The Aerobic Edge

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  Iron Deficiency in Runners: And How to Actually Fix It - Dr Alannah McKay 18.09.2026 1t

  Most runners who think they have low iron have never had the right test. And most who supplement for it never needed to.Dr Alannah McKay is a Senior Lecturer at the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, where she studies iron metabolism in athletes. She trained full-time as a ballet dancer from twelve to eighteen and thinks she was iron deficient through most of it — never tested, never treated. Her PhD, done in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport, was awarded the Dean's List honour, and she now works alongside Professor Louise Burke on female athlete physiology.In this episode:What ferritin actually measures, and why a haemoglobin test alone tells you almost nothingThe three stages of iron deficiency — and where you can still interveneWhy the duration of your run matters more than the intensityHepcidin: the hormone that blocks iron absorption for hours after trainingThe thirty-minute window after a run when absorption is bestWhy "100mg" on a supplement bottle is often 20mg of what countsFerrous sulphate vs bisglycinate — and what the evidence actually supportsWhat happens to your iron across a hard training block or at altitudeHome ferritin tests, and why she's not ready to recommend them yetHow often a recreational runner should realistically get screened⚠️ Educational only — not medical advice. Supplementing iron without testing carries real risk, including for people with undiagnosed haemochromatosis. Talk to your doctor before changing anything.Chapters01:00 From ballet to iron research02:00 What iron does in the body05:00 Ferritin, haemoglobin and the three stages08:00 How iron is absorbed — and what blocks it11:30 Who's most at risk16:30 Hepcidin: why training blocks absorption20:00 The window after your run23:30 Low carb, keto and iron25:00 Haem vs non-haem, and vitamin C32:00 Can you have too much iron?34:30 Supplement forms37:00 Symptoms, and why fatigue is a poor signal39:30 How often to get screened40:30 Home ferritin tests43:00 Hard training blocks and altitude47:00 Dosing: elemental iron, timing and alternate days54:00 What she'd study nextFind Dr Alannah McKayLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alannah-mckayACU profile and email: acu.edu.auGoogle Scholar: scholar.google.comBook a free 30-minute callI'm Joost, running coach at Pace Buddies. I coach recreational runners using an aerobic-first approach — building the engine properly before layering speed on top, instead of the other way round.If this episode left you wondering whether something in your own training is holding you back, book a free thirty-minute call. No pitch deck, no pressure. We look at what you're actually doing now, where the gaps are, and whether coaching would help — and if it wouldn't, I'll tell you that.Book your free call at pacebuddies.comThe Aerobic Edge is an evidence-based endurance podcast for recreational runners. New episodes with researchers, coaches and athletes who actually know what they're talking about. Follow the show so you don't miss the next one.Instagram: @pace.buddies
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  You only need 10 grams an hour - Prof Tim Noakes 11.09.2026 1t 6min

  Every fuelling guide tells you to take as many grams per hour as your gut can handle. Prof. Tim Noakes has spent four years arguing the number you actually need is closer to ten.His position is contested. Prof. Louise Burke argues the opposite, and they published a three-part debate against each other in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2026 — her case, his case, and a joint consensus. All linked below.Tim Noakes is emeritus professor at the University of Cape Town, author of Lore of Running, and has been in the field since 1976 as both researcher and runner. His 2026 Endocrine Reviews paper works through 160+ studies to argue that endurance performance is limited by blood glucose and the brain monitoring it, not by muscle glycogen.We go back further than the paper: the day in December 2010 he changed his mind about carbohydrate, what it cost him, his own type 2 diabetes diagnosis despite decades of marathons, and the graph he'd shown hundreds of times without noticing what was in it.Also: what hypoglycemia actually feels like and why it reverses in ten minutes, what "low carb" means in real grams, fat oxidation above 1.5 g/min, industry funding in sports nutrition, and what any of it means at 40 to 50k a week.THE PAPERSEndocrine Reviews review: https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnaf038The 10 g/h triathlete trial: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00583.2024THE BURKE DEBATE (Am J Clin Nutr, May 2026)Burke — Yes: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101268Noakes — No: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101269Joint consensus: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101271Prof. Noakes co-founded Nutrition Network and The Noakes Foundation, both built around low-carbohydrate nutrition — discussed openly in the episode. For information only, not medical advice.ABOUTThe Aerobic Edge is an evidence-based endurance running podcast hosted by Joost, running coach at Pace Buddies. Aerobic-first marathon coaching for recreational runners.Book a free 30 min consultation on: https://pacebuddies.com
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  Deena Kastor: How To Train The Mental Side Of Running 04.09.2026 58min

  There comes a point in a race where it stops being about fitness. Deena Kastor — Olympic marathon bronze medallist and American record holder for nineteen years — is unusually specific about what to do when that moment arrives.We cover where her mental training started under coach Joe Vigil, the hill where she changed the words in her own head, and the practices she kept for decades:a daily gratitude list, and building joy into the sessions she dreaded. She also explains what an easy run is supposed to feel like (her Kenyan teammates called it a massage), how she handles start-line nerves with three memorised reasons she should succeed, and what she does in the last third of a marathon when it starts to fall apart.She also pushes back on the usual line about comparison, and on what to prioritise when you get injured.0:00 Intro1:53 Who Deena Kastor is5:22 Where the mental training started10:57 What an easy run should feel like16:09 Building joy into your week27:02 Reframing disappointment33:29 Start-line nerves36:11 The last third of a race44:01 Comparison48:21 Injury55:01 One takeawayBook: Let Your Mind Run. Instagram: @deenakastorWebsite: deena-kastor.comCoaching: pacebuddies.com
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  Why "Breathe More Oxygen" Is a Myth: Nasal Breathing, CO2 Tolerance & the Diaphragm | Zack Kramer 21.08.2026 1t

