The Stronger Stride Podcast

275. Can Music Make You Run Better? The Science of Pre-Task Music
Can the right song actually improve your running performance? 🎧
In this episode, we dive into the science behind pre-task music and its impact on exercise performance, breaking down a systematic review of 30 controlled studies.
We explore how listening to music before exercise can influence motivation, arousal, mood, perceived effort, and ultimately performance. We also look at what makes an effective pre-run playlist; from tempo and volume to one of the most important factors: choosing music you actually enjoy.
We cover:
What the research says about music and exercise performance

How pre-task music can influence motivation, arousal, and perceived exertion

Whether music can actually help you produce more power and effort

How to use music strategically before training or racing

So, should you be building a pre-run playlist?
If you’re looking for another tool to help you get the most out of your training, this episode is worth a listen.
REFERENCES:
Primary source: Delleli, S., Ouergui, I., Ballmann, C.G., Messaoudi, H., Trabelsi, K., Ardigò, L.P., & Chtourou, H. (2023). The effects of pre-task music on exercise performance and associated psycho-physiological responses: a systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis of controlled studies. Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1293783.
Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠
YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: ⁠15% off Tailwind Nutrition⁠
STRONGERSTRIDE: ⁠15% off Vivobarefoot shoes⁠
STRONGER15: ⁠15% off Skorcha Sunscreen⁠
Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

In this episode, sports dietitian Matty Hart shares insights on nutrition strategies for athletes, the importance of personalised plans, and how to navigate the vast and often confusing world of nutrition information.

We explore practical tips for fueling, hydration, and understanding when to seek professional advice.

In this episode, Matty shares expert insights on nutrition strategies for endurance athletes, including fueling during long runs, gut adaptation, and body composition considerations. Perfect for runners and coaches looking to optimize performance and health.

Get in contact with Matt Hart:
Instagram - @hart.nutrition
Book in a telehealth appointment with Matt - here
Email - matt@hartnutrition.com

Thank you to ASICS for supporting this episode.

It's been one year since I found out I had a grade 3 (right leg) and grade 2 (left leg) bone stress injury. Here's an update of what I've learnt since then.
In this episode, I share my personal journey through injury, the importance of nutrition timing, training load management, and mental shifts in my running practice. This episode offers valuable insights for athletes looking to optimise performance and recovery.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sophie’s Injury Journey
01:58 The Role of Training Load and Recovery
03:52 The Importance of Nutrition Timing
06:08 Practical Nutrition Strategies for Runners
08:04 Mental and Emotional Impact of Injury
09:31 Shifts in Running Philosophy and Community
10:30 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Interested in Stronger Stride Coaching? Enquire ⁠here

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠
Our website: ⁠www.strongerstride.com.au⁠

Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

*DISCLAIMER: this episode discusses addiction and mental health concerns. Please skip this episode if these topics are an issue for you.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
National Alcohol and Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015

Thank you to ASICS for supporting this episode. The Kayano 33 it out now!

In this episode, Georgia Weir shares her inspiring journey from battling mental health and addiction to becoming a First Nations leader in the running community. She discusses the healing power of running, overcoming trauma, and how sport can be a tool for empowerment and cultural connection.

We discuss:
​Georgia's personal journey from addiction to recovery
​The role of running in mental health and healing
​Cultural significance of running for First Nations communities
​Challenges faced by Indigenous athletes in mainstream sports
​Strategies for overcoming trauma and building resilience
​The importance of representation and community support in sports

Links:
​Find Georgia here - @georgiaweir83
​Deadly Runners
​We Run Foundation
​Sydney Marathon
​Jenny Valentich, Everything Harder Than Everyone Else - book

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Georgia Weir and her background
00:42 Georgia's journey into running and its impact on her mental health
03:39 The mental challenges of starting running and overcoming self-doubt
05:09 Georgia's childhood, upbringing, and the roots of her trauma
08:08 The link between addiction, trauma, and the healing power of running
12:12 Georgia's recovery from ice addiction and the role of community support
13:04 How running initiated her inward journey and self-awareness
16:18 The importance of love, support, and unconditional acceptance in recovery
19:40 The parallels between addiction and endurance sports
22:24 Managing obsessive tendencies in running and maintaining balance
34:36 The origins and mission of Deadly Runners
37:01 Deadly Runners' programs, community impact, and leadership development
41:10 Barriers faced by First Nations athletes and cultural safety in sports
44:00 Addressing racism and stereotypes in mainstream sporting events
45:02 How non-Indigenous allies can support and learn from First Nations communities
48:52 Navigating conversations about race, trauma, and cultural understanding
50:17 Building trust, respect, and authentic allyship in community engagement

Interested in Stronger Stride Coaching? Enquire here

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠
Our website: ⁠www.strongerstride.com.au⁠

Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

In this episode, Sophie Lane and Lydia Mackay discuss Sophie’s recent experience at Hyrox 2026, comparing solo and doubles performances, and explore the sport's growth, accessibility, and future trends. They also delve into training strategies, the sport's appeal, and its place in the broader fitness industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:51 Sophie Lane's HYROX Journey
05:35 Understanding HYROX: The Competition Explained
11:08 Comparing Past and Present HYROX Experiences
16:37 The Growth of HYROX and Its Popularity
22:31 Accessibility and Longevity of HYROX vs. CrossFit
28:04 The Future of HYROX and Fitness Trends
31:18 Prestige in Sports and Fitness
33:52 The Hybrid Training Trend
37:03 The Future of HYROX and Athletic Performance
46:54 Training Strategies for HYROX Competitor