The RunRX Podcast

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie talk about stretching, mobility, and why your body’s needs change as you get older. Valerie shares how she went from being a bouncy, high-impact fitness instructor who barely stretched at all to realizing that range of motion work becomes essential in your 50s and beyond. They discuss the long-running debate around stretching before workouts, the difference between stretching, flexibility, and mobility, and why dynamic flexibility and full-range movement matter for runners.

The conversation also covers the role of the couch stretch, how stretching can reveal what your body has been missing, an...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie dig into a fear many runners do not name out loud: fear of gravity. This episode explains why runners often brace, overreach, and put a “kickstand” foot out in front of them when they get nervous about falling, and how that creates more impact instead of less. You will hear why controlled falling is a skill, how gravity and elasticity work together, and why learning to stop fighting the fall can make your running feel lighter and more natural.

The conversation also covers practical drills for building confidence in the fall, why runn...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie break down a big training truth: if you want better running results, it is not just about more miles, it is about better variety. Using the Boston Marathon winner’s training as an example, this episode explains why elite runners combine recovery runs, tempo work, and fast intervals instead of running every mile at the same pace. The conversation also revisits the RunRx triangle: running works best when strength and self-care support it, and when those pieces fall out of balance, progress stalls.

You will hear why easy miles alone will not au...

Valerie and Caroline break down why foam rolling and daily mobility work are essential for runners — not as a luxury, but as practical self-care that prevents adhesions, restores range of motion, and keeps you running pain-free. In this episode Valerie shares her own wake-up story (an unexpected leg injury) and how regular rolling, short mobility bites, and simple movement habits transformed her approach to recovery. You’ll learn why a little rolling often — five minutes before a warmup, during TV time, or between sessions — adds up, how to spot scar-tissue “knots” before they harden, and simple ways to normalize rolling so i...

A deep, practical conversation about running shoes, cushioning, and joint care. We unpack the history from motion-control to maximal cushion, explain why more foam didn't solve running injuries, and how overly-cushy shoes can actually mask impact and lead to harder landings. Learn what really protects your joints (movement, foot strength, consistent prehab/rehab), what “super-shoes” changed for elites and recreational runners, and non-surgical options like viscosupplementation (gel injections) and smart rehab. Actionable takeaways for older runners and anyone who wants to run longer, healthier, and with less pain.

▶️ Free 30-Day RunRX Reboot — Skill, Strength & Self-Care (YouTube pl...

Coach Valerie and Coach Caroline explain why that perfect, effortless feeling you get during a Zoom drill or in-room practice sometimes disappears the moment you step outside — and exactly what to do about it. This episode walks through the practical steps to bridge practice and real runs: how to treat runs like interval practice, when and how to stop and reset, small “mini” strength and mobility sessions that preserve progress when life gets busy, and why consistent check-ins (gait analysis and video feedback) speed learning and prevent injury. If you're recovering from an injury or trying to hold on to for...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie tackle the most common myths about running after 40 and explain what’s real, what’s nonsense, and how to start (or restart) running with confidence. This episode covers why age is not a barrier to beginning or improving as a runner, practical changes to training (warm-ups, recovery, nutrition, and sleep), how to build a safe marathon timeline if you’re new to long distances, and coach-tested strategies to keep running for decades. Whether you’re a newcomer thinking “I can’t start now” or an experienced runner worried about knees, this episode gives concrete, actionable gui...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie answer a common question from a RunRx member: when should you contact your coach about an injury, and what should you do in the meantime? This episode explains why runners often delay asking for help, the risks of waiting (how small niggles can become bigger problems), and practical first steps you can take the moment you notice pain.

We cover:

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie talk candidly about stress, deadlines, and how to keep movement and training sustainable when life gets overwhelming. We explain why exercise often becomes "the first thing to go" during high-stress periods, and share practical, coach-tested strategies to preserve fitness without adding pressure: short, effective micro-sessions (5–10 minutes), practical strength and self-care that slot into busy days, when to prioritize sleep over a hard workout, and how to adjust racing goals or training plans during stressful times. You'll get specific examples (timer tricks, mini strength circuits, mobility drills), mindset reframes to keep movement supportive rather than st...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie answer a great membership Zoom question: why do drills feel amazing in a Zoom practice but not translate to outdoor runs? In this episode we explain the difference between "in-place" drill conditioning and running practice, why doing too much outside too soon can undermine progress, and how to treat running like an interval-style practice — work, reset, drill, then continue. You’ll get practical steps for stopping and resetting mid-run, why small intentional pauses improve form and endurance, how walk-breaks differ from resets, and real member examples that show steady progress. Also learn how our gait...