  Most runners assume nasal breathing works because it gets you more oxygen. It doesn't — and today's guest explains what's actually going on instead. Zack Kramer, a strength and conditioning coach who rebuilt his practice around breathwork after years in CrossFit, walks through the real mechanism behind nose vs. mouth breathing: it's not oxygen uptake, it's CO2 tolerance.We cover what functional breathing actually looks like day-to-day, why mouth breathing becomes a hidden habit for so many runners, how to train your diaphragm like any other muscle, and a simple pre-run warm-up that speeds up nasal adaptation. Zack also shares his own month-long transition to full-time nasal breathing — including what didn't work.KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Nasal breathing isn't about getting more oxygen in — runners are already near-saturated (95%+). It's about CO2 tolerance, which delays the urge to breathe harder at a given pace.2. Nasal adaptation typically takes about a month of consistent practice; committing fully (24/7, including sleep) speeds it up.3. The diaphragm is a trainable muscle — a tired diaphragm pulls oxygen-rich blood away from your legs and arms before it pulls from anywhere else.4. A short CO2-buildup warm-up (exhale breath holds, ~2 minutes) can shortcut the rough first 5–10 minutes of a run.5. Chronic nasal issues (deviated septum, congestion) are common and manageable with nasal dilators — full nasal breathing isn't an all-or-nothing requirement.* Website / coaching: http://athletebreathcoaching.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletebreathcoach/PaceBuddiesWebsite / coaching: http://pacebuddies.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pace.buddies/* Strava: @pace.buddiesChapters00:00 Episode preview00:38 Welcome & Zack's background — football to CrossFit to breathwork03:36 Breathwork courses that shaped his approach (Oxygen Advantage, XPT)05:20 What is functional breathing?07:33 Why nasal breathing is so hard to maintain09:46 Why nasal breathing matters — filtration & nervous system14:21 CO2 tolerance introduced15:39 What CO2 actually is, and why tolerance matters18:57 Does CO2 tolerance improve performance?21:31 Adaptation period & living with chronic nasal congestion22:10 Nasal dilators — show and tell25:43 Where to start with a runner28:25 How long does nasal adaptation actually take?30:35 Running with low-intensity nasal breathing problems34:42 The oxygen myth — debunking "mouth breathing = more energy"36:04 Training your diaphragm like a muscle39:03 Why a tired diaphragm steals blood from your legs40:31 Gear demo: the Breather Fit device42:46 Gear demo: the Isocapnic device43:44 How to actually use the devices — sets, reps, progression46:18 Breath training during intervals and rest periods48:12 The pre-run warm-up that speeds up adaptation52:27 Breathing for relaxation and recovery55:09 365-degree breathing technique58:25 How to practice belly, back, and side expansion59:17 Where to find Zack & closing
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  Running Technique: Cadence, Foot Strike and What Actually Matters | Paul Mackinnon 14.08.2026 1t 1min

  Most runners try to fix their form by chasing numbers — 180 steps per minute, a midfoot landing, a shorter stride. Paul Mackinnon thinks that's the wrong end of the problem.Paul runs The Balanced Runner in Melbourne and has spent close to a decade coaching running technique full time, working with Olympians like Galen Rupp and Brett Robinson alongside recreational runners with sore knees. His argument: cadence and foot strike aren't settings you adjust. They're outcomes of how the rest of your body moves. So he starts at the top — the arms and torso — and lets the legs reorganise underneath.We get into where the 180 rule actually came from, why forcing a foot strike can move an injury rather than fix it, and how he uses an old way / new way comparison so runners can feel a change instead of being told about it.I did a session with Paul before recording this, so some of what you'll hear I felt myself.Paul Mackinnon* Website: https://tbrunner.com* Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebalancedrunnerJoost Dekker — Pace Buddies* Website: https://pacebuddies.com* Free 30-minute consultation: http://pacebuddies.comChapters00:00 Intro00:54 From field hockey to running technique03:04 Canberra, dirt trails, and feet that sounded different04:53 Why physics has to come first06:40 What a first session actually looks like09:11 Feel it before you change it10:33 A word from Pace Buddies11:08 Why top-down instead of chasing cadence12:28 The arm swing: where it starts14:39 How arms change your foot strike17:59 What a good arm swing feels like20:15 Elbows, not hands22:29 Letting the athlete make the choice23:22 Old way, new way26:37 One cue at a time31:11 How long before it becomes a habit34:03 Better is better37:11 Does technique make you faster?39:36 The 800m data, clarified40:51 The 180 cadence rule44:18 Stride length and cadence are two levers47:27 Why your watch data doesn't tell the whole story49:28 Heel, midfoot, forefoot — does it matter?53:49 How to spot overstriding yourself55:59 Where to find Paul1:00:39 Outro
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  Lactate as Fuel, Not Waste: The Physiology of Running Fatigue | Dr. Michael Lindinger 07.08.2026 46min

