Runners are no strangers to grit, but sometimes, pushing through pain can lead to long-term setbacks. In a recent conversation with Dr. Bethany, physical therapist, running coach, and founder of Tempo Physical Therapy & Running Performance, we dug into the hidden causes of injury, why strength and fuel matter more than mileage, and what every athlete (and parent) should know about RED-S.
Here are the key takeaways.
Running is Repetitive. So the Details Matter.
From hip drop and overstriding to poor motor control, Dr. Bethany uses gait analysis to find small movement patterns that may be leading to pain or injury. For many, it’s not a strength issue, it’s how they’re using their muscles while running.
“Every step is essentially a single-leg hop,” she explains. “We need to look at how the body handles that impact over time.”
RED-S: The Silent Factor Behind Injury & Burnout
Formerly known as the Female Athlete Triad, RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) occurs when an athlete’s energy intake doesn’t match their energy output. This can affect everything from menstrual cycles and hormone levels to sleep, performance, and bone density.
Missing periods, fatigue, mood shifts, and persistent injuries? These aren’t “normal”. They’re red flags.
And it’s not just a women’s issue, men can experience signs too, such as low libido or disrupted recovery.
Strength Training for Runners: Think Heavy, Not High Reps
Forget light weights and endless reps. To prevent injury and strengthen bones, runners need:
-
Heavy resistance training (with slow eccentric and fast concentric movement)
-
Plyometrics and multi-directional loading
-
Variety: because bones “get bored” with repetitive stress
But without proper fuel, none of this works. If your body doesn’t have enough energy, it won’t rebuild, recover, or get stronger.
Listen to Your Body. And Don’t Wait.
Recurring pain? Slower recovery? Plateaus in performance? Don’t wait for it to get worse.
“Pain is common, but it’s not normal,” says Dr. Bethany. “The earlier you get help, the quicker you’ll recover.”
Catch the full video interview with Dr. Bethany
You’ll learn more about:
- Preventing overuse injuries
-
How RED-S affects performance
-
The right way to return to running
-
Building a support team for long-term success
Connect with Dr. Bethany
www.tempoptnrunn.com
bethany@tempoptnrunn.com
Locations in Hopkins & Minnetonka, MN
Free consults available!
It’s time we normalize these conversations—because runners deserve to thrive, not just survive.
Dr. Madeline Klesk
Contact Me
