Mind Body Marathon: Running, Health & Human Performance

Musculoskeletal injury rehab has had some monumental shifts the last decade and this is a discussion about these trend changes.
The focal point of this podcast episode is an in-depth examination of general rehabilitation principles, articulated through the insights of our hosts, Dr. Leo Kormanik, Zach Goulet, and Cody Shields. Throughout our discussion, we elucidate the significant evolution that rehabilitation approaches have undergone in recent years, particularly in response to the burgeoning influence of social media and accessible online resources. We delve into the dichotomy between performance and rehabilitation, highlighting how traditional methodologies often overlook the critical importance of proper muscle sequencing and coordination. By synthesizing our clinical experiences with contemporary research, we strive to impart a nuanced understanding of the interplay between postural and phasic muscles, and how this knowledge can inform more effective treatment strategies. Ultimately, our discourse seeks to empower listeners with a comprehensive grasp of rehabilitation concepts, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their own health and recovery journeys. The discourse presented in this episode centers on the foundational principles of rehabilitation, elucidated by host Dr. Leo Kormanik alongside esteemed guests Zach Goulet, a clinic massage therapist, and Cody Shields, a clinic rehabilitation specialist. The salient point of our discussion emphasizes the necessity of understanding the intricate balance between strength and coordination within the rehabilitative process. We delve into the transformative impact of modern methodologies, particularly the interplay between traditional practices and contemporary insights derived from social media and popular discourse. Through our exploration, we aim to illuminate the significance of tailored interventions that prioritize the correct activation sequences of muscles, thereby fostering a more effective recovery trajectory. This episode aspires to provide listeners with a profound comprehension of the nuanced dynamics that govern successful rehabilitation strategies, thereby enhancing their approach to physical health and recovery. In the discourse surrounding rehabilitation, a profound exploration of its foundational principles emerges, guided by the astute perspectives of Dr. Leo Kormanik, Zach Goulet, and Cody Shields. The trio delves into the intricate interplay between chiropractic care and the evolving landscape of rehabilitation practices, particularly in light of contemporary influences such as social media and digital platforms. Dr. Kormanik elucidates the necessity of a nuanced understanding of the body, emphasizing the distinction between merely strengthening muscles and ensuring they are engaged in the correct sequence. The conversation underscores a critical paradigm shift in rehabilitation: the realization that often, injuries arise not from weakness but from improper load distribution or muscle activation patterns. This insight challenges traditional approaches that prioritize strength training without addressing underlying coordination issues, thereby fostering a more holistic approach to recovery.
Takeaways:
The principles of rehabilitation have evolved significantly due to technological advancements and social media influence.
A thorough understanding of both postural and phasic muscles is vital for effective rehabilitation.
Successful rehabilitation requires not only the right exercises but also a proper sequence of muscle activation.
Patient engagement in their rehabilitation process is essential for achieving optimal recovery outcomes.

The discourse presented herein delves into the foundational principles of rehabilitation as articulated by Dr. Leo Kormanik and his esteemed colleagues, Zach Goulet and Cody Shields. The conversation elucidates the evolution of rehabilitation practices over the past decades, particularly as influenced by the advent of social media platforms. A salient point raised is the dichotomy between self-directed rehabilitation strategies, often derived from online sources, and the necessity of professional intervention to ensure proper technique and efficacy. The speakers cogently argue that while the proliferation of information may empower individuals to seek solutions for their injuries, it also risks the dissemination of suboptimal practices that may exacerbate a condition rather than ameliorate it. Through a series of illustrative anecdotes, the hosts expound upon the critical role of specialized knowledge in the rehabilitation process, advocating for a nuanced approach that prioritizes individual assessment and the application of evidence-based methodologies. Furthermore, the episode critically examines the common misconceptions surrounding rehabilitation, particularly the fallacious belief that enhanced strength in an injured muscle equates to recovery. The panel posits that the real challenge lies in restoring proper activation patterns and mitigating compensatory movements that arise from injury. They draw parallels between rehabilitation and the learning of complex skills, emphasizing that true progress is contingent upon a thorough understanding of foundational movements and the coordination of various muscular systems. This episode serves as a clarion call for both practitioners and patients to adopt a more discerning perspective on rehabilitation, urging a shift from superficial remedies to a deeper engagement with the principles of movement and body mechanics.
Takeaways:
The principles of rehabilitation have evolved significantly, particularly due to the influence of social media and digital platforms.
It is imperative to distinguish between the concepts of performance and rehabilitation, as they require different approaches and mindsets.
Effective rehabilitation necessitates a focus on both coordination and the correct sequence of muscle activation, rather than solely on strength.
Understanding the distinction between postural and phasic muscles is crucial for developing an effective rehabilitation strategy.
Individuals seeking rehabilitation must often engage in a collaborative effort, implementing prescribed exercises to see tangible improvements in their conditions.
Awareness of body mechanics and muscle activation is essential for athletes to prevent injuries and enhance performance in their respective sports.

