What if the very shoes designed to protect you are actually making you more prone to injury?

If you’ve ever wondered why your feet still hurt even though you keep buying softer shoes, this episode breaks it all down. I dig into what heavy cushioning actually does to your body, why variety matters more than any single “perfect” shoe, and how foot strength changes the way you run. You’ll hear the simple steps I use to build tougher, more responsive feet, plus how to choose and rotate shoes so your body gets stronger instead of overloaded. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of soreness, this might be the reset your running needs.

1. Max-cushion shoes might feel comfortable, but they can weaken your feet over time by reducing natural shock absorption and muscle engagement.
2. Running in the same shoe every day creates repetitive stress—rotating between different types of shoes helps build strength and prevent injury.
3. Your feet need feedback from the ground to stay strong and stable; too much cushion dulls that connection and can hurt your form.

• [00:58] The Run Shoe Industry Story
• [01:36] The Science Behind Super Shoes
• [03:14] What's The Real Problem?
• [04:21] Use This To Get Strong Feet
• [04:56] Why Feet Matter More Than Shoes
• [05:40] Train Your Feet - Step 1: Stop Wearing One Shoe for Everything
• [07:32] Step 2: Build Foot Strength Progressively
• [08:34] Step 3: Use Max Cushion Strategically, Not Exclusively
• [09:07] Step 4: Pay Attention to Ground Feel
• [10:00] Understand This About Gear and You'll Actually Run Faster Farther

• 📈 Get your free 3 Shoe Rotation Cheat Sheet & Training Plan: https://dlakecreates.com/shoerotationfree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here: https://dlakecreates.com/shoecushion
• Stop Wasting Money on the Wrong Gear - https://dlakecreates.com/gear
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The single biggest mistake runners make isn't about shoes, diet, or mileage. It's running every single day in the one zone that guarantees burnout.

What if everything you thought about "moderate effort" running was backwards? Most runners are confused about the grey zone because it feels productive but rarely delivers results. In this episode, I break down what the grey zone actually is, why it leaves so many people feeling stuck, and how to tell when it’s helping versus hurting your training. I walk through simple ways to spot it, explain why it’s often called “junk” work, and show how to use it intentionally without burning yourself out. If you want to feel fresher, train smarter, and finally understand where your effort should go, this episode gives you the clarity to do that.

1. The grey zone is not a bad pace by itself, but it becomes a problem when it turns into your default for every run. When that happens, you stay tired without getting fitter.
2. Easy runs should feel truly easy, and hard days should feel clearly hard. The progress comes from separating those efforts instead of living in the middle.
3. Grey zone works best when it’s used on purpose for specific goals like marathon pace or tempo work. It should support your training, not quietly take it over.

• [00:24] What You'll Learn
• [01:10] What Is It and How to Spot The Grey Zone
• [03:43] Why People Call It Junk and Why That’s Wrong
• [05:38] How To Use The Grey Zone In a Smart Way
• [06:22] Use This to Run In The Grey Zone
• [06:43] When To Use (And Avoid) Grey Zone
• [08:27] Check If You're In The Grey Zone
• [09:36] Use This To Build Your Base Before Building Your Grey Zone

• 📈 Get your free avoid the grey zone training plan here https://dlakecreates.com/subthresholdfree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/grayzonesimple
• Learn more about the Grey Zone here - https://dlakecreates.com/greyzone
• Run far and longer with ease here - https://dlakecreates.com/base
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the very activity you've been warned against is actually the best thing you can do for your knee health?

If you’ve ever been told running will ruin your knees, this episode is going to flip that idea on its head. I break down why so many people blame the wrong thing for their pain, what the science actually says about how knees adapt, and the real habits that cause most runners to struggle. You’ll learn the simple changes that protect your joints, help you recover better, and make your runs feel smoother and stronger over time. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to train in a way your body can handle—without guessing, overthinking, or falling into the traps that keep runners stuck.

1. Running isn't the problem for your knees; in fact, it helps strengthen them. The real issue comes from doing too much too soon and not allowing your body to recover properly.
2. You can protect your knees by slowly increasing your mileage and making your easy runs truly easy. Varying your runs, your shoes, and your surfaces also helps prevent repetitive stress.
3. Strong muscles support your knees, so strength training your glutes, hips, and quads is crucial. This helps your body handle impact so your knees don't have to take the full force.

