#15: Run Injury Free with Dr. Hunter Physical Therapist & Running Coach

Every runner wants to stay healthy, strong, and consistent but injuries often get in the way. In this episode of The People Run Podcast, Fitz sits down with Dr. Hunter Etheridge, a physical therapist, running coach, and lifelong athlete, to break down how to prevent injuries and run pain-free.From running form cues to overlooked muscles like the glute med, soleus, and posterior tib, Dr. Hunter shares practical strategies to build durability, strength, and efficiency. We also dive into strength training, stretching, cadence, recovery tools, and when it’s time to push through discomfort versus backing off.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why physical therapy isn’t just for injury recovery  it’s for preventionThe 3 most overlooked muscles runners ignore (and how to train them)Common running form mistakes and simple cues to fix themGlute strength and single-leg training for performanceDynamic vs. static stretching when to use eachCadence and how it affects injury riskRecovery tools and shoe choices that matter mostHow to know the difference between pain and discomfortChapters00:00 Introduction to Physical Therapy and Running02:16 Journey to Becoming a Physical Therapist04:07 The Importance of Running Form07:24 Common Running Form Deficiencies11:25 Improving Running Form: Tips and Techniques15:15 The Role of Cadence in Running18:48 Key Muscles for Runners22:50 Strength Training for Runners24:21 Balancing Running and Lifting25:49 Personal Running Journey and Parenting27:16 Balancing Family and Fitness27:30 The Importance of Stretching30:50 Knowing When to Push Through Pain34:53 Prehab and Injury Prevention37:08 Recovery Tools and Techniques40:17 The Impact of Shoes on Running44:53 Understanding Dorsiflexion in Running48:04 Rapid Fire Questions and Key Takeaways54:26 Until Next TimeFollow:IG: instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/YT: youtube.com/@ThePeopleRunPodcastMusic: instagram.com/mech__beats/Doctor Hunter:IG: https://www.instagram.com/hetheridgedpt/Dorsiflexion Post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJSiZWLtcwZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MWRkOGIxZGQ2aTRxOA==