  For a hundred years, runners have blamed "lactic acid" for burning legs and fatigue. It's one of the most persistent myths in sport — and it's wrong.In this episode I talk with Dr. Michael Lindinger, exercise physiologist and former professor at the University of Guelph, who spent decades studying what actually happens to lactate and acid in working muscle. We get into what lactate really is (a fuel your muscles, heart, and brain burn — not a waste product), where the burning sensation actually comes from, why the soreness days after a marathon has nothing to do with lactate, and what "clearing lactate" really means for your training.If you've ever been told your legs were full of lactic acid, this conversation will change how you think about fatigue — and about what your interval sessions are actually building.Note: Dr. Lindinger works in the nutraceutical field; this is disclosed where supplements are discussed.----------------------------------------CHAPTERS 01:48 — Who is Dr. Michael Lindinger03:12 — What lactate actually is (and the 1930s myth)05:34 — The infusion study: lactate as fuel, not waste06:42 — Lactate as an oral supplement and the glucose-sparing effect08:44 — Lactate fuels the whole body — even the brain09:49 — A word from Pace Buddies10:22 — Where lactate is made, and why "anaerobic" is the wrong word12:37 — What really causes fatigue: potassium, sodium, phosphate13:32 — The phosphocreatine system: instant but short-lived16:15 — The burning sensation — cytokines, not lactate19:25 — Why the last 3K of a marathon burns (and it isn't lactate)20:27 — Post-race soreness: damage and inflammation, not lactate21:57 — What "clearing lactate" means when lactate rises23:41 — Fat burning, and why lactate is always being produced24:25 — How the whole body buffers and reuses lactate26:19 — Hitting the wall: running out of glucose27:32 — How fast the body clears lactate after hard efforts29:55 — Hydrogen ions, acidosis, and why lactate isn't "lactic acid"33:43 — Can you train lactate clearing?37:21 — Fast-twitch vs slow-twitch: where the burn happens39:03 — Do buffers work? Bicarbonate, beta-alanine 42:18 — The massage therapist myth43:21 — "Clearing lactate" in plain terms: what training really builds
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  How Much Protein Do Runners Actually Need? Dr. Jose Antonio 31.07.2026 1t 1min

  Dr. Jose Antonio, co-founder and CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), joins The Aerobic Edge to go through what the evidence actually says about protein, buffering supplements, and caffeine for endurance athletes.We cover why the protein-kidney myth persists despite years of contrary data, why most national protein guidelines are too low for anyone trying to race rather than just finish, and why sodium bicarbonate — historically avoided for its GI side effects — deserves a place next to beta-alanine, creatine, nitrate, and caffeine as a serious performance supplement.We also get into the practical side: how to fit more protein into a training day without overhauling your diet, when supplementation timing actually matters and when it's just convenience, and why endurance athletes underestimate how much a central, brain-driven sense of fatigue shapes race-day performance.00:34 – Origins of the ISSN06:04 – Debunking the protein-kidney myth14:03 – How much protein you actually need20:38 – Amino acids vs. protein shakes33:07 – The six supplements with real evidence behind them34:32 – Sodium bicarbonate as a performance buffer42:09 – Caffeine dosing and timing44:56 – Central fatigue and race-day mindset54:55 – Nitrate/beetroot juice59:20 – Where to find Jose AntonioGuest LinksInstagram: @supphdISSN Instagram: @THE_ISSNISSN Annual Conference: Jupiter, Florida, every JuneWant a structured, evidence-based approach to your own training? I coach recreational runners toward their personal best, building real aerobic fitness that shows up on race day. Book a free 30-minute consultation call at pacebuddies.com.
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  HRV for Runners: What Your Morning Number Actually Means — Marco Altini 17.07.2026 54min

  Your HRV dropped after a hard session. Most runners take that as proof they trained hard. Marco Altini says it's proof of the opposite.Marco is the founder of HRV4Training, an advisor at Oura, and an endurance coach. He came to physiology the long way round — from computer science and early wearable prototypes, back to university to study sports science, because he wanted to understand the bodies he was measuring.In this conversation we cover what HRV actually measures, why "higher is better" is wrong, how to build your normal range, morning vs night measurement, what to change when your baseline drops, why a falling HRV in taper week is the good news, and why the data should make you need the data less.Find Marco on Substack, where he writes about HRV, training and coaching.Want structured, evidence-based coaching? Book a free 30-minute call at pacebuddies.comFind Marco:HRV for Training AppMarco Altini - Personal Website
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  Fix Running Injuries: Why Your Head & Feet Matter More Than Your Legs | Helen Hall 03.07.2026 1t 21min

