Chris Johnson is a physical therapist, Ironman triathlete, coach, and a three-time All-American triathlete. He started studying physical therapy as an undergraduate while he was captain of the tennis team at the University of Delaware. Chris then earned his PT degree while completing an orthopedic and sports graduate fellowship before working in New York City as a physical therapist and researcher. Chris then moved to Seattle where he started Zeren Physical Therapy. He's also a certified triathlon coach, three-time All American triathlete, two time Kona Qualifier, and is currently ranked 16th in his age group in the country for long course racing. I’m excited to bring you this conversation focused on injury prevention. We’re exploring a lot of fascinating topics:  Stride smoothness Form drills and corrective exercises Injury assessments (like the Functional Movement Screen) Predicting injuries Rehabilitation exercises vs. prevention exercises  Chris possesses a wealth of information about movement fluency, injury prevention, and treatment. I was honored to speak with him and I hope that you get a lot of value from this conversation. Show Links & Resources:  Follow Chris on Instagram The RunCadence app Chris' Physical Therapy Practice in Seattle, WA Elite Athletes on Injury Prevention (free) Running Injuries resource page  More Prevention Advice From the Best One of my favorite projects recently was asking nine elite athletes about their favorite injury prevention strategies. The result is The Little Black Book of Prevention & Recovery. It features:  Dathan Ritzenhein – 3x Olympian, 3x National Cross Country Champion Devon Yanko - 100k National Champion and 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier David Roche – 2x National Trail Running Champion Amelia Boone – 3x World’s Toughest Mudder Champion Andy Wacker – Trail Half Marathon National Champion Ian Sharman – 3x winner of the Leadville Trail 100 Joseph Gray – Mount Washington American Record holder and World Mountain Running Champion Kelly O'Mara - Professional triathlete Max King – US National Ultra Running Champion and 2x winner World Warrior Dash Champion  Each of these athletes share their most effective recovery or injury prevention strategy – and you'll see a lot of options for staying healthy. Strategies include post-race recovery, why eating is critical for prevention, how to come back to running after you get hurt (and what mistakes to avoid), and the power of eliminating busyness from your life. Pick and choose the tactics that most resonate with you. Start using them and you’ll start feeling a lot more resilient. Click the image below to download the free book. Enjoy!

126. How Physical Therapist Chris Johnson Prevents Running Injuries

Running and coaching tips for beginner and advanced runners with Coach Jason Fitzgerald. Featuring guests like Nick Symmonds and Shalane Flanagan, listeners will learn how to race faster, stay healthy, prevent running injuries, and get stronger in this informative and fun podcast.

Sports

Fitness

Health & Fitness

Running

The running world gets to watch in awe as elites set new records and perform incredible feats. But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for these athletes. World record holders face injuries and challenges, too. Charlie Lawrence set the record in the 50-mile distance in 2023, clocking in at 4:48:21. That’s an unbelievable average of 5:46 per mile. Charlie also ran his marathon personal record of 2:16 while qualifying for the US Olympic Trials Marathon for the second time. In this episode, Charlie and I talk about:  The glute injury and hip labral tear that led Charlie to pull out of the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials The emotions behind dropping out of the Trials How a series of injuries in 2024 led Charlie to take almost 3 months off of running The treatment and recovery Charlie applied to heal from the injuries, including aqua jogging and pool running Using PRP (platelet rich plasma) and a levering off-load device on the treadmill to aid recovery An aggressive approach to ultra training and the mentality needed to make it work Being proactive in injury prevention, from foam rolling to activation work How Charlie trained to set a 50 mile World Record at a 5:46/mile average pace Charlie’s fueling strategies for ultrarunning and a World Record What running goals Charlie wants to focus on next  This is an inspiring episode for runners of any distance who could use a realistic take on performance and recovery from an elite runner. Links & Resources from the Show:  Charlie on Instagram Get strategies to prevent injury. Let me help you with your training!  Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.  

How 50mi World Record Holder Charlie Lawrence Treats Serious Injuries, Fuels his Ultras, and More

The midstance phase of a running stride is a crucial element of running form, but many runners are ignoring it. If you have weaknesses, imbalances, or poor movement patterns, this is the part of the gait cycle that will show it. Chris Johnson, DPT is a Seattle-based physical therapist, performance coach, entrepreneur, and multiple time Kona IRONMAN qualifier who shares how midstance affects your running performance and how you can improve it. In this episode, Chris and I talk about:   Midstance importance in running mechanics and injury prevention   The impact midstance has on muscles and running form   Common problems in midstance technique from knees to hips   The gluteus medius muscle, a common problem area for runners   Training the gluteus maximus and hip abductors for running mechanics   How to train the midstance for stronger running   Single leg exercises for runners with injuries   “Movement snacks” for runners: simple movements throughout the day to help runners improve midstance   This is an excellent episode for any runner who’s considering how their running form plays into their performance, even beyond midstance mechanics. Links & Resources from the Show:   Chris Johnson’s newsletter   Chris Johnson on Instagram   Chris Johnson’s website   Run easier and more powerfully with these form cues   Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles.  If you want to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!   Thank you MOBO Board Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly! Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength. I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

