Running for Health vs. Running for Performance: Can You Have Both? 

Is running always health-promoting - or is there a point where running can be unhealthy? In this episode, we discuss the health benefits of running, examine claims that running increases risk of certain diseases, and explore how training for performance may be different than training for health. Thank you to our sponsors: ✨ Previnex : Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients, including Muscle Health Plus (creatine). Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com ✨ Amazfit : User-friendly simple running watches with advanced features, at an affordable price point. Use link http://bit.ly/4nai73H for 10% off your purchase. ✨ FlipBelt: Sleek storage options, including no-bounce running belts and shorts. Use code TLF20 at flipbelt.com for 20% off your purchase. In this episode, you will learn: ✅ Is there such thing as too much running? ✅ On the colon cancer and running study ✅ Is too much running bad for your heart? ✅ Does running help with mood disorders and mental health? ✅ Age-related declines ✅ Creating a training plan for running for health Field Tests for our Listener Question: Cooper test: After a 10-20 min warm-up, run as far as you can in 12 minutes. Record distance and enter into this calculator . 1.5-mile run test: After a 10-20 min warm-up, run as fast as you can for 1.5 miles. Record distance and enter into this calculator . Lactate threshold test. After a 10-20 min warm-up, run 30 minutes as fast as you can (self-paced, even effort). Your average pace over the final 20 minutes is your velocity at second LT (60-min race pace) and your average HR over the final 20 min is your LTHR. If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 🎧 How Much Does VO2max Actually Matter (3 Oct 2025) 🎧 Heart Rate Variability and Resting Heart Rate: Do These Metrics Matter for Runners (25 July 2025) 🎧 Hybrid Training as Health Training with Dr. Alyssa Olenick (6 Sept 2024) References: 🔬 https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/244806 🔬 https://www.onlinejacc.org/content/75/1/60 🔬PMID: 28450347 🔬 PMID: 26301178 🔬 PMID: 25128074 🔬PMID: 31691927 Let’s stay connected: ➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/ ➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/ ➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/ ➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en ➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/