  What if the pain in your knee, your Achilles or your foot has almost nothing to do with the spot that hurts?In this episode of The Aerobic Edge, I sit down with movement specialist Helen Hall — the person runners often turn to as a last resort, after they've tried everything and been told they might never run again. Using one of the most advanced motion analysis systems in the world (affectionately known as Doris), Helen has spent decades uncovering why repetitive injuries keep coming back.Her core message is deceptively simple: most injuries below the waist have their root cause above the waist — in your head and shoulders — or in your feet. Pain shows up where your body works hardest, but that's rarely where the problem actually begins.We start with the head. Helen walks through what a forward-leaning head really does to your body: at 15 degrees it effectively weighs around 12 kilos, at 30 degrees roughly 18, at 45 degrees about 22. That's not a strength problem — as Helen puts it, there isn't a weak sinew in your body. It's a massive energy leak, and your hardest-working joints pay the price.From there we get practical: how to use nothing more than your phone to see your own posture honestly, her wall exercise for finding true upright (which I try live on the recording), and why "upright and at ease" feels like leaning back to almost everyone.Then one of my favourite parts: the arm swing. Helen invented a cue she calls the lemme — a figure-of-eight, the sideways infinity symbol. She shows the difference between pumping your elbows (which roots you to the spot) and rolling the shoulder girdle in that figure-of-eight (which sends you forward, opens your stride and makes you lighter on your feet).We also cover walk-run strategy — including a runner in her sixties who ran a 4:19 marathon off almost no training — and go deep on feet: Morton's neuroma, numb toes, and a remarkably simple foot-wiping habit that helped one barefoot marathoner drop from 5.5 hours to 5 hours with no other training.A quick note: Helen demonstrates several of these exercises on camera. If you're listening to the audio, you'll be missing those visuals — so for the movements, I'd recommend watching the video version on YouTube.What you'll learn:Why pain below the waist usually starts above itWhat a forward head really costs you — energy leak, not weaknessHow to check your posture with just your phoneThe wall exercise for finding true uprightThe lemme: how a figure-of-eight arm swing opens your strideWhy walk-run can make you faster, not slowerHow to wake up "asleep" feet with a simple daily habitAbout Helen Hall:Movement specialist and author. Her second book, The Smooth Runner: 20 Ways to More Speed for Less Effort, is on the way.Find Helen:Website: helen-hall.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenhallpfm/Connect with Pace Buddies / The Aerobic Edge:Website: pacebuddies.comBook a free call: cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecallIf you enjoyed this, follow The Aerobic Edge and share it with a runner who keeps fighting the same injury.
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  The Strength Work That Makes You a Better Runner | Erin Carson 26.06.2026 55min

  Erin Carson: Mobility, Strength & Moving Better for Life | The Aerobic EdgeWhat does it really take to stay strong, mobile, and injury-free as a runner — not just for your next race, but for the rest of your life?In this episode I sit down with Erin Carson, strength coach behind some of the best endurance athletes in the world, including ultra-running GOAT Courtney Dauwalter. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Erin has built a unique niche at the intersection of strength, mobility, and endurance performance. Her approach is refreshingly holistic: it's never just about muscle, but about the nervous system, fascia, posture, and even mood and freedom of movement.We start with Erin's journey from Division One basketball in Canada to becoming a sought-after strength coach in the endurance world, and why her background shaped a "train the person for what they actually want to do" philosophy.From there we get into the practical stuff every runner and triathlete can use:Why a strength coach is so focused on mobility — and why mobility is not the same as flexibilityThe three key areas of mobility that anchor everything: ankles, hips, and the thoracic spine (and how a knee problem often starts somewhere else entirely)A simple at-home self-test for your pelvis and hamstrings, and why "tight hamstrings" usually aren't the real problemWhy most running injuries happen on the landing — not the push-off — and why this gets worse running downhillWhat "training age" means, and where beginners should actually start with strength workWhy you should evaluate your strength program by how you run, not how you compare to everyone else in the gymHow to train effectively at home with minimal equipment — adjustable dumbbells, bands, and a stability ballWhy understanding the "why" behind each exercise matters more than mindlessly following a listStaying strong in the final third of a race, when posture and form start to break downStrength, mobility, and quality of life as we age — and why your daily choices today shape your final decadeWhether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a personal best, this conversation will change how you think about strength and movement — on the road and in everyday life.🔗 Find Erin Carson:Website: ecfitstrength.com YouTube: Mobility Monday — new every MondayInstagram: ecfit_strength🎧 The Aerobic Edge PodcastHosted by Joost Dekker, founder of Pace Buddies.Helping recreational runners train smarter through aerobic development, movement quality, and injury prevention.If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a running friend who could use it. Got a question or topic you'd like covered? Reach out — I'd love to hear from you.PaceBuddies.com
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  The Science of Running Endurance: How Your Body Really Works, with Prof. Paul Laursen 19.06.2026 1t 4min