How to Stay Healthy By Strengthening Your Midstance, with Coach Chris Johnson, DPT

If you're starting to wonder whether your running form is helping or hurting your performance, we’re sharing two important tests that can help you better conceptualize how your body moves through space. Dr. Matthew Silver is a doctor of physical therapy, coach, cross country athlete, founder of Alpha Project Phyzio and Performance in Maryland, and author of the book "Built to Run." We spend a lot of time on foot strike, the problems associated with over-striding, and the many solutions for resolving this form error. In this episode, Matthew and I talk about:  Testing running form through the jump test: How to do it to find the optimal jumping pace Running cadence and its relationship to form and performance Testing running form through the heel strike test: How to feel the difference between landing on the ball of the foot and the heel (which can lead to potential injury) Strength training and plyometric exercises for runners for improved tendon efficiency and cadence Running form and footstrike mechanics, including heel striking and overstriding Running form and balance during sprinting: Don't run like a ballerina Running form and power training with dumbbells Focusing on simplicity and effectiveness in strength training: the "big three" exercises and the "KISS method"  If you’re already wondering whether your current recovery tactics are helping you perform better and stay healthy, this episode will give you great recovery strategies to start implementing today. Links & Resources from the Show:  Dr. Matthew Silver on Instagram Alpha Project Phyzio on Instagram Read Matthew's book: Built to Run Run easier and more powerfully with these form cues  Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex! Thank you LMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT's products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

Running Form Tests, Technique Cues, and Footstrike Patterns with Physical Therapist Matthew Silver

What makes the biggest impact when it comes to recovery strategies and tools for runners?  Dr. Peter Tierney is a health and performance researcher, consultant, and coach who’s worked with many professional sports organizations to help athletes recover effectively from exercise. Peter’s “Big 5” recovery strategies are science-backed and possible for runners to add to their training and lifestyle. In this episode, Peter and I talk about:  Recovery as part of a lifestyle, not just a post-exercise tool. The Big 5 recovery strategies for runners and endurance athletes, and how to use them. Adaptation vs. performance as recovery outcomes in endurance athletes. Tips for better sleep strategies for runners. Nutrition for running recovery. Balancing running, commitments, and life stressors for optimal performance. Hydration and electrolyte balance for runners and the link to recovery. How socializing with friends and family can be an effective recovery tool.  If you’re already wondering whether your current recovery tactics are helping you perform better and stay healthy, this episode will give you great recovery strategies to start implementing today. Links & Resources from the Show:  Peter on Instagram Peter on LinkedIn Peter on X/Twitter Hear 9 pro runner's favorite recovery and prevention tips  Thank you AG1! We’re also supported by AG1, the greens superfood mix. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens. It’s recommended by professional athletes and has over 7,000 positive reviews. One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train. I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. They’ve made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and rigorous with the 3rd party testing that they do. For our listeners, they are offering a year’s worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop – the choice is yours. Check out AG1 to redeem your offer today. The Performance Training Journal! The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I’ve kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don’t take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you’re a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don’t just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.    

Recovery’s Big 5 Strategies with Dr. Peter Tierney

Thomas Neuberger has probably worn more pairs of shoes than anybody else over the last 15 years (with maybe the exception of Runner’s World Director of Product Testing and Runner-in-Chief, Jeff Dengate). Thomas’ deep experience in the running shoe industry gives him an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of shoes, why some features are no longer available, and the future of running shoes. In this episode, Thomas and I talk about:   The 2009 origin story of Believe in the Run, a top shoe review company in the United States   What it's like to test around 100 pairs of running shoes a year   The evolution, trends, and fads of running shoes, and why personal runner preference matters   How runners can look for and try running shoes that could work for their individual bodies, instead of focusing on a specific brand   Tips for beginner runners on selecting a running shoe   Stack height, arch support, material, heel-toe drop... What should you consider when looking for a pair of running shoes?   Trends in running shoes: from minimalist and barefoot to maximum cushion   How a certain model of running shoe can go for over $2,000 on the secondary market   How running shoes can relate to foot health and injury (or injury prevention)   Why you should be rotating your running shoes   Super shoes: How often should runners wear them, whether they're worth it, and what to consider if you're looking for a pair   The worst pair of running shoes Thomas ever tried, and some of the best pairs of running shoes from Thomas' experiences   Running shoe wisdom: If your running shoes aren't fun, then you're running in the wrong shoes. Don't settle.   I get many questions from runners about running shoes, so this episode will give you a ton of value to start making better shoe decisions. Links & Resources from the Show:   Explore Believe in the Run   Thomas Neuberger on Instagram   Believe in the Run on YouTube   Learn a great warm-up routine for runners   Thank you DrinkLMNT! A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.  DrinkLMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day. If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff. Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season. Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I’m now taking. Turning 40 – and having a thin frame – has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it’s designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids. Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do. Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!

126. How Physical Therapist Chris Johnson Prevents Running Injuries

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