CLICK HERE to learn more about the Run Smarter Database 📄🔍

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the fascinating role of Vitamin C in tendon recovery, collagen synthesis, and tendinopathy prevention. Brodie dives into the latest research to examine how Vitamin C-enriched supplements, when combined with exercises, can potentially enhance tendon healing and performance.

He discusses two key studies:
1.) Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis
2.) Effect of Vitamin C on Tendinopathy Recovery: A Scoping Review

The conversation highlights the potential benefits and limitations of Vitamin C in injury recovery, offering practical insights for runners and those dealing with tendon injuries.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vitamin C and Tendon Health: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for tendon repair and recovery. Collagen makes up 60-75% of tendons, making its synthesis critical for both injury recovery and performance enhancement.
2. Research Insights:
   • A 2017 study found that supplementing with Vitamin C-enriched gelatin before intermittent exercise doubled collagen synthesis in participants, suggesting a potential benefit for injury prevention and tissue repair.
   • A scoping review on Vitamin C’s role in tendinopathy recovery shows promising but inconsistent results, particularly when Vitamin C is combined with other nutrients like mucopolysaccharides and type 1 collagen.
3. Practical Application:
   • While there isn’t a definitive recommendation on the optimal dosage or timing of Vitamin C for tendon recovery, the studies suggest considering Vitamin C-enriched supplements, especially for athletes under intense training or those dealing with tendinopathies.
   • Other factors like proper nutrition, rest, and reducing alcohol intake are also critical for maximizing tendon recovery.

Why Listen? Whether you're recovering from an injury or looking to optimize your tendon health for peak performance, this episode offers valuable insights. With research-backed information and practical advice, Brodie simplifies the complex science behind tendon recovery and how you can potentially leverage Vitamin C for faster recovery and stronger tendons.

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Run Smarter Database 📄🔍

Papers discussed on today's episode:

Paper 1: Foot Posture and Ankle Dorsiflexion as Risk Factors for Developing Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis: A Case-Control Study

Paper 2: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Annual Physical Training Plan for Masters +45 Women Half Marathon Athletes: AGuideline Model for Good Practices for Programming Effort Volume and Intensity

Paper 3: Acute effects of the short-foot exercise in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome: A quasi-experimental study

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Summary: In this episode, we dive into a 2023 study that examines the relationship between carbon fiber plate footwear and bone stress injuries in runners. The research is an opinion article, backed by case studies and observations, highlighting potential biomechanical shifts and injury risks that may come with these advanced shoes. We break down the mechanics of carbon fiber shoes, how they work, and their impact on running performance. We also explore five case studies of athletes who developed navicular bone stress injuries while using these shoes, providing valuable insights into the risks, symptoms, and management strategies.

Key Takeaways for Recreational Runners:

1. Carbon Fiber Shoes: Performance Benefits and Misconceptions – Carbon fiber shoes act as a lever, not a spring. While they enhance running performance by providing a more efficient propulsion, their benefits are closely tied to both the carbon plate and the high-tech foam used in the midsole.
2. Biomechanical Changes – Runners using carbon fiber shoes experience changes in biomechanics, such as reduced cadence, longer strides, and increased flight time. These changes could potentially increase the risk of injury, particularly in the foot and ankle.
3. Injury Risks – Bone stress injuries, particularly in the navicular bone, may occur due to the altered distribution of forces in the foot. Athletes in the study experienced symptoms like midfoot pain and swelling after using carbon fiber shoes, leading to long recovery times and, in some cases, surgery.
4. Case Studies – Five detailed case studies offer real-world examples of how runners were affected by bone stress injuries after using carbon fiber shoes. These cases emphasize the importance of symptom awareness, early diagnosis, and gradual rehabilitation.
5. Careful Transition to Carbon Fiber Shoes – Runners should avoid making abrupt transitions into carbon fiber shoes. It’s essential to gradually introduce these shoes into your training routine, starting with slower runs before incorporating speed workouts or races. Failure to do so can lead to severe bone stress injuries, as seen in the case studies.
6. Monitoring Symptoms – Keep an eye out for midfoot pain, especially around the navicular bone. If you experience persistent pain or swelling, seek medical advice and consider getting an MRI or CT scan early to prevent a prolonged recovery process.

This episode provides essential insights for any runner considering carbon fiber footwear, especially those concerned about injury risks and recovery strategies.

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Today's Episode Question:

Question 1:

I was also caring for my mom - she died earlier this year and the profound grief turned into depression/anxiety and has left me with chronic fatigue. I haven't been able to run in 20 months and I've been doing it my whole life. How does one run when dealing with clinical depression/anxiety when the fatigue is too much?

Question 2:
When is the best time to incorporate single leg exercises? Is it year-round or during a certain phase of training? How should this be balanced with exercises that use both legs?

