prevent injuries, and build strength with expert coaching and a supportive running community.   Join the waitlist to be first in line when doors open (only 3x/year) and get a special bonus.   A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode!   Want to know what we recommend to our athletes during hard marathon training?  We use EDGE Energy Gels from UCAN for those long runs!    Fuel smarter during a run with the best no sugar energy gel on the market delivering up to 75+ minutes of steady energy to power your best running performance.   Click here and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your entire UCAN order!  Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website

Download the Ultimate Marathon Race Ready Guide Here! 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 ready to conquer Marathon Weekend the smart way. ✅ Subscribe for more marathon training tips, injury prevention, and smarter strength strategies. Grab your FREE RunDisney Race Ready Checklist Here!  Want Dr. Duane to answer your question on the podcast?  Submit questions here Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free? 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 to my previous episode on 6 Steps to Mastering runDisney Training Listen to my previous episode on my Disney Marathon Weekend Recap Conquering the Dopey Challenge Listen to my previous episode on what to do after you sign up for the Dopey challenge  Listen to my previous episode with Jeff Galloway on how to implement the run walk run method for Disney training Listen to my previous episode on marathon strength training guide: run stronger with these 3 essentials here! Watch how Sonya overcame her fears to finish her first marathon in Disney by getting stronger not only physically but mentally here!  Watch how Dipti went from chronic shin splints for over a year to running the Disney Dopey Challenge in 6 months here! Watch how Stephanie went from IT band pain with every long run to conquering the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge here!     A big thanks to Naboso for your support for this episode! Want to know how I prioritize achilles and foot health to prevent & heal achilles tendonitis?  Kinesis board and toe splays from Naboso! Naboso's product, the 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 - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music  

Join the waitlist for Healthy Runner Academy Here!   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 day results are never just about fitness. mindset, strategy, focus, and adaptability all play a huge role once the marathon gets real.   Whether you are shooting for a PR or simply trying to run your next marathon feeling strong, this recap gives you the real behind the scenes (not just the highlight reel).   ✅ Subscribe for more marathon training tips, injury prevention, and smarter strength strategies.   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 to run stronger, faster, and injury-free? 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 to my previous episode on the race day mistake most runners don't see coming here! Listen to my previous episode on 7 lessons learned from not running for 42 days here! Download THE Ultimate Guide to Running Healthy without Achilles Pain Listen to my previous episode on marathon strength training guide: run stronger with these 3 essentials here! Listen to my previous episode race recap running a 23 minute PR at the Cape Cod Marathon here! Listen to my previous episode on conquering 48.6 miles as part of the Dopey Challenge 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 Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Sign up for the Healthy Runner Newsletter - Join our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website  

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 Coach Cat 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 should be cautious before adding extra load - The truth behind "1 pound adds 4 pounds of pressure" on your joints - Safe alternatives to build strength without increasing injury risk - A simple, evidence-based way to strengthen your running body year-round If you've ever wondered whether a weighted vest can take your training to the next level or just add unnecessary stress to your joints, this episode is for you.   🎧 Tune in and discover how to run stronger, faster, and injury-free…no gimmicks required.   There are six steps to growing in your trail running journey so you can enjoy it and stay healthy!  Learn them here!   Want to start running (the right way) without getting injured?  Download our blueprint here!   Get all of coach Cat's previous trainings here!   Follow along with coach Cat's 30-Minute Treadmill workout for runners here!   Listen to our previous episode on 6-Steps to get strong this winter here!   Listen to our previous episode on how to build a solid foundation with base training here!   Want to run stronger, faster, and injury-free? 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!   ⭐️ Winter Strong Body Coaching Here! http://learn.sparkhealthyrunner.com/strong   Sign up for Free Healthy Runner Newsletter here! ➡︎ https://sparkhealthyrunner.com/newsletter/   A big thanks to Naboso for your support for this episode!   Want to know how I prioritize achilles and foot health to prevent & heal achilles tendonitis?  Kinesis board and toe splays from Naboso!   Naboso's product, the 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 Coach Cat: - Email: [email protected] - 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 - [email protected] - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website