
Running isn’t a battle of the sexes and there are some unique differences between female and male runners. If you are a mother runner out there who wants to tap into your strength and manage the unique challenges you may face as a female runner then this is the episode for you!
Running and the differences in gender is what we talk about in this expert interview!
Dr. Emma Ross was, until recently, the Head of Physiology at the English Institute of Sport, supporting practitioners working across Olympic and Paralympic sports and leading the EIS Female Athlete Programme. This programme aimed to empower coaches, athletes and sports practitioners to better understand the exercising female, how to capitalise and cope with her physiology and psychology in the context of sport. Emma recently co-founded The Well HQ, to continue this mission to tackle the taboo’s, educate and empower people in sport and beyond, about topics such as periods and the menstrual cycle, breast health, pelvic floor health and what it takes for girls and women to thrive in sport, in health and in life. Through education and consultancy into schools, sports federations and businesses,
The Well HQ is redesigning sport for women, whether they want to enjoy participating or train to perform at the highest level.
Listen to the Podcast Episode during your next run!
This conversation touches upon these all important topics:
Relevant Resource: Nutrition Blueprint: Run Your Best! https://learn.sparkhealthyrunner.com/nutrition
Spark off your winter running with a 4 month strong body transformation!
1:1 individualized Healthy Runner Coaching to grow a stronger, injury free running body so you can get in those stress relieving runs all winter long!
Get the structure, support and accountability from our team of experts in the health and running industry to transform into a stronger runner feeling more confident, healthy, AND running faster this spring even if you don’t think you are a fast runner!
Just head to https://learn.sparkhealthyrunner.com/coaching to learn more and commit to getting stronger this winter!
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Website: https://www.thewell-hq.com/
Instagram: @thewell_hq
Facebook: The Well HQ

Dr. Duane Scotti, DPT, PhD, OCS is a running physical therapist, run coach, host of the Healthy Runner podcast, and founder of Spark Healthy Runner and has been a leader in the rehab and running community for 20+ years.
Duane initially started running as an adult, wanting to add some cardio to his gym sessions. After having a hip surgery, his doctor advised him to get off the treadmill and run outside. Without having fully recovered, Duane suffered a running-related hamstring tendon injury and many others as a novice runner.
As a coach, he has guided thousands of athletes back to running, finishing their first marathon, crushing a personal best, and even the elusive Boston Marathon qualifying time.
He is truly living his passion educating the running community that they don’t need to stop running to get over a running injury. Through his signature 1:1 coaching program, weekly videos, and podcast episodes, he empowers runners to get stronger, run faster, and enjoy lifelong injury free running. Dr. Duane truly believes that anyone can run and that all runners should be treated differently when recovering from an injury. He is on a mission to change the traditional thinking that running causes “overuse injuries” or “your body is just not meant to run” and you must “take a break” to get better. Through strength and run specific training you can grow a strong mind, strong body, and just keep running!
Duane received his Bachelor of Health Science degree and Master of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University in 2001 and 2003. He then went on to receive a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2017. Duane is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, RRCA Certified Running Coach, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, certified in dry needling and has advanced training in spinal manipulation and rehabilitation for runners.
As an athlete, Duane is an adult-onset runner, avid half marathoner, and enjoys challenging himself to learn and grow in his personal running journey!
A native New Yorker from Long Island, Duane currently lives in Cheshire, Connecticut with his wife Deb and his two teenage daughters who are competitive volleyball players. They all love to explore new beaches along the east coast.
Welcome to the ultimate Q&A session with Duane, your go-to expert for all things running! In this informative video, Duane will answer your burning questions related to running injuries, effective training techniques, and proper nutrition guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just starting your fitness journey, Duane has got you covered! Duane… View ArticleRead More
Struggling to stay mentally strong during your race? Do you want to leverage your mental tools in your toolbox to maintain a strong mind during your training so you can execute the perfect race day strategy? Chris McClung is a 2:45 marathoner, running coach, co-owner of Rogue Running and host of the Running Rogue… View ArticleRead More
Would you like to remain active, get stronger and heal from injuries without being told that you have to stop running? In this blog article, we will lay out the foundational principles that I like to call the “SPARK Blueprint”, which will bring your running to a new level as we head into the new… View ArticleRead More

“I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude towards Duane Scotti and the Spark Healthy Runner program. When I started working with Duane, I had been dealing with chronic shin splints/posterior tibialis tendinitis for almost a year.
I had worked with multiple other coaches and physical therapists with little success and was at the point of almost giving up on my love for running. Duane is so kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable as both a physical therapist and running coach. Our first virtual meeting lasted two hours because he was so meticulous in his assessment. His strength and running program is progressive and created so that you can continue to build strength and mileage as you heal. His strength program is unique, effective, and fun.
Additionally, his warm-up routine is awesome and includes drills that over time have made me a more efficient runner. His training platform is easy to use, and he is always readily available to chat when problems or questions arise.
Over four months of working with Duane, I have built back to five days a week of running and am almost back up to my pre-injury weekly mileage and long run distance. Whenever I have flare ups or setbacks, Duane reassures me and makes necessary adjustments so that I can continue to progress in my running journey. I have had so much success with him so far that I have signed on for four more months so that he can help me to continue getting stronger as I train for the Dopey challenge in Disney World.
If you are struggling with a running injury and are feeling hopeless, you have to reach out to Duane Scotti. Of course, you will have to put in a lot of hard work, but with Duane by your side, you will be able to achieve your goals and more. Thank you Spark Healthy Runner for bringing the spark back to my running!”

You can teach an old dog new tricks!!! I have never considered myself a runner and I knew I needed to be smart about it because I am no spring chicken. Spark preached getting strong and healthy to be injury free and they practice what they preach. I am soooo glad I made the investment in me! I finished my half marathon last weekend and couldn’t be any happier! The program fed me all the steps I needed to essentially learn how to run long distance, build strength, nutrition help, a forum of other runners and probably most important was the 1:1 coaching. I had no idea how to tackle training for a 1/2 marathon and this program broke all of it down, had it individualized for me and we tweaked as we went to make sure I was staying healthy and strong. I had so many questions the week prior to my race and Coach Cat was always there for me and answering all the questions and issues I had-and believe me there were a lot! The biggest benefit I think I got was the strength. I am strong and fit. But most important was what I gained emotionally. I built confidence and strength I didn’t know I had, even at my age. Honestly could not have done this without Spark Healthy Runners!

My Healthy Runner journey started after I had battled bilateral achilles pain for a few months and was frustrated how it affected my running. As soon as I talked to Duane I knew I had made the right decision. His positivity, enthusiasm and genuine care are infectious. The training plan that was tailored to me included specific exercises to rehab my injury and I was so excited that I didn’t have to stop running. It took patience to only run slow for a few weeks but I trusted the process and it got me me to where I am now: running pain free. We made adjustments to the plan throughout whenever needed having someone in your corner that is always there with guidance and support throughout the process was invaluable.
I just ran my second half marathon, both with Duane’s coaching, and PR’d by over 9 minutes! I got all choked up in the last mile when I realized that I felt strong and could still kick it up a notch.
I’m so thankful for the Healthy Runner program, community and the entire coaching team for all the support!