• [00:31] The Amateur Knee Experts
• [01:26] Why is Sitting Worse For Your Knees Than Running?
• [02:40] Joints Are Built to Move, Not Sit
• [03:02] How To Run Without Hurting Your Knees
• [04:16] What Actually Protects Your Knees
• [05:16] Use This To Run Farther & Longer
• [05:43] Protect Your Knees By Training your posterior chain
• [06:35] Do This Thing In The Off-Season To Protect Your Knees Even Further

• 📈 Get your free run far and long with less effort training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/badforknees
• How to run far and long with less effort (base training) https://dlakecreates.com/base2
• Prevent & Fix your Runner’s Knee issue with this - https://dlakecreates.com/runnersknee
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The single biggest mistake runners make is trying to run fast on every single run, and it’s the very thing that’s holding you back from your next personal best.

If you’ve ever wondered why you blow up halfway through long runs or can’t seem to get faster no matter how hard you push, this episode breaks down the real reason: your base isn’t strong enough. I dig into what base training actually is, why it matters more than most people realize, and how it quietly transforms your speed, endurance, and resilience. You’ll learn how to structure your easy runs, how the long run fits in, and how to use simple strength, stride, and plyometric work to build a body that can handle real training. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to start doing this in your own running without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Slowing down builds the aerobic engine that makes long-distance running feel easier and faster. When most runs stay easy, your body adapts in powerful ways.
2. A strong base protects you from injuries by giving your muscles, tendons, and joints time to catch up to your cardio. Training gets more enjoyable when you’re not constantly drained or hurting.
3. When the engine is built, speed work finally works the way it should. You can run faster with less effort because your foundation can actually support it.

• [00:33] What You'll Learn
• [01:21] What Is Base Training?
• [05:15] Use This to Run Far Long with Ease Right Now
• [06:34] The Actual Base Training Plan - Pillar 1: Easy Running
• [08:14] Pillar 2: Long Run (1x Per Week)
• [09:25] Pillar 3: Build The Chassis and Run Economy: Strength, Plyos, Strides Drills
• [14:50] Why You Should Not Skip Base Training
• [17:06] How Long Do You Need When Are You Ready to Do Faster Work?
• [19:58] Base Training Misconceptions
• [21:14] Why You Really Need to Learn About Long Runs After Base

• 📈 Get your free run farther and faster base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/base2
• Learn all about strides - https://dlakecreates.com/strideswithme
• Learn all about long run - https://dlakecreates.com/longrun
• Learn all about A-Skips - https://dlakecreates.com/askips
• Get the 5 body weight only Strength moves you’ll ever need as a runner - https://dlakecreates.com/10w2s-5
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the thing holding back your running is your fear of lifting weights?

If you’ve ever felt torn between running and lifting, this episode shows you how to build both without choosing sides. I walk through what hybrid training really is, why it’s blowing up, and how to make it work even if you’re brand new. You’ll learn the mistakes that keep runners weak, the habits that hold lifters back, and the simple weekly structure that helps anyone get stronger, faster, and fitter at the same time. It’s a clear roadmap for training smarter so your body can finally do more without falling apart.

1. You don't have to choose between running and lifting. Combining them builds a fitness level that helps you perform better in sports and everyday life.
2. If you are a runner, strength training makes you more efficient. This means you can run the same pace while using less energy.
3. If you are a lifter, learning to run at an easy, conversational pace builds your cardio without hurting your strength gains.

• [00:30] What You'll Learn
• [01:16] What is Hyrox
• [03:00] The Fork in the Road: Runner vs Lifter
• [03:29] Use This to Become a Hybrid Athlete
• [03:46] For Runners—How to Train Like a Gym Bro (Without Becoming One)
• [07:00] Functional Lower Body Work
• [08:26] Use This to Schedule Your Running Lifting Perfectly
• [09:03] For Lifters—How to Run Like a Hybrid Athlete (Not a Broken Bro)
• [12:38] Run Economy Basics for Big Humans
• [15:50] A Simple Hybrid Week Plan
• [18:46] Use This to Run a Faster HYROX

• 📈 Get your free hybrid athlete/hyrox training plan here https://dlakecreates.com/hyroxfree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/hyrox
• Learn how to run far and fast easier - https://dlakecreates.com/base
• Learn the top 5 body weight strength exercises for runners - https://dlakecreates.com/10w2s-5
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your pace but your training habits?

In this episode, I break down the nine lessons that completely changed the way I train and helped me finally run faster without constant injuries or burnout. You’ll learn why slowing down matters, how to use walking the right way, and what it takes to build the kind of consistency that actually sticks. I explain how progress really works, the mindset shift that makes running feel easier, and the simple habits that make training feel automatic. If you’ve ever wondered why your hard work isn’t showing up in your pace, this episode gives you the tools to fix that—without overcomplicating anything.