  In this episode I sit down with Professor Paul Laursen — sport scientist, co-author of Science and Application of High-Intensity Interval Training, and co-founder of Athletica — to break down the science of endurance in plain language. From mitochondria and fat-burning to HIIT, the neuromuscular system, nutrition, recovery and HRV, we turn the biology of running into practical tools to help you train smarter, recover better, and avoid the classic pitfalls.ABOUT PAUL LAURSENA sport physiologist from British Columbia, Canada, with a career spanning the Australian Institute of Sport and the New Zealand Olympic program, where he led physiology across two Olympic cycles. He's best known for his work on high-intensity interval training, co-authored the leading textbook on the subject, is co-writing the fifth edition of Lore of Running with Tim Noakes, and co-founded the AI training platform Athletica.WHAT WE COVERHow muscles create movement and turn food into energyMitochondria: why endurance training grows them, and why fat is the clean fuelThe heart as a muscle — stroke volume and why running starts to feel easierWhy "no pain, no gain" is the number-one endurance mistakeConsistency over heroics: the most important session is the next oneBuilding the aerobic base first (Paul's fat-burning study with Stephen Seiler)MAF and low-heart-rate training, with a nod to Phil MaffetoneNutrition as a lever: insulin, whole foods, and the simple PFC ruleWhen to add HIIT, and how it recruits fast-twitch fibresThe neuromuscular system and Dr. Marius Bakken's Norwegian MethodWhat adaptation is and when it happens: sleep, recovery and nutritionReading your body's data: wearables, RPE, feel and HRVUnderstanding HRV: 7-day vs 60-day averages and overtraining riskKEY TAKEAWAYSFat is your clean fuel — aerobic training teaches your body to burn it efficientlyPatience beats punishment — build the base before adding intensityRecovery is training — prioritise sleep, then whole-food nutritionListen to the trend, not the day — use HRV to adjust before stress buildsLINKSPaul Laursen: https://www.paullaursen.comHIIT Science: https://www.hiitscience.comAthletica: https://www.athletica.aiMENTIONEDScience and Application of High-Intensity Interval Training — Laursen & BuchheitLore of Running (5th edition, with Tim Noakes)The Norwegian Method Applied — Dr. Marius BakkenPACE BUDDIESWebsite: https://pacebuddies.comBook a free call: https://cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecallEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Aerobic Edge and leave a review — it helps more runners find the show.
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  The Sub-3 Marathon: The Complete Training System — with John Starrett 12.06.2026 38min

  In this episode of The Aerobic Edge, coach John Starrett ("The Stable Master") returns for a deep dive into the sub-3 marathon — a magical barrier for many runners. Since 2017, John has coached a staggering 962 runners to sub-3 and 274 to sub-2:30, all online. We unpack what it actually takes to break that barrier and what your training needs to look like to get there.John explains why his approach centers on temporal flow — his own term for fatigue resistance — and why the old story about lactic acid and H ions is outdated. Lactate isn't the enemy but fuel; the skill lies in shuttling and reusing it. We work through his complete system, from pre-super base to the marathon block, and he shares the exact key sessions that reveal whether your sub-3 fitness is right where it needs to be.He also speaks candidly about his own comeback: after five or six years away from running, he's starting from the bottom again with run-walk intervals, with Joost as his coach. An honest look at consistency, progression, and structure — the pillars of his philosophy.In this episode:Why 962 runners hit sub-3: system over isolated workoutsTemporal flow & fatigue resistance: the science beyond lactic acid and H ionsThe key sessions 3-5 weeks out (16/18 miles at marathon pace) that tell you if it's "on"Why John aims for 2:55 fitness to buffer against heat and conditionsRace tactics: stay slightly off pace until 32K, then make your move in the final 10KBridge training: the difference between a sub-4 and a sub-3 runnerDisguised marathon pace: endurance spine runs vs. structural runs (80' & 90' tempos)Lactate tickles & blend workouts: safely touching 5K/10K pace without injuryA look at his Olympic athlete (18 miles at 5:10/mile) and what it reveals about the systemJohn's own comeback: from zero to pre-super base via run-walkAbout John Starrett: online marathon coach with a track record in sub-3 and sub-2:30, known for his emphasis on consistency, progression, and structure over "old school" hard training and exhausting VO2max sessions.
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  Run Free: The Nervous System Approach to Injury-Free Running — with Lawrence van Lingen 29.05.2026 1t 8min

  Lawrence van Lingen is a sports chiropractor and movement specialist. Described by Triathlete Magazine as the genius of running, he has over 25 years of experience working with world-class athletes including Jan Frodeno, Taylor Knibb, and Flora Duffy.In this episode we talk about why most running injuries keep coming back, what fascia actually is and why it matters, and how your nervous system shapes the way you move. We cover head position, screens and posture, backward walking, the flow rope, skipping, crawling patterns — and why running should feel like freedom, not a checklist of cues.This is one of those conversations that flows naturally between two people who genuinely geek out on the same things — it goes deep and wide, Lawrence thinks out loud, makes connections you don't expect, and follows the thread wherever it leads. I loved every minute of it.What we cover:* Why injury patterns are so hard to break — and the nervous system's role* What fascia is and why it's been overlooked for so long* Why running injury rates haven't improved in 40 years* Screens, posture, and the modern movement crisis* Head position and why it changes everything downstream* The flow rope — what it does and how Lawrence discovered it with Jan Frodeno* Crawling patterns — the foundation before everything else* Backward walking — why Jan Frodeno used it and how to do it* Skipping and the happy hip hack* Why running should be felt, not thoughtLawrence's exercises — watch before you listen:* Crawling patterns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6X_jt62zc0* Flow rope: https://youtu.be/5QqiDMrMSzs?si=8zQCkiZ6HmIdeAIq* Backward walking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNcwOix9Uac* Breath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQQKLLak0bU* Head posture / Ball on Head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKEXzZSReqsLinks & resources:* Lawrence van Lingen: http://lawrencevanlingen.com* YouTube: Lawrence van Lingen* Instagram: @lawrencevanlingen* Book a free 30-minute coaching call with Joost: https://www.cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecall* Pace Buddies: http://pacebuddies.com
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  Marathon-Specific Training: How to Peak at Race Day — with John Starrett 22.05.2026 44min