In this episode of the RunX Podcast Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie explain why short, regular check-ins beat occasional overreach, how simple movement checks and short daily drills prevent injury, and why coaching focuses on your movement — not your clothes or weight. Learn exactly what a coach looks for in a gait check (ears → shoulders → hips → lifted ankle), how private vs community check-ins work, and step-by-step tips for uploading usable video or photos so your coach can help faster. Hear real member examples of how small, repeatable changes turned chronic pain into consistent, pain-free running. Practical, actionable, and grounded in movem...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie explain how to cut through the overload of running tips, gadgets and trends so you can actually improve — not just chase the next miracle product. Learn why movement, gravity and muscle elasticity are the stable truths that solve most injuries, how consistent simple drills beat fad fixes, and quick next steps you can take today to rebuild confidence and run pain-free.

Chapters

00:00 — Intro: RunnerX Podcast & episode focus

00:30 — The social-media noise: why conflicting advice confuses runners

01:40 — Why runners often arrive in pain (common patterns we still see)

03...

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie break down how to fall back in love with running after 40. Learn why efficiency matters more than mileage, how short strength + mobility sessions beat marathon-length gym time, and the simple movement habits (5–10 minute drills) that protect your body and make running fun again. Perfect for runners returning after a break or anyone wanting a sustainable, pain-free approach.

Chapters

00:00 — Intro: RunnerX Podcast & episode focus 00:30 — Why running after 40 feels different (twinges, recovery, patience) 02:00 — Move smarter: efficiency, elasticity, and running as movement 03:30 — Strength training for runners: start bodyweight → progress sensibly 05:00 — Time-efficient plans: 5–10 minute drills that actu...

Is running every day a smart New Year’s goal — or a fast track to burnout and injury? In this episode Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie unpack the why behind daily running, safer alternatives (practice movement, drills, strength, mobility), and how to build a sustainable daily habit without wrecking your training. Perfect for runners wondering whether to chase the “run-every-day” trend or adopt a smarter, movement-first plan for 2026.

✅ Key takeaways

✅ Ask “why” before committing to daily runs — purpose drives safer training.

✅ Running every day ≠ running long every day — short, focused movement is smarter.

✅ Pra...

Controlled falling, cadence, and the mental roadblocks that stop runners — Coaches Caroline & Valerie explain how to train the fall, recover from fear-driven movement mistakes, and use simple drills to run lighter and pain-free.

✅ Key takeaways

✅ Controlled falling (not leaning) reduces impact and improves cadence.

✅ Start with drills (wall, bands, short hops) and build balance before chasing 180+ cadence.

✅ If fear appears — stop, reset, practice balance — don’t reach with the front foot.

✅ Transfer drills to running gradually and seek live feedback for faster, safer progress.

▶️ Free 30-Day RunRX Reboot - Skill, Streng...

Someone on social media said “stop telling everyone to run at 180” — and that sparked this deep, practical conversation. Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie walk through: what cadence actually measures, why the ~180 figure exists (its research origin and relation to ground reaction force), why you can’t safely force 180 without developing elasticity and skill, and exactly how to train cadence the RunRx way (drills, metronome practice, short intervals, resets on long runs).

We also share a real runner story: a woman who hit ~190–195 but wasn’t moving efficiently — once she learned pose → fall → pull and built elasticity, she dropped 2–3 minute...

New-Year slump? Learn how to turn short-lived motivation into a sustainable running habit. Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie share a movement-first approach (elasticity, drills, strength), realistic goal setting, and simple nutrition mindset shifts so your January change actually sticks — without strict diets or burnout.

Key takeaways

✅ Pre-plan two realistic weekly workouts you WILL do — small wins beat “all or nothing.”

✅ Treat training as self-care: short drills, strength, and mobility preserve form when time is tight.

✅ Movement first, miles second — build elasticity, balance and body-weight strength to stay consistent and avoid injury.

✅ Short int...

Staying on track through the holidays: practical, low-stress strategies to keep your running consistent over Christmas & New Year. Learn the “minimum effective dose,” how to use short drills and strength sessions when you can’t run, smart deloading, interval options for travel, and how RunRx Zooms & the app can keep your form sharp while life gets busy.

Key takeaways

✅ Pre-plan two realistic workouts for holiday weeks — win those and you’ll reduce stress and stay consistent.

✅ Do a short drill/strength/self-care session (5–15 min) when long runs aren’t possible — it preserves form and fitness.

