Pilates as Strength Training, Can You Overfuel on Long Runs, If Max Cushion Shoes are Harmful and More: Our Hot (Science-based) Takes

<p>In this episode, we bring a nuanced, science-based approach to many hot topics in running right now. What causes muscle cramps? Does Pilates count as strength training? Should slower runners wear carbon plated shoes? Is it possible to overfuel on long runs? Our goal is to provide individualized guidance, rather than click-baity universalized proclamations. </p><p><br /></p><p><strong>In this episode, we provide our informed takes on:</strong></p><p>✅ What actually causes muscle cramps (according to science)</p><p>✅ If taking walk breaks discounts a marathon effort</p><p>✅ If back of pack and midpack runners benefit from carbon plated shoes</p><p>✅ Why Pilates does not replace resistance training</p><p>✅ Is there such a thing as overfueling on long runs?</p><p>Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>🔬PMID: 32796418</p><p>🔬PMID: 39405382</p><p>🔬PMID: 40059889</p><p>🔬https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844022028523</p><p>🔬 PMID: 28543751</p><p>🔬PMID: 37239690</p><p>🔬PMID: 33967223</p><p>🔬PMID: 38876695</p><p>🔬PMID: 41759826</p><p>🔬PMID: 41191077</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:</strong></p><p>🎧 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HOzll9rv8qXGiTwNFStXK?si=fYv4j3UaRXOzQfHdLYZtUg" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sweat, Sodium, and Running Performance: What the Science Actually Says</a> (24 July 2026)</p><p>🎧 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4E67WB86cBkgxAkanQFbQ3?si=66WkDVLyTnqYmEM6HjL5kg" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Benefits of Using the Run-Walk Method</a> (17 Oct 2025)</p><p>🎧 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FfkeO60lej3L7uZZW6c0Z?si=R-Ry1oGFSRiApBOiMZZaEQ" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cutting through the Running Shoe BS</a> (23 Jan 2026)</p><p>🎧 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6N2ENR6U2bYSIhUMXIEgJz?si=mXIL6t_CRhqCKKQmsxCovQ" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gut Training for Runners with Claire Shorenstein, MS CSSD</a> (10 July 2026)</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Let’s stay connected:</strong></p><p>➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/</a></p><p>➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/</a></p><p>➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on <a href="https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/</a></p><p>➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en</a></p><p>➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: <a href="https://runtothefinish.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://runtothefinish.com/</a></p>