  John Starrett is an experienced endurance coach with over 40 years in the sport. He has coached more than 900 runners to a sub-3 hour marathon and has guided male and female athletes to the US Olympic Marathon Trials. He is also known as The Stable Master.This is John's second appearance on The Aerobic Edge. In our first episode we covered aerobic base building and bridge training. In this episode we go deeper into the final piece of the puzzle: the marathon-specific block.John walks through his complete 11-12 week marathon block in detail — from the first long run all the way to race week. We cover why most runners train the wrong paces in a marathon block, why racing a half marathon four weeks out is a bad idea, how to use the lactate shunt session in your taper, and what the key sign is that your athlete is ready to race.John also makes a personal announcement: at 59 years old — after years off from running — he is going to attempt to run a marathon himself, starting from scratch. And Joost is his coach.What we cover:The structure of an 11-12 week marathon-specific blockWeekend long runs: how to build from easy pace to full marathon paceWhy you should never race a half marathon four weeks outMidweek sessions: the support role in a marathon blockThe lactate shunt session and why it works5K sessions in a marathon block — why they do more harm than goodTaper structure: the overload principle and the 10-day ruleHow to handle heat, wind and bad weather during key sessionsJohn's personal marathon attempt — and Joost as his coachLinks & resources:Free coaching call with Joost: https://www.cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecallPace Buddies: pacebuddies.com
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  The Aerobic Base Blueprint: What Zone 2 Really Means — with Scott Johnston 15.05.2026 1t 5min

  Scott Johnston is one of the most respected endurance coaches in the world. As founder of Evoke Endurance and co-author of Training for the Uphill Athlete, he has coached athletes across skiing, mountaineering, trail running and road running. In 2025, both the men's and women's UTMB champions — Tom Evans and Ruth Croft — were coached by Scott.In this episode we dig into the foundation of endurance performance: the aerobic base. Scott explains what zone 2 actually is, why percentage-based calculators don't work, how to find your personal aerobic threshold with a free at-home test, and why most runners are unknowingly training in the wrong zone.We also cover aerobic deficiency syndrome, the vacuum cleaner analogy for lactate, and why consistency beats every magic workout you'll ever find on the internet.If you're a recreational marathon runner who wants to train smarter, this episode is the place to start.What we cover:How Scott went from ski coach to world-class endurance coachWhat aerobic and anaerobic actually meanWhy zone 2 is not a percentage of your max heart rateThe heart rate drift test — free, simple, and personalAerobic deficiency syndrome and how to fix itThe vacuum cleaner analogy: lactate as fuel, not wasteHow long does building a real aerobic base actually take?Why consistency is the only secret that worksLinks & resources:Evoke Endurance — evokeendurance.comAerobic Deficiency Syndrome (ADS): https://evokeendurance.com/resources/aerobic-deficiency-syndrome-ads/Heart rate drift test & aerobic assessment: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/our-latest-thinking-on-aerobic-assessment-for-the-mountain-athlete/Setting your heart rate zones: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/setting-your-hear-rate-zones/Book a free coaching call with Joost: https://www.cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecallPace Buddies — pacebuddies.com
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  Bridge Training: The Missing Link Between Base and Peak Performance 07.05.2026 25min

  In this episode, Joost sits down again with coach John Starrett to dive into one of the most overlooked phases in endurance training: bridge training.After building a strong aerobic base through the foundation, pre-super base, and super base phases, many runners jump too quickly into race-specific work. Bridge training fills that gap—safely introducing intensity, improving speed, and preparing the body for peak performance without increasing injury risk.This episode breaks down how to structure this critical phase and why it’s essential for long-term progress.What bridge training is and why it mattersHow to transition safely from base training to faster runningThe role of shorter recoveries and varied workoutsHow to improve lactate clearance and utilizationWhy most runners should avoid traditional 5K-style trainingHow to balance endurance, speed, and injury preventionThe importance of individualized coaching and feedbackHow to use races strategically to boost fitness and reduce injury risk1. From Base to PerformanceBridge training builds on the aerobic and structural gains from the super base phase. The goal is to make runners faster across multiple distances (5K to half marathon) before entering marathon-specific training.2. Endurance Spine & Structural RunsEndurance Spine Runs: Tempo efforts based on sustainable effort (roughly 90-minute pace)Structural Runs: Longer, slightly slower tempo runs that build durability and reduce injury riskThis alternating structure creates both strength and speed progression over a 5-week cycle.3. Smarter Speed WorkInstead of repetitive sessions, bridge training introduces variety:Cut-down workouts (progressing from slower to faster paces)Pyramid sessionsBroken temposLactate-focused workoutsThese sessions improve efficiency without overwhelming the body.4. Lactate as FuelYou’ll learn how specific sessions train the body to reuse lactate as energy, improving endurance and delaying fatigue—key for both shorter races and the marathon.5. The “B Workout” PrincipleWorkouts should feel controlled—not all-out.If you finish a session feeling like you could do more, you’re training correctly.Constant maximal efforts lead to injury and stagnation.6. Why Most Runners Train Too HardMany recreational runners follow elite-style interval sessions (like 8×1000m), which are often too intense and increase injury risk. Bridge training offers a safer, more effective alternative.7. Racing as a Training ToolStrategically placed races every 6–8 weeks:Provide performance benchmarksAct as high-quality training stimuliReduce injury risk through built-in taper and recoveryBridge training is where real performance gains start to happenVariety and progression are more important than intensity aloneEndurance remains critical—even when focusing on speedTraining must be individualized, not copied from templatesConsistency and injury prevention always come firstIn the next interview, Joost and John will break down marathon-specific training—how to convert this fitness into race-day performance.Have questions about your training or want help applying this approach?ConnectJoost (Host)Instagram: https://instagram.com/pace.buddiesWebsite: https://pacebuddies.comBook a free 30min discovery callJohn StarrettInstagram: https://instagram.com/stazzas_stableWebsite: https://stazzasstable.com/
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  Metabolic Flexibility for Runners: Top Tips from Mikki Williden 30.04.2026 57min