March 2026: This is an episode highlighting the current events in distance running and track and field.
This podcast episode delves into a myriad of topics pertinent to the realm of athletics, particularly focusing on recent events in the running community. Notably, we discuss the USATF Indoor Nationals, where experiences varied among the participants, with Dr. Matt Pisanelli providing firsthand insights into the organization and atmosphere of the event. Furthermore, we reflect upon the unfortunate debacle surrounding the USATF Half Marathon Championships, where logistical missteps led to a disconcerting outcome for many competitors. The conversation also encompasses the anticipation surrounding the New York Marathon, a prestigious event that evokes excitement among runners, as well as the unconventional nature of The Speed Project, a unique and unsanctioned race that promises to challenge its participants in unprecedented ways. As we navigate these subjects, we aim to illuminate the complexities and nuances inherent in the world of competitive running. The podcast delves into the multifaceted experiences of the hosts as they recount their recent ventures in the realm of competitive athletics and personal growth. The discussion begins with reflections on the USA Indoor Championships, where one of the speakers, Dr. Matt, served in a professional capacity, emphasizing the significance of such events in fostering athletic excellence. The camaraderie among the hosts is palpable as they share anecdotes, including Dr. Matt's encounters and the challenges faced by the athletes. This segment serves not only to highlight the professional aspects of sports management but also to underscore the personal stories that resonate with listeners, making the episode both informative and relatable. Transitioning from competitive athletics, the conversation shifts to light-hearted personal narratives, particularly a humorous yet harrowing tale from Cancun, where one speaker recounts an adventurous run interrupted by stray dogs. This narrative effectively illustrates the unpredictability of life and the humorous side of athletic endeavors in unfamiliar environments. The hosts weave their experiences together, creating a tapestry of shared memories that enhance the listener's connection to their journey. The episode exemplifies the balance between professional insights and personal storytelling, making it a rich auditory experience that captures the essence of the hosts' lives. As the episode unfolds, the hosts also engage in a broader discussion about the nature of athletics, the importance of community in sports, and the continuous journey toward improvement. They reflect on the significance of chiropractic care in athletic performance, emphasizing how integral it is to the training and recovery processes of athletes. This segment not only educates the audience on lesser-known aspects of sports care but also reinforces the interconnectedness of physical health and athletic success. The hosts conclude with a call to action, inviting listeners to engage with the content and share their thoughts, thereby fostering a sense of community and dialogue around the subjects discussed.
Takeaways:
The discussion regarding the USATF Indoor Nationals delves into the intricacies of event management and athlete experiences.
Participants shared personal anecdotes, including Dr. Matt's experiences at the USATF Indoor Championships and Dr. Leo's trip to Cancun.
The conversation shifted to the New York Marathon, highlighting its significance and unique atmosphere, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the event.
The podcast also addressed the recent USATF Half Marathon Championship debacle, discussing the implications of mismanagement during the race.
Insights were shared about The Speed Project, detailing the unconventional nature of the race and its unique organizational structure.
The importance of chiropractic care at athletic events was emphasized, shedding light on its role in athlete performance and recovery.

Links referenced in this episode:
runningrehab
fasterwithoutfail
amazon

Companies mentioned in this episode:
USA Indoor Champs
USATF
Coco Bongo
Ocean Breeze
Sea Breeze
USA Track
USA Swimming
USA Gymnastics
Valencia
Arcterics