...

Learn why VO₂ max (and other watch metrics) don’t tell the whole story — and what really improves running performance: better movement, cadence, heart-rate awareness, and consistent drill work. Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie cut through the gimmicks, explain why lab VO₂ testing ≠ instant speed, and give practical steps you can use on your next run to feel and perform better.

✅ Key takeaways

✅ VO₂ max is largely genetic and often over-sold by gadgets — it’s an estimate on your watch, not a magic fix.

✅ Movement and skill (cadence, elasticity, posture) create the biggest gains for most recreat...

Learn what cadence actually is, why 180 SPM is useful (but not an overnight fix), and how elasticity drills + metronome practice help you pick up rhythm without blowing up your aerobic effort. Coaches Caroline & Valerie break cadence down into simple progressions, explain why older runners stiffen (and how to reverse it), and give practical drills you can use today to make your easy runs feel easier and your speed work more effective.

✅ Key takeaways

✅ Cadence = steps per minute; the magic zone many coaches reference is ~180 SPM but you progress there slowly.

✅ Building muscle elasticity (hops...

Learn why you taper, what a smart taper actually looks like, and why “carb-loading” isn’t a one-size solution. Coaches Caroline and Valerie break down race-week intensity vs. volume, practical taper templates, real fueling rules you should test in training, and step-by-step actions to arrive at the start line fresh, confident, and race-ready.

✅ Key takeaways

What makes an ultramarathon different from a marathon — and how should your training actually change? In this episode Coaches Caroline and Valerie explain the real demands of ultra running (road vs trail, time-on-feet, carry & fueling needs) and give a coachable, down-to-earth plan for runners who want to go beyond 26.2 miles without breaking themselves.

🔑 Key takeaways

Missed a key workout or a long run? In this episode Coaches Caroline and Valerie walk you through exactly how to recover your training plan without panic, how to decide when to make up miles vs. adjust expectations, and the coaching mindset that keeps you progressing without burning out. Practical, coachable steps for real runners who don’t have a perfect schedule.

✅ Key takeaways

Thinking about a bucket-list marathon (big city, destination, or iconic course)? Coaches Caroline and Valerie cover how to choose the right race for your goals, practical travel & taper tips, how to adapt training for altitude/heat/time-zones, and the logistics that make a destination marathon a joyful success — not a stress test.

✅ Key takeaways

In this episode Coaches Caroline and Valerie unpack the recent drop in elite marathon times, the role of super-shoes and recovery, and — most importantly — what recreational runners can actually do to get faster without getting injured. If you’ve wondered why the elites seem to keep improving while your pace sits still, this episode explains the science (gravity + elasticity), the training trends (intervals, Norwegian-style sessions, split volume), and the one thing that levels the playing field: smarter movement and targeted coaching.

🔑 Key Takeaways

In this episode Coaches Caroline and Valerie unpack why so many athletes—runners and recreational players alike—feel “stuck to the ground,” lose elasticity, and suffer knee pain. Using live examples from pickleball and running check-ins, they explain the simple shift that changes everything: lift your torso, increase fall, and actively pull the foot up. These small movement changes free your feet, protect your knees, and make every sport feel easier and more fun.

🔑 Key Takeaways

In this episode Coaches Caroline and Valerie unpack the breathing craze—what’s helpful, what’s hype, and exactly how to use breathing drills to improve your running. They explain why breathing is a rhythm inside your run (not a distraction), how to practice breathing so it becomes automatic, and simple drills you can use in warm-ups to expand your chest, calm your panic response, and run longer/faster with less effort.

🔑 Key Takeaways

In this week’s RunRx podcast, Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie dive deep into the three‑step gait cycle—Pose → Fall → Pull—and reveal how just 28 days of focused practice can transform your running form. Discover why understanding the nuance of timing, body awareness, and mindset is as critical as the drills themselves—and learn how decades of coaching with Dr. Romanov shaped Valerie’s game‑changing approach. Whether you’re a brand‑new runner or a seasoned marathoner, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable steps to run stronger, smarter, and pain‑free.

✅ What You’ll Learn:

🎧 Episode Overview

In this week’s episode, Caroline and Valerie tackle the rise of AI-driven fitness tools and why—no matter how sophisticated—artificial intelligence can’t replace the human element of running coaching. From gait analysis data to dynamic movement feedback, discover why real-time, personalized guidance remains irreplaceable when it comes to staying injury‑free and unlocking your full running potential.

📋 Key Takeaways

Think you’re running just because you lace up and move your feet? Think again.

