"Why Am I Getting Slower?" | s3/e28 | The Running Explained Podcast

Join coaches Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris of The Tread Lightly Podcast fas they unpack why many runners face performance slumps, exploring key factors like overtraining, poor recovery, nutrition, and environmental stressors. Learn how prioritizing easy runs, proper fueling, and psychological awareness can help you get back on track in this episode of The Running Explained Podcast. What You'll Learn: - When an athlete comes to you and says "help, I'm getting slower", what are the first things that come into your mind about what you want to know about the athlete? - Detraining/time-off impacting fitness - Supercompensation negative trends due to life stress, poor fueling, etc - Overtraining and doing "too much" can actually take you backward - Generally, how often do you see athletes completely miscalculate simply how much their life stress impacts their training tolerance? - "Help, I think I'm getting faster but my races aren't reflecting that!" - "Help, I’ve gone from running BQ marathons to barely being able to run 5 miles in the past 6 months!" - "Help, I've started easy running but now I'm getting slower" - what are the possibles here? - When is it time to start working with a coach, when you just need to stop panicking and stay the course, when it's time to see a medical professional, etc Chapters: 00:00 Introducing the coaches of Tread Lightly 03:23 What happens when runners feel like they're getting slower? 08:23 The Importance of Recovery and Overtraining 13:54 Normal Fluctuations in Periodized Training 21:55 The Impact of Weather Conditions on Training 24:56 When Runners Are Actually Losing Fitness 29:45 The Importance of Recovery for Runners 41:13 Having Tough Conversations About Declines in Fitness 46:58 The Importance of Easy Running 51:36 What's "Normal" for Runners? 59:20 Summarizing the Episode Listen to the Tread Lightly Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d3Hudabg7bGdI1mrZGFyM?si=8d9007e8028f48bb -- 🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨 Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU? If you're chasing a big goal, whether it's your first marathon or a shiny new PR, our incredible coaches are accepting new 1:1 coaching clients!ㅤ Our Coaching Include: ✅ Personalized training ✅ Weekly support + adjustments ✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability ✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goals Head to https://www.runningexplained.com/runcoaching to learn more! Research & production assistance by Sophie van Leeuwen