Today on the Doc On The Run Podcast we are talking with Melody Dowlearn, the host of “She Runs Trails” podcast about trail running, recovery, and injury prevention when training for ultras.
Melody, welcome to the show!
Dr. Segler: Before we get into some questions maybe you could just give us a little bit more background about your running history and why you became so interested trail running and ultras.
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: It seems like a lot of runners kind of pigeonhole themselves into one of a few categories. We often think of ourselves as short course runners or endurance runners. Some think they are roadrunners or trail runners. And I think a lot of road runners think they aren’t built for trails. But as I understand that you actually started running trails later then some.
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: I know you get to spend a lot of time on the trails around Amarillo, TX and Colorado. But you’re also super active in your local community of women trail runners as well. What can you tell us about finding a community of trail runners?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: I personally believe that sleep is the most abundant and most underutilized resource available to runners in training.Do you do anything in particular with sleep to make sure you recover faster when you’re in training?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: Once an event is over, a lot of athletes just take time off. But I think recovery is an active process I think there’s a lot of things we can do to speed up the recovery after an event. Maintaining solid nutritional habits to rebuild and refuel after event or a big block of training are critical.For all of those listening right now who might be in training for a long event, what is your best single piece of advice regarding nutrition to help people recover faster, keep training and avoid injury?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: I have heard lots of different athletes talk about their secret weapons to help them recover faster. Some people take naps, others get massages. Some have secret smoothie recipes.Do you have any secret weapons or strategies that you recover faster or decrease your risk of injury when training?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: After race a lot of people just take time off. Sit on the couch. They rest, maybe do something like go on a “vacation.”What do you do to recover after you finish a long trail run or race?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: What can you tell us about finding a community of trail runners?I know you’ve done run lots of trails, but I’m really curious of all the trail runs you have done what has been most memorable. What has been your favorite trail run you ever competed…and why?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: I know right now a lot of peoples schedules are up in the air, but do you have anything on the calendar right now? And if not, is there something you really would like to do? What is your current goal race?
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: Okay I’m at a go go ahead and say that I think everybody should listen to She Runs Trails. Put a link to the podcast in the show notes so make sure you check it out. But for listeners out there right now who haven’t yet listened to She Runs Trails, tell them what it’s about.
Melody Dowlearn: Check out the podcast audio to hear what she said!
Dr. Segler: Because there are so many different things that going to trail running as opposed to running on the road you wrote a book about it, just to help people who’ve kind of thought about running on trails but really don’t know where to begin. Tells about the Beginner’s Guide to Successful Trail Running. Did you write it for, and what will it help them accomplish when they get it.
Dr. Segler: I’ve certainly learned a lot today and it’s really been great having you on the show! thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to share all of your experience and expertise with our listeners today. And if anybody is trying to figure out how they can get out on the trails, with other women trail runners in the local community or reach out to you about the podcast, how can they connect with you?
Links to include in our Podcast Episode Show Notes:
She Runs Trails Podcast link:
Melody Dowlearn’s Website:
melody@ https://www.sherunstrails.com
Melody Dowlearn’s Email:
Get the The Beginner’s Guide to Successful Trail Running here:
Melody Dowlearn’s Instagram:
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