Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

Recovery tools have proliferated in the running world over the past few years: red light therapy, ice plunge buckets, peptides, and more. However, the expensive price tag does not guarantee efficacy. In this episode, we look at the data behind various recovery tools and if they actually work - or if they just come with a powerful placebo effect.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How the placebo effect interacts with recovery tools

✅ If pulsed electromagnetic field mats improve recovery

✅ How red light therapy can be used for injury healing

✅ If peptides are safe to use

✅ If Whoop and Garmin accurately estimate your training readiness and recovery

✅ The effective drivers of recovery

Thank you to Our Sponsors:

✨ Join Amanda on the Japan Running Retreat: https://www.wildexplorers.travel/tours/wild-japan-running-retreat-with-amanda-brooks

✨ Use link to enter Run to the Finish Fall Training Support Giveaway, featuring podcast sponsors Mizuno, Title Nine, and more: https://runtothefinish.com/fall-training-support-giveaway/

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris. Media kit available to interested sponsors upon request.

References

🔬PMID: 27141153

🔬https://www.yourdietsuckspodcast.com/your-diet-sucks-podcast/why-is-everyone-using-peptides

🔬PMID: 40756949

🔬PMID: 40789979

🔬PMID: 41742004

🔬 PMID: 39476109

🔬https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-science-behind-the-peptide-craze/

If you enjoyed this episode, you may like:

🎧 What to Do the Week After a Half Marathon or Marathon (28 Aug 2026)

🎧 What to Eat Before Runs, Recovery Nutrition, and Low Energy Availability (26 July 2024)

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➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/

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➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/