Morning runners will skip a pre-run snack for many reasons: gut comfort, time constraints, or the belief that running fasted will make them faster. For years, fasted running was trendy and even recommended. However, science and training theory evolve, and so we’re here to tell you in 2025: fed is fastest, and that includes during training.

We address some common misconceptions around fasted running. Does fasted cardio make you a better fat burner - and does that even matter for running performance? Are there any downsides to running without carbs in the tank? We dive into the research around fasted running and make practical recommendations. Whether you are running for health or marathon training, you will want to listen to this episode!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Understanding reasons why runners train fasted

• The research behind why fasted running may be holding you back

• Quick and easy-on-the-stomach pre-run snacks

• Is it okay to skip fuel for an easy run?

• Does eating before a run affect training adaptations?

• How to train your gut to tolerate pre-run eating

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

• Hybrid Training as Health Training wiht Dr. Alyssa Olenick (82)

• Is Sugar Bad for Runners? With Cortney Berling, RD, MPH (98)

• What to Eat Before Runs, Recovery Nutrition, and Low Energy Availability (76)

• Ketones, Sodium Bicarb, and Other Supplements for Runners (106)

  
  

This episode is sponsored by Previnex! Previnex creates clinically effective supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Their probiotic provides 30 million CFUS with six bacteria strains - and unlike other brands, their probiotic works! Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com.

References:

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💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

🎙️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend!

👉 Follow us @treadlightlyrunning @runtothefinish and @lauranorrisrunning on Instagram!

Many runners find it difficult to balance their enjoyment of the sport with their goals. We sit down with Laura Green (@lauramcgreen), who has created her brand around the fun side (and poking fun at) running. She chats about finding the balance of fun and competition in your running.

This episode is sponsored by:

• BodyBio: If you are searching for a flavorless electrolyte, consider BodyBio E-lyte! Use code AMANDA BROOKS and follow link to bodybio.com to try E-lyte electrolyte concentrate for your summer hydration needs.

• Tifosi: Follow link https://tifosiopticsinc.pxf.io/c/2475256/2888012/29284 for durable, budget-friendly, no-slip sunglasses!

💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

🎙️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend!

👉 Follow us @treadlightlyrunning @runtothefinish and @lauranorrisrunning on Instagram!

Fatigue resistance - also called durability or physiological resilience - is the ability to not slow down when physiological fatigue sets in. Fatigue resistance is what part of what keeps you from slowing down at the end of your half marathon, marathon, or ultra. We dive into the science of durability, as well as providing practical tips for how to improve your fatigue resistance.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What is fatigue resistance?
• How do you measure durability?
• How much difference does fatigue resistance make in race times?
• How high-carb fueling improves fatigue resistance
• Training interventions to improve durability
• Can supershoes improve fatigue resistance?

This episode is sponsored by Previnex! Previnex creates clinically effective supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Their probiotic provides 30 million CFUS with six bacteria strains - and unlike other brands, their probiotic works! Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

• Strength Training for Performance vs Aesthetics with Coach Montana (ep 109)
• How to PR in the Marathon (ep 104)
• The Applied Science of Long Run Fueling (ep 5)
• How to Pace a Marathon (ep 58)
• Is it Bad to Run in the Grey Zone (ep 48)

References:

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