s5e09 Injury Management 101: What Every Runner Needs to Know with Alyssa Ford, DPT | The Running Explained Podcast
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
We all know the struggle: you're training hard, you're feeling strong—and then, boom, that injury hits. Whether it’s a sharp, sudden pain or a lingering ache that just won’t leave, we’ve got you covered in this episode with physical therapist Alyssa Ford, DPT, where we dive into the emotional and physical journey of dealing with running injuries.
From understanding overuse injuries to the mental health toll that constant, reoccurring injury battles can take, Alyssa and Elisabeth break it all down, explaining how understanding your body and your training load is key to staying injury-free. This episode isn’t about pushing through pain—it's about listening to your body, setting realistic expectations, and advocating for yourself.
What You’ll Learn:
Injuries can happen to anyone: 80-90% of runners will face injuries at some point and 40-50% of runners get injured every year—but we're trying to change that! Alyssa explains why this happens and how we can prevent future injuries.
The emotional toll: Runners are often left feeling isolated, frustrated, and even ashamed of their injuries. Alyssa talks about why it’s okay to feel those emotions and how to heal mentally as well as physically.
Training load: Overtraining is a huge culprit behind injuries, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to manage your training load to prevent injury flare-ups and give your body the rest it craves.
Strength training and recovery: Strength training is all about building a strong foundation to prevent injuries in the first place, but it can also overwhelm our bodies without enough rest and nourishment. Alyssa shares how to safely incorporate strength into your routine without overloading.
Nutrition matters: Fuel your body with the right nutrients for injury prevention and recovery. Alyssa explains how your diet can be a game-changer when it comes to staying strong and injury-free.
Becoming resilient: Injuries might slow you down, but they don’t define you. In the episode, we review tips to help you bounce back, stay motivated, and keep running toward your goals.
Whether you’re struggling with a chronic injury, learning how to cope with the emotional side of being sidelined, or just want to understand how to prevent injuries from the start, this episode has something for every runner. Tune in and learn how to run with confidence, resilience, and the right mindset—because you’ve got this!
Sound Bites:
“Running is my whole life, but so is my health!”
“Injuries are going to happen—but they don’t have to control you.”
“Pain that changes your gait? That’s a red flag, not a badge of honor.”
“It’s okay to be upset about injuries—you’re human!”
“Let’s zoom out: your long-term health is WAY more important than any single race.”
“Don’t wait for the pain to go away—take action early.”
“Our bodies are resilient—but we have to treat them with care.”
“Strength training isn’t a ‘maybe’—it’s a MUST for injury prevention!”
“Sometimes, you need to take a step back to move forward.”
Chapters:
00:00 - Alyssa's Journey into Running
06:55 - The Impact of Parental Influence on Running
12:50 - Injuries in the Running Community
20:59 - Understanding Overuse Injuries
30:09 - Navigating Pain and Discomfort
36:01 - The Emotional Side of Injury Management
38:05 - Changing the Narrative on Injuries
41:03 - The Pressure of Major Races
43:24 - Emotional Struggles of Injured Runners
46:17 - Understanding Recurring Injuries
49:35 - The Envelope of Function
54:36 - The Role of Strength Training
57:10 - Training Load Management
01:00:53 - Becoming a Durable Runner
01:04:37 - Setting Realistic Expectations
01:09:29 - Navigating Long-Term Injuries
01:11:13 - The Importance of Nutrition
01:15:20 - Overcoming Chronic Injuries
Don’t miss this episode—subscribe and share it with your fellow runners, and remember, your body is your most valuable asset. Take care of it! 💪🏃♀️
Links & Resources:
Website: Resilient Running
Instagram: @alyssaford.dpt
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About Your Host
Elisabeth Scott is a running coach, educator, and the founder of Running Explained, where she helps runners train smarter, run stronger, and enjoy the process. After getting sober at 29, she laced up her running shoes with the goal of finishing a 5K—and never looked back. Since then, she’s gone on to complete multiple races, including marathons with a Boston Qualifying time, all while deepening her expertise in endurance training.
With a science-based approach, Coach Elisabeth is passionate about making complex running concepts accessible and actionable for runners of all levels. Her coaching philosophy centers on building a strong aerobic base, improving running efficiency, and developing a whole-human approach to training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention, and sustainable progress.
Through Running Explained, Elisabeth offers training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, her guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.
📲 Learn more at RunningExplained.com
📢 Follow on Instagram: @runningexplained
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