  Most runners assume that logging more miles automatically makes them better fat burners. The science says otherwise.In this episode, Joost sits down with New Zealand-based sports dietitian and researcher Mikki Williden (PhD, public health) to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in endurance sports: metabolic flexibility. Mikki has a 2:55 marathon PB, has raced the Boston Marathon, the Southern Lakes Ultra, and the Grand to Grand Ultra — and she's spent 15+ years working with athletes on exactly this.What you'll learn:Why diet — not training volume — is the #1 driver of fat oxidationThe difference between low-carb and ketogenic for endurance athletesHow to time carbohydrates across your training week for better metabolic flexibilityWhat the research by Dr. Prins, Noakes & Kutnick on 10g of carbs/hour means for your race fuelingWhat "brain bonking" actually is — and how a small amount of glucose prevents itWhy endurance athletes need more protein than they think (and how to get it in)How to lose body fat without wrecking your trainingElectrolytes on low-carb: why sodium needs spike and what to do about itKey takeaway: Metabolic flexibility isn't about going keto. It's about shifting your daily diet to train your body to access fat at low intensities — so you can spare carbohydrates for when it really counts.About Mikki Williden:Mikki is a registered sports dietitian and PhD researcher based in New Zealand. She hosts the podcast Mikkipedia, where she interviews researchers and practitioners on nutrition, performance, and metabolic health. Find her at mikkiwilliden.com or on Instagram @mikkiwilliden.Free coaching call:Want to apply these principles to your own marathon training? Book a free call with Joost at cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecall.
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  The Minimal Strength Routine for Runners 23.04.2026 16min

  Most runners either skip strength training or do it completely wrong. In this episode, Joost breaks down how just 5 to 10 minutes a day makes you a stronger, more durable runner — no gym, no heavy weights. Just a minimalist routine that improves your running economy without sabotaging your recovery.Why heavy lifting can actually slow down your running adaptationWhat gluteal amnesia is and how to fix itThe 5 pillars of the minimal strength routineHow to fit it all into your daily schedule — without losing extra time1. Glute Activation & Myrtl RoutinePick 3 exercises from the Myrtl routine or the bodyweight routine to wake up your glutes before every run. Three sets of eight reps is all it takes. The full Myrtl routine can be done after your run or during TV time.🎥 Bodyweight Glute Activation – watch here🎥 Myrtl Routine – watch here2. Lunge Matrix (before your run, ~3 min)Runners move in one plane — forward. The lunge matrix trains all directions, keeping you strong and injury-free. Start with 3–4 reps per direction and add one rep each week, as long as you have no niggles.🎥 Lunge Matrix – watch hereNote: if you have knee issues, skip this pillar and build back in gradually.3. Hill Blasts (weekly)8-second hill sprints with 2:30 walking recovery. Improves your running economy and fires up muscles you've never used before. Some muscle soreness after your first sessions is a good sign — it means it's working.🎥 Hill Blasts explained – listen to the previous episode4. Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) (after your run)Not static stretching — assisted stretching using a rope or towel. Genuinely improves your range of motion, which is essential for an efficient stride. Only do this when your muscles are warm, after your run.🎥 AIS Stretching Routine – watch here🎥 Calf, Lower Leg & Foot AIS Stretching – watch here5. Single-Leg Balance While Brushing Your TeethStand on one leg with your eyes closed — 10 seconds right, then left. Keep alternating until you're done brushing. No extra time required, but incredibly effective for ankle strength and proprioception. This is the exact exercise physios prescribe after ankle sprains.You don't need to be incredibly strong to run a marathon. You need to be durable and efficient. Your body has to handle 50,000 steps without breaking down — and that comes from awakening the right muscles, not building bigger ones.The question isn't how much you can lift. It's whether your glutes are firing, your pelvis is stable, your hips have full range of motion, and your ankles are strong enough to support an efficient stride.This routine addresses all of that in under 10 minutes a day.🌐 Full routine with video links: pacebuddies.com🎥 Bodyweight Glute Activation: youtube.com/watch?v=85B1dfmgxrg🎥 Myrtl Routine: youtube.com/watch?v=hX7Url8Pz0w🎥 Lunge Matrix: youtube.com/watch?v=GJo7_MiRLkU🎥 Hill Blasts (previous episode): youtube.com/watch?v=ezJZjXDAwak🎥 AIS Stretching: youtube.com/watch?v=R1gk_tHVxn4🎥 Calf, Lower Leg & Foot AIS: youtube.com/watch?v=LxXLYQcBpWsInjuries or niggles? See a physio. Want to add weights? Work with a personal trainer who understands that your strength routine must support your running — not compete with it.Show Notes – The Minimal Strength Routine for RunnersWhat This Episode Is AboutWhat You'll LearnThe 5 PillarsYour Daily ScheduleMomentWhatBefore your runGlute activation (3 exercises from Myrtl) + Lunge matrix (~5 min)After your runAIS stretching + Myrtl routine (~10 min)Every eveningSingle-leg balance while brushing teeth (0 extra min)WeeklyHill Blasts sessionWhy This WorksLinks & Resources
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  Hills and Strides - Your secret weapon for better running 04.04.2026 20min