In this episode, Coach Valerie shares her deep dive into the Pose Method and how true running starts only after you move past the basics. Most runners stop at "pose-fall-pull," but it’s the nuance, the timing, and the mindset that unlock effortless, powerful running.

She shares what it was like training directly with Dr. Romanov and how learning to unthink and feel running transformed her—and now hundreds of RunRX members. If you’ve plateaued or feel like running is still...

Ever catch yourself saying “I can’t do that” before you even try? You’re not alone. In this episode, Coaches Valerie and Caroline break down the mindset that holds runners back—and the real reasons behind so-called limitations like tight hips, weak cores, or bad posture.

Learn how most pain or movement struggles aren’t due to permanent body “flaws”—but from poor positioning, inactivity, or misunderstanding proper form. Hear how simple modifications and mindset shifts can unlock movements you once avoided, and why correct movement corrects movement.

Whether you’ve given up on core work, are frust...

Thinking about knee surgery as your fix-all for running pain? In this episode, we’re breaking down the real path to recovery—and it starts before you even go under the knife. Coach Valerie shares what’s often overlooked: how lack of glute strength, poor walking mechanics, and skipping foundational movements are the real root of chronic pain.

You’ll hear why some runners don’t need surgery at all—and why others who do still end up frustrated and in pain afterward. Whether you’ve had a procedure, are trying to avoid one, or are stuck in a cycle of...

Are you glorifying the grind… or ignoring the warning signs of injury? In this episode, Coaches Valerie and Caroline break down the difference between productive discomfort and unnecessary pain in training. Learn how to recognize when it's time to push—and when it’s smarter to reset and preserve your ability to run another day.

From overtraining mindset traps to the truth about DNF (Did Not Finish) shame, this episode is a must-listen for any runner who's ever felt conflicted about stopping mid-run.

Discover the RunRX approach to intensity, injury prevention, and what “suffering” in training s...

Think you need to isolate your glutes or train your core to run better? Think again. In this episode, Coaches Valerie and Caroline break down the real purpose of strength training for runners—and why most runners have it all wrong.

You’ll learn why bodyweight strength is the foundation of injury-free running, how to stop training in pieces, and why true movement strength means learning to hold and control your body as one unit.

PLUS: The brand-new RunRX App is here! Search “RunRX Academy” in your app store to access free drills, strength training, and reco...

Is running bad for your knees? Absolutely not. In this episode, Coaches Valerie and Caroline unpack one of the most harmful myths in running—that knee pain is inevitable. You’ll learn why most runners are unknowingly locking their knees and how this one habit leads to injury, discomfort, and even giving up the sport altogether.

Discover the real reason your knees hurt when you run—and what you can do about it starting today.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

You've read the books. You've tried the drills. Maybe you’ve even studied Pose Method on your own. But you're still in pain or not hitting your goals. In this episode, Coaches Caroline and Valerie discuss the difference between self-coaching and having a coach—and why even experienced runners need feedback and guidance to run pain-free.

Learn why it’s not about information—it’s about application, repetition, and accountability.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

If you’ve been dealing with chronic knee pain, hip tightness, or foot issues every time you run, ask yourself this: how long are you willing to stay in pain? In this episode, Coaches Caroline and Valerie talk about why so many runners tolerate discomfort for years—and how quickly it can be resolved with proper movement.

You don’t need more gear, more rest, or expensive braces. You need a better way to move.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Do you need music, podcasts, or chatter just to get through a run? In this episode, Coaches Caroline and Valerie unpack why so many runners feel the need to distract themselves—and how doing so may be holding you back from real progress and deeper enjoyment in your running.

Learn how to connect with your movement, improve your cadence, and rediscover the meditative power of running with zero distractions.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Think you need to work out for an hour to get results? Think again. In this episode, Coaches Caroline and Valerie unpack why short, focused training sessions can be far more effective—especially for runners returning from injury or learning proper movement for the first time.

Instead of chasing time, learn how to chase quality of movement. Whether you’re following the RunRX method on YouTube or inside the membership, this episode will help you rethink what a “real workout” looks like.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Many runners start training with the goal of losing weight—but what if more miles isn’t the answer? In this episode, Coaches Caroline and Valerie debunk the myth that running a marathon is the best way to shed pounds. Instead, they explain why shorter distances, interval training, and strength work lead to better results—without the injuries or burnout.

Whether you’re running to improve health, lose weight, or simply get back into shape, this episode will help you approach your training smarter (and stay pain-free).

🔑 Key Takeaways: