The Stronger Stride Podcast

230. Running Economy: Why Strength & Plyometrics Matter More Than You ThinkIn this solo episode of The Strongest Stride Podcast, Lydia McKay breaks down one of the most powerful, and often under-utilised, performance tools for runners: strength training and plyometrics.Running economy is one of the biggest determinants of endurance performance, yet many runners still treat strength work as optional or purely for injury prevention. In this episode, Lydia explains what running economy actually is, why even small improvements matter, and how targeted strength and plyometric training can translate into real-world speed gains.Drawing on current research and her own training experience as a physio, runner, and coach, Lydia shares practical, evidence-based strategies you can apply immediately; without adding endless exercises or gym time.We discuss:• What running economy really means (and why it’s so important)• Why a ~2% improvement can significantly impact performance• The role of high-load strength training (>80% 1RM) for runners• How plyometrics and strength training influence speed differently• Why quality, intensity, and rest matter more than volume• How quickly runners can improve economy (hint: weeks, not years)• How to assess whether your current training is actually helpingIf you’re a runner looking to get faster, more efficient, and more resilient, or a clinician/coach wanting clearer guidance on programming; this episode will challenge how you think about strength training.References:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38165636/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389430543_Strength_Training_Improves_Running_Economy_Durability_and_Fatigued_High-Intensity_Performance_in_Well-Trained_Male_Runners_A_Randomized_Control_Trial https://open.spotify.com/episode/2D53R0CGKnyF2WcK5aaeyd?si=A42pmi-ORQGGf7SnJZQw7Q Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ @sophielaneYouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WADiscount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

In this episode of The Stronger Stride Podcast, Sophie discusses how YOU can create your own personalised training program using evidence-based training principles. The conversation briefly covers personal updates, including Sophie's journey back from injury and the importance of cycling as cross-training. The main focus is on the principles of training, including progressive overload, recovery, and specificity, along with practical examples of how to structure a training week and month. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of individualised training plans and setting clear goals for success.Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ @sophielane @lydia_mckay⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition SUPPORT US - Buy me a CoffeeThanks for tuning in! TSSP x

In this episode of the Stronger Stride podcast, hosts Lydia and Sophie reflect on the year 2025, discussing their personal highlights, lowlights, and lessons learned. They share their chosen words for 2025, achievements in training, and the challenges they faced, including injuries and health diagnoses. Looking ahead, they set goals for 2026, emphasising the importance of balance and intentionality in their training and lives.Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ @sophielane @lydia_mckay⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in! TSSP x

227. Will Running Ruin My Knees or Make Them Healthier? (send this to anyone who told you that running is bad for you)Today we dive into one of the most persistent myths in the running world: “Running destroys your knees.”In this episode, Lydia breaks down the latest research on running, joint health, and long-term wellbeing, and the findings might surprise you.Drawing from recent systematic reviews and large population studies, Lydia explains why running does not cause knee or hip osteoarthritis, why recreational runners actually have lower rates of OA, and how even small amounts of running can dramatically improve overall health. From cardiovascular and cancer mortality to mental health and weight management, the evidence is clear: running is one of the most powerful health tools we have.We discuss:Why running doesn’t “wear out” your jointsThe real evidence based reasons why people get osteoarthritisHow little running you actually need for major health benefitsThe link between running, body composition, and metabolic healthMental health impacts: mood, confidence, resilienceWhy challenging the “running is bad for your knees” narrative mattersThe surprising longevity benefits seen in recreational runnersIf you’ve ever been told to avoid running to “save your knees,” or if you work with runners who fear arthritis, this episode will change the conversation. Clear, practical, and grounded in evidence, this is your guide to understanding running as a true health enhancer.References:Luke Nelson Podcast: ⁠https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/episode-1-running-arthritis⁠Papers discussed:⁠https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2017.7137?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub⁠ 0pubmed⁠https://www.fitasaphysio.com/uploads/4/3/3/4/43345381/1-s2.0-s106345842500860x-main.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com⁠⁠https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40798-024-00692-x?utm_source=chatgpt.com⁠Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

In this episode, Sophie Lane discusses the importance of the need for planning recovery and training during the holiday period and strategies for maintaining fitness during the off-season. The conversation also emphasizes setting realistic goals and planning for the new year, as well as the importance of a gradual return to training after a break to prevent injuries.- How to create a holiday training structure that actually works- Setting realistic goals and expectations- Trying something new- Sensibly returning after time offFind us here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@strongerstride⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sophielane⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydia_mckay⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Discount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x