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The Run Smarter Podcast

The Run Smarter Podcast

By: Brodie Sharpe
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Summary

 Expand your running knowledge, identify running misconceptions and become a faster, healthier, SMARTER runner. Let Brodie Sharpe become your new running guide as he teaches you powerful injury insights from his many years as a physiotherapist while also interviewing the best running gurus in the world. This is ideal for injured runners & runners looking for injury prevention and elevated performance. So, take full advantage by starting at season 1 where Brodie teaches you THE TOP PRINCIPLES TO OVERCOME ANY RUNNING INJURY and let’s begin your run smarter journey.Brodie Sharpe 2020 Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Re-Run: The Masters Running Masterclass with Claire Bartholic (Oct, 2021)

    Re-Run: The Masters Running Masterclass with Claire Bartholic (Oct, 2021)
    May 3 2026

    Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍

    For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
    - Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
    - The Run Smarter Book 📖
    - Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
    - & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
    👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

    Coach Claire Bartholic wasn’t always a runner. She started running in her mid-30s simply to get in shape for her high school reunion. She caught the running bug and finished her first marathon at age 38 in a respectable 4:02 and was immediately hooked. With dedicated coaching and training, she successfully lowered her marathon PR to 2:58, remarkably without injury, and entirely plant-based. Today, we talk about all things masters running, including the common mistakes and misconceptions Claire often sees working with masters athletes. We also answer all your patron questions, including ways to best prepare in your younger years, how to adjust your goals, how to increase mileage safely and how to recover from long runs.

    Follow The Run to the Top podcast by RunnersConnect

    Head to Claire's website to receive your free download about the ultimate fuel plan for runners

    Follow @theplantedrunner on insta
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    55 mins
  • Collagen Supplements: Optimal Dosage, Timing, & Implementation for Tendon Health

    Collagen Supplements: Optimal Dosage, Timing, & Implementation for Tendon Health
    Apr 26 2026

    Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍

    For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
    - Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
    - The Run Smarter Book 📖
    - Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
    - & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
    👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨

    In this episode, Brodie breaks down a brand-new 2026 systematic review investigating whether collagen supplementation truly improves tendon health, recovery, and performance. With conflicting advice from experts and unclear evidence in the past, this paper helps clarify what actually works—and more importantly, how to apply it to your training.

    Paper: Collagen Supplementation on Tendon-Related Structural and Performance Outcomes: A Systematic Review

    Key Takeaways

    • Collagen can improve tendon structure and stiffness—but only when combined with proper strength training
    • Dosage matters: 15–30g appears more effective than lower doses
    • Timing matters: ~60 minutes before training aligns with peak amino acid availability
    • Vitamin C enhances the process, helping collagen synthesis and cross-linking
    • Collagen does NOT improve muscle strength beyond what training alone achieves

    Bottom line: collagen seems tendon-specific, not a general performance enhancer


    Training Requirements

    • Must include structured resistance training
    • Target 70–90% of 1RM (heavy loading)
    • Tendons need a strong mechanical stimulus to adapt

    Collagen without loading = minimal benefit


    Final Thoughts

    This paper helps move us from confusion to clarity.

    Collagen isn’t a magic fix—but when used strategically alongside heavy strength training, it may:

    • Improve tendon structure
    • Increase stiffness
    • Enhance long-term resilience

    In other words, it’s a potential amplifier—not a replacement—for good rehab and training principles.
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    45 mins
  • The Science of Stem Cells & Tendon Healing with Chukwuweike Gwam MD

    The Science of Stem Cells & Tendon Healing with Chukwuweike Gwam MD
    Apr 19 2026
    Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓- The Run Smarter Book 📖- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨Stem cells are one of the most talked-about frontiers in medicine—but how much of it actually applies to runners dealing with tendon pain?In this episode, I’m joined by orthopaedic surgeon and researcher Chukwuweike Gwam to break down the latest evidence on stem cells and tendon healing. We unpack what stem cells actually are, how they work in the body, and whether they live up to the hype when it comes to treating tendinopathy.We also explore the real-world limitations, risks, and costs—alongside what the future might hold for regenerative medicine in running injuries.If you’ve ever considered injections, biologics, or wondered if stem cells are “the next big thing”… this episode will bring you up to speed.About Chukwuweike Gwam MD: Orthopaedic surgeon (USA) specialising in hip & knee reconstruction MD (Howard University), PhD in Molecular Medicine (Wake Forest), MBA Research focus: regenerative medicine, stem cells, and translational science Passion for improving healthcare access and bringing lab discoveries into real-world treatment Follow him on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chukwuweike_g/Key Topics & InsightsWhat Are Stem Cells (In Simple Terms)? Think of stem cells as the body’s “repair reserve” They help regenerate tissue by: Creating new cells Regulating inflammation We all have them—but: Quantity decreases with ageQuality declines significantlyWhy Do We Heal Slower As We Age?It’s not just one factor—it’s a combination: Reduced stem cell quality and number Slower blood vessel formation Reduced cellular signalling Increased “senescent” (non-functioning) cells In other words: your repair system is still there… just less efficient.Stem Cells & Tendon Healing — The TheoryThe idea is simple: Harvest stem cells (fat, bone marrow, etc.) Process them Inject them into the injured tendon The goal: Improve collagen structure Enhance healing response Accelerate recovery But here’s the key point…👉 They are NOT a magic bullet—they’re an adjunct.What the Research Actually ShowsFrom their literature review (2015–2025): ~1,800 papers screened ~150 relevant studies included Findings: Improved collagen alignment (under a microscope) Increased tensile strength (in animal models) No consistent improvement in long-term human outcomes 👉 Especially beyond 6–12 months, results tend to equalise.The Most Interesting FindingIn rotator cuff studies: Stem cells improved early recovery (first ~6 months) But no long-term difference compared to standard treatment Why? Stem cells likely help regulate early inflammation The body eventually “catches up” on its own Why Results Are So InconsistentThis is the biggest limitation:No standardisation. Different sources (fat, bone marrow, skin) Different processing methods Different patient health profiles 👉 Your stem cells ≠ someone else’s stem cellsRisks & Limitations Potential for tumour formation (teratomas) with certain stem cell types High variability in outcomes Mostly animal-based evidence Difficult to control how cells behave once injected Cost vs Benefit (Reality Check) Stem cell injections: ~$3,000–$5,000+ Cortisone: ~$200 Rehab: far cheaper, highly effective In most cases: You’re paying a premium for uncertain benefit.What About PRP? Some benefit for: Tennis elbow Chronic tendinopathy But: Highly variable Not clearly superior to rehab Again, works best alongside loading—not instead of it.Practical Takeaways (For Runners) Stem cells are promising—but not ready for prime time (yet) They may: Speed up early recovery Improve tissue quality (in theory) But: Don’t outperform rehab long-term Are expensive and inconsistent The fundamentals still win: Progressive loading Smart training Patience 📲 Follow Dr. Gwam: https://www.instagram.com/chukwuweike_g/
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    47 mins
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