Hannah Long is the assistance track/cross country coach at Virginia Tech. This is her second time on our show! Her first interview with the MBM show can be heard here: https://youtu.be/Hj8SJ-xQab8?si=V7cPtJ2vLiGMoMJA
In this conversation, Dr. Leo Kormanik engages with Hannah Long, the assistant coach for the Virginia Tech track and cross-country teams, to explore her recent transition into this prominent coaching role. Hannah shares her experiences and insights as she acclimatizes to the new environment, emphasizing the importance of empathy in coaching and the value of understanding athletes' perspectives. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on her own athletic journey, highlighting how her experiences in the NCAA have shaped her coaching philosophy. The dialogue also delves into the dynamics of team coaching and the significance of fostering a supportive athletic community. Ultimately, this episode serves as a profound exploration of the intersection between coaching and competitive running, illuminating the pathways that lead to personal and collective growth within the sport. The dialogue featured in this episode presents an insightful examination of the coaching profession through the lens of Hannah Long, who has recently embarked on her journey as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech. As a distinguished guest making her second appearance on the podcast, Hannah articulates the nuances of her transition from a competitive athlete to a coaching role, expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. Her relocation to Blacksburg, Virginia, marks a significant milestone in her career, as she takes on the responsibility of guiding both the men's and women's track and cross-country teams. Hannah reflects on the importance of this role, acknowledging the challenges and rewards inherent in coaching, particularly at a prestigious institution like Virginia Tech. Central to the conversation is the intricate dynamics of the coaching staff, comprising Coach Thomas, the head coach, and Coach Sykes, another assistant. Hannah delineates the contrasting personalities within the team, noting how Coach Thomas’s reserved nature complements Coach Sykes’s more extroverted approach. This diversity fosters a collaborative environment that enhances the coaching experience for both the staff and the athletes. Hannah describes her own role as one that balances these dynamics, allowing her to relate to the athletes on a personal level while also contributing her insights from her recent competitive experiences. Her active involvement in training sessions serves as a testament to her commitment to understanding the athletes’ needs, providing her with valuable insights that inform her coaching strategies. The episode also delves into the significance of empathy within coaching, as Hannah shares her own experiences navigating the challenges of competition and training. She emphasizes the necessity for coaches to comprehend the psychological and physical demands placed upon athletes, particularly in a sport characterized by its intensity and rigor. The dialogue concludes with a reflection on the culture of Blacksburg, where the community’s unwavering support for Virginia Tech athletics fosters a sense of belonging among athletes and coaches. Hannah’s narrative, rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights, underscores the themes of empathy, connection, and community, illustrating the multifaceted nature of coaching and its profound impact on the lives of athletes.
Takeaways:
Hannah Long expresses her gratitude and excitement about being the first non-employee guest on the podcast, indicating a strong rapport with the host.
As an assistant coach at Virginia Tech, Hannah details her responsibilities working with Coach Thomas and Coach Sykes, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their coaching team.
The discussion highlights the importance of empathy in coaching, as Hannah reflects on her own experiences as an athlete and how they shape her approach to mentoring others.
Hannah shares her journey through the NCAA, highlighting the unique challenges she faced, including a lengthy career that involved a medical redshirt and the impact of the Covid season.
The conversation delves into the significance of training at elevation in Blacksburg, Virginia, and how it offers a competitive advantage for distance runners.
Hannah emphasizes the necessity of understanding the 'why' behind training regimens, advocating for athletes to engage in open dialogue with their coaches to enhance their performance.

Links referenced in this episode:
runningrehab
fasterwithoutfail
amazon

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Virginia Tech
Akron
Nike
Brooks

