The Run Smarter Podcast

Expand your running knowledge, identify running misconceptions and become a faster, healthier, SMARTER runner.

Author: Brodie Sharpe

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 lets begin your run smarter journey.
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Language: en

Genres: Health & Fitness, Running, Sports

Contact email: Get it

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Exclusive AMA: Distance vs Time, Goal Setting, & Half Mara Taper
Episode 419
Sunday, 14 December, 2025

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 Ask Me Anything episode, Brodie answers three high-value listener questions on marathon prep, goal setting, and tapering. He breaks down when to prioritise distance vs time for long runs, how to structure challenging yet realistic running goals, and the key differences between tapering for a half marathon versus a full marathon. The discussion includes practical guidance drawn from coaching insights, research, and Brodie’s own clinical experience supporting runners around the world.Key Topics Covered1. Long Runs: Distance vs Time Brodie explains how to balance training plans that prescribe long distances with the reality of being on your feet for extended periods. He outlines the tipping point where diminishing returns can compromise recovery and how to use duration caps or split-day mileage to stay on track.2. Setting Challenging but Realistic Goals Using a structured process—including performance history, rate of improvement, race timelines, and A/B/C goal setting—Brodie shares a framework for developing goals that stretch you without leading to burnout. He also discusses staying true to your plan when friends’ ambitious goals don’t align with your needs.3. Tapering for Half vs Full Marathons Brodie breaks down how tapering differs across race distances, why marathon tapers commonly run two weeks while half-marathon tapers may require only a few days, and which variables should remain constant (like intensity) to keep your legs feeling springy and race-ready.TakeawaysCap long runs around 3–3.5 hours if distance pushes you excessively beyond that, to protect recovery.Use A/B/C goals and clear timelines to stay grounded and motivated.Tapering strategies must match the physiological demands of the race:Marathons require a longer, structured taper.Half marathons may only need a shorter, flexible taper period while maintaining intensity.Goal clarity, challenge, commitment, feedback, and simplicity are the pillars of effective goal design.