Question 3:
I’ve run two marathons and started carb loading 2 days prior to marathon day. I’m generally a healthy eater and I really struggle with consuming the suggested 10grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight before the event, given that my carb loading diet is made up of things that I don’t like eating, ie white bread, white rice and sports drinks. I previously fuelled well throughout my 2 marathons and luckily haven’t experienced hitting the wall yet. I’ve entered Queenstown marathon in November and am considering not carb loading as a kind of experiment and just making sure I fuel and hydrate well throughout the race. What do you think of this?

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Today's Episode Question:

Question 1:
How should you go about planning running volume for the off-season?
Is there a certain percentage of reduction that's recommended?
How do you ensure you have enough base mileage at the end of the off-season to pick up the next training cycle?

Question 2:
I don't have a great strength training setup. The offseason is coming up for me in late November and I want to do more/better strength training.
What equipment would you recommend for effective strength training?

Question 3:
Why is stress a factor that affects performance and recovery?
Sometimes stress can be good and motivate us to run more, but other times it can make us more vulnerable to injuries.

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

Alice Sanvito is a massage therapist trained in trigger point massage, remedial and sports massage. After several years of practising & lecturing the concepts she learnt, she began challenging her own beliefs and following the science.

Today we cover:
Are there benefits to promoting blood circulation, and removing lactic acid?
Does massage help with muscle lengthening & knots?
What is the mechanism behind trigger point therapy?
What traps should runners avoid when injured?
When is there a place for a runner to receive massage therapy?

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

Papers discussed in today's episode:

Paper 1: Cadence matters: Influence of cadence on spinal load during running
Paper 2: Is There a Pathologic Running Motion Associated with Running-Related Injuries? A Methodological Study Using a Motion Analysis System without Sensors
Paper 3: The Prevalence of Stress Fractures and the Associated LEAF-Q Responses, Self-Reported Exercise Volume and Dietary Behaviors in Female Recreational Runners

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!

The Best Caffeine Strategy to Run Faster with David Hellard

🚀 Get 20% OFF Caffeine Bullet Chews HERE
💥 Use Code: RUNSMARTER to claim this offer! 🎯⚡

Guest Bio:
David Hellard is a passionate endurance runner, entrepreneur, and podcast host. He is the founder of Caffeine Bullet, a business that specializes in caffeine chews designed for athletic performance. David has also competed in various ultra-marathons, including the Marathon des Sables, and was the face of the Golden Trail World Series. He’s also the host of the popular podcast, Bad Boy Running, where he shares stories of running adventures rather than focusing solely on performance improvement. He successfully pitched his company on Dragons’ Den and secured investment from well-known entrepreneurs.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Brodie Sharpe chats with David Hellard about the science behind caffeine as a performance-enhancing supplement for runners. The discussion dives deep into how caffeine can benefit runners of all levels, from improving endurance to boosting mental alertness. They explore the optimal dosages, timing, and forms of caffeine, as well as the variability in how individuals respond to it based on genetics. The episode is packed with actionable insights for runners looking to enhance their performance through caffeine without sacrificing sleep or gut health. David also shares how his product, Caffeine Bullet, was developed and offers listeners a special discount.

Key Takeaways for Recreational Runners:

1. Caffeine as a Performance Booster:
   • Caffeine can enhance endurance by up to 8% by sparing glycogen stores and releasing fat as an energy source.
   • It can reduce the perception of pain and fatigue, helping runners push through tough sections of a race.
2. Personalized Response to Caffeine:
   • About 50% of people are "super responders" to caffeine, while 8% may see no benefit. It's important to test caffeine use in training before relying on it during a race.
   • Genetics play a large role in how quickly you metabolize caffeine. Brodie discusses his own genetic predisposition as a fast metabolizer.
3. Optimal Dosage and Timing:
   • The ideal caffeine dose is between 3-6 mg per kg of body weight. For a 75kg person, that’s about 225-450 mg.
   • For longer races, take caffeine when you start to tire, often around mile 18-22 for marathoners. In shorter races, it can be taken pre-race or early in the race to get an additional mental boost.
4. Choosing Caffeine Sources:
   • Caffeine can be consumed via chews, gels, coffee, or gum, but chews like Caffeine Bullet are absorbed faster, making them more effective for mid-race boosts.
   • Uncoupling caffeine from carbohydrate intake can allow for more flexibility in timing, particularly if gels are your primary source.
5. Considerations and Potential Drawbacks:
   • Caffeine can increase heart rate, making it important to monitor if you're using heart rate data during training or racing.
   • Gut sensitivity to caffeine varies; testing its impact in training is crucial to avoid gastrointestinal distress during a race.
   • Overuse can lead to disrupted sleep and reduced training benefits, so it’s essential to manage daily caffeine intake.
6. Practical Advice for Testing Caffeine in Training:
   • Experiment during training runs to find out what timing and dosage work best for you.
   • If you’ve been relying on caffeine regularly, consider cutting back to restore sensitivity and improve race-day effectiveness.

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

Get Access to Brodie's Running Research Database!