  Most runners shuffle. Short stride, low heel lift, zero power. It's not laziness — it's your glutes being completely switched off. And the frustrating part? Adding more miles or speed work just reinforces the problem.In this episode we go deep on gluteal amnesia, the neuroscience of running mechanics, and the two tools — hill blasts and strides — that will rewire your movement pattern from the ground up.─────────────────────────WHAT YOU'LL LEARN─────────────────────────• Why your glutes are the primary engine of your stride — and why most runners never actually use them• What gluteal amnesia is and how hours of daily sitting literally rewires your neural pathways• Why adding speed before fixing your form makes the problem worse, not better• The injury connection: why Achilles issues, calf strains and plantar fasciitis are almost always a glute problem in disguise• Hill blasts: how 8 seconds uphill forces the correct movement pattern and retrains your nervous system• Full technique breakdown: Tall · Relaxed · Piston · Pop — and why each cue works• Strides: how to translate the new pattern to flat, fast running• The ATP-PC energy system and why 2.5 min walking recovery is non-negotiable• The Pre-Super Base phase: what needs to happen before any threshold or marathon-specific training─────────────────────────TIMESTAMPS─────────────────────────00:00 — Cold open: the shuffle on the running path02:30 — Intro: Form Before Speed05:00 — The glute as engine: why almost nobody uses them10:30 — Neuromuscular adaptation: you train a movement, not just fitness16:00 — Hill blasts: science + full technique breakdown22:00 — Strides: from hill to flat running27:00 — Practical takeaway: what to do differently this week31:00 — Outro + next episode: the minimal strength system─────────────────────────START THIS WEEK─────────────────────────Hill blasts — Pick one easy run day. At the end, find a ~5% gradient and do 4 reps. Run hard uphill for 8 seconds. Walk for 2.5 minutes between each rep — no jogging. Technique cues: tall (perpendicular to the slope, not leaning in) · relaxed shoulders · piston arms straight forward and back · pop your heels up under your hips. Add one rep per week until you reach 8.Strides — On a different day (at least 2 days apart): add 5 × 20 sec at 5K effort after an easy run. Walk back to the start between each. You're training the nervous system, not building fitness.Myrtl routine — 5–7 min of hip work after your long run. 12 movements: leg swings, hip circles, donkey kicks, fire hydrants. Search "Myrtl routine running" on YouTube.─────────────────────────LINKS─────────────────────────🌐 Website: pacebuddies.com📞 Free coaching call: cal.eu/pacebuddies/freecallNot making progress? Book a free 30-min call — no commitment. We look at where you are, what your goal is, and whether coaching is the right fit.─────────────────────────NEXT EPISODE─────────────────────────The Minimal Strength System — how 10 minutes a day, done right, gives you 95% of the injury prevention benefit without destroying your recovery. Do runners actually need to lift weights? That episode gives you a very clear answer.
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  Coaching Beginners to Olympians - Interview with John Starrett: 20.03.2026 33min

  Interview with John Starrett: Coaching Beginners to Olympians — The Stazza System ExplainedJohn Starrett has been coaching runners for over 40 years. Since moving online in 2017, he's guided nearly 900 athletes to sub-3 marathons and over 250 to sub-2:30 — including athletes at the US Olympic Trials and the Tokyo Olympics. In this episode, he breaks down the complete Stazza's Stable system from the ground up.What you'll learn:Why 5 runs per week is enough for most sub-3 marathonersThe Foundation phase: building the base before any real training beginsThe Pre-Super Base: hill blasts and aerobic strides to go from hip flexor to glute dominantThe Super Base: the 40-50-60 endurance spine runs and the V-shaped valley of deathWhy one marathon per year beats two every timeTimestamps:00:00 – Intro & John's background01:18 – The numbers: 900 sub-3s, 250 sub-2:30s, Olympic athletes02:03 – Ifa Cook: from 2:46 to the Tokyo Olympics03:00 – How online coaching works04:10 – The Kenya running camp05:33 – Coaching recreational runners: form before fitness07:00 – One marathon per year08:08 – Why 5 runs/week beats Norwegian doubles10:25 – Why most runners plateau11:00 – The Foundation phase13:09 – The Pre-Super Base14:05 – Hill blasts explained18:31 – Aerobic strides progression21:15 – The Super Base24:45 – The V-shaped valley of death28:39 – Results: 30 sec/km improvement in 14 weeksFind John:Website: stazzasstable.comInstagram: @stazzas_stableYouTube: youtube.com/@stazzasstable1965Podcast: The Stablemaster Speaks (Spotify & Apple)