1. Running slower most of the time actually makes you faster: Easy, conversational-paced runs build your aerobic base, reduce injury risk, and teach your body to use energy more efficiently.
2. Walking during runs isn’t failure, it’s smart training: Strategic walk breaks help manage fatigue, protect your joints, and let you run longer without burning out.
3. Being a runner starts the moment you run, not when you hit a goal: You don’t need speed, distance, or a race bib to call yourself a runner; showing up is enough.

• [00:27] What You'll Learn
• [00:52] Rule #1 — Running Slow Actually Makes You Faster
• [03:31] Rule #2 — It's Okay to Walk
• [06:10] Use This to Fully Implement the 9 Rules Right Now
• [06:35] Rule #3 — Shoes Matter... But Not the Way You Think
• [08:23] Rule #4 — Progress Isn't Linear (And That's Okay)
• [12:29] Help Another Runner
• [12:58] Rule #6 — You Don't Need to Run Every Day. You Need Consistency
• [14:51] Rule #7 — You're Starting From Zero. That's Normal.
• [16:49] Rule #8 — You Don't Need Motivation. You Need a System
• [19:05] Rule #9 — You're a Runner as Soon as You Start
• [20:01] Here's What You Really Need to Start Running

• 📈 Get your free run farther and longer base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more https://dlakecreates.com/9things
• Steal my 7 minute warmup routine https://dlakecreates.com/warmup
• Run farther and longer with this https://dlakecreates.com/base
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most runners aren’t stuck because of fitness… they’re stuck because they keep repeating the same mistakes.

Every marathoner is somewhere on the five-level spectrum—and most don’t even realize they’re training themselves into a trap.

In this episode, I break down the stages every runner moves through, the exact moments the transitions happen, and why some levels lead to growth while others quietly wreck your performance, mindset, and enjoyment. You’ll learn how to recognize where you are right now, avoid the psychological and physical pitfalls that derail so many runners, and dial in the approach that keeps you improving without burning out.

1. Every marathoner moves through predictable levels, and most get stuck because they repeat the same habits without changing anything.
2. Chasing times too aggressively turns smart training into obsession, which often leads to injury, burnout, and frustration.
3. The best progress happens when you stay curious, train with intention, and avoid letting your self-worth depend on one race result.

• - [00:00:20:14] What You'll Learn
• - [00:01:02:26] LEVEL 1: THE BUCKET-LISTER
• - [00:02:08:15] Use This To Run a Smarter Marathon
• - [00:02:51:27] Level 2 – The Repeater
• - [00:05:02:12] Do This Easy Thing To Help Another Runner
• - [00:05:17:00] Level 3: The Student
• - [00:07:24:14] LEVEL 4: THE QUALIFIER
• - [00:09:36:13] LEVEL 5: THE ZEN PSYCHOPATH
• - [00:10:45:04] What Level Should You Really Be On?
• - [00:11:43:25] Do This Before You Run Your Marathon

• 📈 Get your free run far and long easier base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/marathonlevels
• Learn how to hydrate for races like NASA astronauts - https://dlakecreates.com/smart-hydration-runners/
• Learn why and how I ran a half-marathon 1% better for 10 years so you can do it too - https://dlakecreates.com/half2024
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4x4 intervals are the most overrated workout in running, and continuing to do them could be the very thing stopping you from breaking your personal record.

You've probably heard about 4x4 intervals for boosting VO2 max, but are they really the best way to get faster? In this episode, I break down the real science behind VO2 max training and explain why the 4x4 method might be holding you back. I’ll explore why this popular workout often fails both new and experienced runners and, more importantly, I’ll share proven, alternative interval workouts that are just as good—if not better. You'll learn the fundamentals of how this training works and get a clear plan on how to structure these workouts to build speed and endurance safely.

1. Four-by-four intervals aren’t the gold standard they’re made out to be—they’re often too hard for beginners and too short for experienced runners to maximize VO₂ max gains.
2. There are smarter, research-backed VO₂ max workouts—like 30/30s, 12 x 400m, 6 x 3 minutes, and 4 x 5 minutes—that match different experience levels and race goals better.
3. Time spent actually at VO₂ max matters more than the workout name—shorter recoveries and properly paced efforts can give you more quality minutes near your true aerobic ceiling.

