The 5 Running Studies Every Athlete Should Know (Training, Fueling, Injury Risk + More)

Want to train smarter—not just harder?
This episode breaks down five of the most important peer-reviewed running studies from the past year, with real-life takeaways that every endurance athlete can use—whether you're racing 5Ks, 200-milers, or anything in between.

From injury prevention to fueling, strength training, and how slow runs can actually make you faster—we’ve got you covered.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

• Why runners following a structured plan are 76% less likely to get injured

• How running slowly helps you race faster (and what most people get wrong about “easy” running)

• The difference between polarized and pyramidal training—and how to use them

• How a single 90-minute run can boost your lactate threshold

• Why strength training improves running economy (and doesn’t bulk you up)

🧠 Referenced Studies:

1. Garmin RunSafe Injury Risk Study – JOSPT (2023)

2. Marathon Training Intensity Distribution – Sports Medicine (2024)

3. VO2 Max Training Intensity Meta-Analysis – Frontiers (2025)

4. Durability & Lactate Threshold Study – European Journal of Applied Physiology (2024)

5. Strength Training & Running Economy – Sports Medicine (2024)

📰 Related Read:
The Rise of Indie Running Brands – Outside Magazine

👟 Looking for a coach?
At Microcosm Coaching, we help everyday athletes build consistency, recover better, and train with purpose—without burning out.
→ Learn more at microcosm-coaching.com
→ Have questions? Email us: [email protected]

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