Q&A: Running with Chronic Fatigue / Single-Leg Exercises / Carb Loading Advice

10/20/24 • 33 min

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Today's Episode Question:

Question 1:

I was also caring for my mom - she died earlier this year and the profound grief turned into depression/anxiety and has left me with chronic fatigue. I haven't been able to run in 20 months and I've been doing it my whole life. How does one run when dealing with clinical depression/anxiety when the fatigue is too much?

Question 2:
When is the best time to incorporate single leg exercises? Is it year-round or during a certain phase of training? How should this be balanced with exercises that use both legs?

Question 3:
I’ve run two marathons and started carb loading 2 days prior to marathon day. I’m generally a healthy eater and I really struggle with consuming the suggested 10grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight before the event, given that my carb loading diet is made up of things that I don’t like eating, ie white bread, white rice and sports drinks. I previously fuelled well throughout my 2 marathons and luckily haven’t experienced hitting the wall yet. I’ve entered Queenstown marathon in November and am considering not carb loading as a kind of experiment and just making sure I fuel and hydrate well throughout the race. What do you think of this?

Today's Episode Question:

Question 1:

Question 2:
When is the best time to incorporate single leg exercises? Is it year-round or during a certain phase of training? How should this be balanced with exercises that use both legs?

Previous Episode

Q&A: Off Season Volume / Off Season Strength / Stress & Injuries

Today's Episode Question:

Question 1:
How should you go about planning running volume for the off-season?
Is there a certain percentage of reduction that's recommended?
How do you ensure you have enough base mileage at the end of the off-season to pick up the next training cycle?

Question 2:
I don't have a great strength training setup. The offseason is coming up for me in late November and I want to do more/better strength training.
What equipment would you recommend for effective strength training?

Question 3:
Why is stress a factor that affects performance and recovery?
Sometimes stress can be good and motivate us to run more, but other times it can make us more vulnerable to injuries.

Next Episode

Bone Stress Injuries in Runners Using Carbon Fiber Footwear

Summary: In this episode, we dive into a 2023 study that examines the relationship between carbon fiber plate footwear and bone stress injuries in runners. The research is an opinion article, backed by case studies and observations, highlighting potential biomechanical shifts and injury risks that may come with these advanced shoes. We break down the mechanics of carbon fiber shoes, how they work, and their impact on running performance. We also explore five case studies of athletes who developed navicular bone stress injuries while using these shoes, providing valuable insights into the risks, symptoms, and management strategies.

Key Takeaways for Recreational Runners:

Carbon Fiber Shoes: Performance Benefits and Misconceptions – Carbon fiber shoes act as a lever, not a spring. While they enhance running performance by providing a more efficient propulsion, their benefits are closely tied to both the carbon plate and the high-tech foam used in the midsole.
Biomechanical Changes – Runners using carbon fiber shoes experience changes in biomechanics, such as reduced cadence, longer strides, and increased flight time. These changes could potentially increase the risk of injury, particularly in the foot and ankle.
Injury Risks – Bone stress injuries, particularly in the navicular bone, may occur due to the altered distribution of forces in the foot. Athletes in the study experienced symptoms like midfoot pain and swelling after using carbon fiber shoes, leading to long recovery times and, in some cases, surgery.
Case Studies – Five detailed case studies offer real-world examples of how runners were affected by bone stress injuries after using carbon fiber shoes. These cases emphasize the importance of symptom awareness, early diagnosis, and gradual rehabilitation.
Careful Transition to Carbon Fiber Shoes – Runners should avoid making abrupt transitions into carbon fiber shoes. It’s essential to gradually introduce these shoes into your training routine, starting with slower runs before incorporating speed workouts or races. Failure to do so can lead to severe bone stress injuries, as seen in the case studies.
Monitoring Symptoms – Keep an eye out for midfoot pain, especially around the navicular bone. If you experience persistent pain or swelling, seek medical advice and consider getting an MRI or CT scan early to prevent a prolonged recovery process.

This episode provides essential insights for any runner considering carbon fiber footwear, especially those concerned about injury risks and recovery strategies.