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    Tread Lightly Running Podcast

    Tread Lightly Running Podcast

    About

    The Tread Lightly Running Podcast provides data-driven, evidence-based running advice in a practical, accessible, and inclusive manner. . You'll learn about how to run faster, marathon training, the latest fueling science, how to prevent running injury, and more. Tread Lightly Running Podcast is co-hosted by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Together, they have over 20 years of coaching experience and have helped thousands of runners reach their goals through 1:1 coaching and group training. They've appeared in Runner's World, SELF, NPR, Outside, and other major media.

    Hosted By

    Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris

    The Science of Hitting the Wall (And How to Avoid It)

    The Science of Hitting the Wall (And How to Avoid It)

    January 31, 2026
    37m

    Hitting the wall is dreaded amongst all marathoners – but it doesn’t have to be an inevitable experience. This episode delves into the research and statistics of hitting the wall in the marathon. Then, we provide you with a clear, practical guide of how to train, pace, and fuel so you can avoid hitting the wall.

    ✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts starting in December, when we’ll be releasing special subscriber-only content!

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    ✅ What does hitting the wall feel like?

    ✅ What role does glycogen play in hitting the wall (or avoiding it)?

    ✅ Pacing strategies to avoid hitting the wall

    ✅ Why carb loading matters

    ✅ How training can be protective against hitting the wall

    ✅ Does dehydration cause you to hit the wall?

    ✅ What to do if you hit the wall

    If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

    🎧 How to PR in the Marathon (19 Feb 2025)

    🎧 How to Not Slow Down in Your Next Marathon (26 Jan 2024)

    🎧 What to Eat Before a Race (23 June 2023)

    🎧 What You Really Need to Know about Fueling Your Runs (28 Nov 2025)

    References

    🔬PMID: 32216656

    🔬PMID: 41179514

    🔬PMID: 40531717

    🔬PMID: 35565153

    🔬PMID: 39200635

    🔬PMID: 34010308

    Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

    Let’s stay connected:

    ➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

    ➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

    ➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/

    ➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

    ➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

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