• [00:17] What You'll Learn
• [00:59] What Are 4x4 Intervals?
• [02:00] Why Are They So Popular?
• [03:08] 4 Reasons Why 4x4 Intervals Are Overrated
• [05:39] Free Improve Your Vo2Max Guide
• [06:02] The 4 Better Vo2 Max Workouts
• [06:37] Option 1: 30/30 Protocol (Billat Method) - For Variety Speed demons
• [09:20] Option 2: 12x400m - For All Levels (Especially Speedy Folks That Like To Go Fast)
• [12:12] Help Another Runner Out
• [12:26] Option 3: 6x3 Minutes - For Intermediate Runners
• [13:04] Option 4: 4x5 Minutes (Jack Daniels Method) - For Experienced Runners
• [15:35] How To Fit This In Your Schedule
• [16:28] Learn About Vo2 Max First Before You Train It

• 📈 Get your free Improve Vo2 Max Training Plan https://dlakecreates.com/4x4free
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/4x4
• Use this to find your VDOT Score - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuh4bsdo1CY
• Run far and long easier with this - https://dlakecreates.com/base
• Learn everything you need to know about Vo2 Max here - https://dlakecreates.com/vo2max
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to running faster and training harder isn't found in your workouts, but in what you do when you're not running?

I used to believe that pushing harder meant getting better, until my body finally pushed back. In this episode, I break down what recovery really is, why skipping it silently drains your progress, and how your stress, sleep, nutrition, and mindset all shape the way your body adapts to training. I walk through the difference between true rest and the kind of “easy days” that still count as training, plus the simple habits that help you bounce back stronger instead of burning out. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel tired, tight, or slower even when you’re working hard, this is where everything starts to make sense.

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1. Overtraining is often a result of under-recovering. Your body can handle hard workouts, but it breaks down when you combine them with life stress and poor sleep.
2. Recovery is an active skill, not just doing nothing. It means choosing activities that lower your total stress and help your body adapt, like a walk or light mobility work.
3. Listen to your body's warning signs, like a higher resting heart rate or constant irritability. Ignoring them leads to injury, while heeding them lets you train harder and smarter.

• [00:15] What You'll Learn
• [01:02] When 'No Days Off' Destroyed My Marathon
• [02:08] The Science Behind What Happened
• [03:02] Use This Tool to Help With Recovery
• [04:30] The Real Definition of Recovery
• [05:57] Get My Free Recover Easy Without Thinking Guide
• [06:16] What to Do on Recovery Days: Active Recovery
• [08:05] Passive Recovery Explained
• [10:31] Quick Cheat Sheet to Tell Difference
• [10:59] What Not to Do on Recovery Days
• [12:43] How to Know When You Need Rest
• [14:36] Do This Once You Really Understand Recovery

• 🔴 Get 50% off Prungo FluxGO: USA Use - https://dlakecreates.com/prungoamazon ||
• Rest of World Use Code: "1BETTERRUN10" https://dlakecreates.com/prungo10
• 📈 Get your free recovery cheat sheet and training plan bundle https://dlakecreates.com/recoveryfree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/recovery
• Run far and long easier with this - https://dlakecreates.com/base
• The best cross training workouts for runners - https://dlakecreates.com/crosstrainactivities
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Losing fitness in the off-season isn’t the setback you think it is—it’s actually where your next breakthrough begins.

What if the fear of losing your running fitness is actually the very thing holding you back? This episode breaks down the surprising science that reveals how resilient your body really is and why those planned or unplanned breaks from training aren't your enemy. I'll share the simple, minimal-effort formula to maintain over 90% of your fitness and show you how to flip your mindset, turning panic into power. You'll learn how to strategically use this time to not just protect your progress, but to set the stage for your biggest running wins yet.

1. Fitness fades much slower than you think. Your core endurance stays with you for a long time, even when you take a break.
2. You can keep most of your fitness with very little work. Just a couple of easy runs a week is enough to maintain your hard-earned base.
3. A break is not a setback, it's a strategic reload. Shifting your mindset to see time off as "loading the slingshot" helps you come back stronger and avoids injury.

• [00:01] What's Really Happening With Runners Mindsets
• [00:11] What You’ll Learn
• [02:52] How To Do The Slingshot Season In Your Training
• [05:12] Use This To Run Faster, Farther and Longer with Less Effort
• [05:50] Why This Is Important For Runners
• [08:22] Do This To Stop Running Perfect

• 📈 Get your free run faster and longer base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/slingshot
• How to not let perfection rule your running - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxCjqqnPokg
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.