What happens when three friends talk through a long run? This super entertaining and funny episode touches upon that similar feeling we've all had on long runs when any topic is fair game and stories unfold.
In today's episode, we engage in a candid and free-flowing dialogue that explores a myriad of topics, ranging from personal anecdotes to the intricacies of athletic training. Dr. Leo Kormanik is joined by his esteemed colleagues, Dr. Matt Pisanelli and Zach Goulet, as they navigate the complexities of life, friendship, and the occasional humorous mishaps that accompany their experiences. A salient point that emerges from our discussion is the evolving landscape of injury management in sports, highlighting how contemporary practices enable athletes to train through setbacks while maintaining peak performance. We also delve into the realm of literature, sharing insights on various books that have piqued our interests, thus illuminating the interplay between personal growth and professional development. As we meander through these topics, it becomes evident that the bonds of friendship not only enhance our conversations but also enrich our lives in profound ways. In a candid and unstructured format, Dr. Leo Kormanik, Dr. Matt Pisanelli, and Zach Goulet engage in a multifaceted discussion that spans a broad spectrum of subjects, weaving together elements of their personal lives and professional insights. The episode opens with a light-hearted acknowledgment of the time elapsed since their last gathering, setting a tone of familiarity and rapport. The transition to a new studio is humorously noted, reflecting the ongoing changes in their lives and the challenges that accompany such transitions. As the conversation moves forward, Dr. Pisanelli introduces the subject of indoor track, sharing his enthusiasm for returning to work with high-caliber athletes. He elaborates on the unique pressures and expectations that come with this role, highlighting the psychological aspects of coaching elite athletes. This discussion segues into deeper themes surrounding the mental resilience required in sports, as well as the importance of adaptability in the face of setbacks. The trio reflects on their respective experiences within the world of athletics, emphasizing the significance of cultivating a strong mindset in both training and competition. In a delightful juxtaposition, the episode also features personal anecdotes that provide insight into the joys and challenges of parenting. Dr. Kormanik shares humorous stories about his adopted son, Tommy, illustrating the unpredictability and hilarity that often accompany raising young children. The intermingling of serious discussions about sports with lighthearted parenting tales creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience. This episode ultimately encapsulates the essence of friendship, personal growth, and the shared journey of navigating both the complexities of professional life and the joys of family.
Takeaways:
In our recent episode, we engaged in a candid discussion about the evolving dynamics of friendship amid the passage of time, reflecting on how our lives have diverged yet remained interconnected.
The topic of injury management in competitive athletics was thoroughly examined, emphasizing the necessity of adapting training approaches to accommodate the realities of physical setbacks.
We explored the profound psychological aspects of competitive sports, particularly how athletes cope with performance pressures and the expectations placed upon them by themselves and others.
Insight was shared regarding the significance of a supportive community in both personal and athletic pursuits, highlighting the role of camaraderie in fostering resilience and motivation.
An enlightening conversation ensued about the cultural perceptions surrounding drug use in sports, particularly the historical context of methamphetamine usage among athletes during wartime periods.
We reflected on the importance of embracing imperfections and setbacks in both athletic training and life, encouraging a mindset that values progress over perfection.

Interested in a great discussion about the 2026 Super Bowl? This show will help you best navigate this great matchup with interesting insights!
The discussion centers around the highly anticipated Super Bowl featuring the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, alongside a retrospective on the tumultuous 2025-2026 NFL season. My esteemed colleague and lifelong football fan, Brian Passel, and I, Leo Kormanik, delve into the intricacies of the teams’ performances leading up to this grand event, illuminating the distinctive strengths and weaknesses that may influence the outcome. The conversation also touches on the remarkable resurgence of both teams, particularly focusing on the strategic decisions made by their respective coaches, which have greatly impacted their trajectories this season. As we explore the nuances of player dynamics, we reflect on the pivotal moments that have defined this season, setting the stage for the forthcoming championship clash. Join us as we dissect the elements that could dictate the fate of this monumental game, offering our predictions while analyzing the broader implications for the future of the NFL. The conversation between Leo Kormanik and Brian Passel delves into the intricacies of the 2025-2026 NFL season and its culminating event, the Super Bowl, where the Seattle Seahawks are set to face the New England Patriots. Both hosts, long-time friends and ardent football enthusiasts, engage in a comprehensive analysis of the season's highlights, with particular attention to the strategic developments of the teams involved. The discussion provides rich insights into the performance of key players and coaching strategies, particularly focusing on the anticipated clash between the Seahawks' robust defense and the Patriots' evolving offensive tactics. The episode is not merely a recounting of statistics; rather, it is an exploration of the narratives that have shaped the season, including the remarkable journey of the quarterbacks, the significance of momentum, and the psychological factors at play as the teams prepare for the championship showdown. The hosts' camaraderie and mutual respect for the game shine through, making this episode a must-listen for any football aficionado, as they dissect not only the gameplay but also the broader implications of this season in the context of NFL history.
Takeaways:
In our discussion, we delve into the historical context of the Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, reflecting on their previous encounters and the implications for the upcoming game.
We examine the unpredictable nature of the NFL, particularly in relation to the 2025-2026 season, where unexpected performances and team dynamics can significantly alter expectations and outcomes.
The conversation highlights the importance of veteran leadership in high-pressure situations, especially in the context of the Super Bowl, where experience can greatly influence a team's performance.
We analyze the evolving strategies within the league, particularly regarding quarterback performance and the impact of salary cap dynamics on team composition and success.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of offensive and defensive line performance, asserting that these elements often dictate the flow and outcome of crucial games in the NFL.
We share insights on the psychological aspects of the game, discussing how players' mindsets and external pressures can affect their performance during pivotal moments in the Super Bowl.

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots
NFL
Robert Morris
Wall Street Journal
Ohio State
Drake May
Sam Darnold
Baker
Lamar Jackson
Josh Allen
Tom Brady
Bill Simmons
Mike McCarthy
Terry Allen
Cooper Kupp
Patrick Mahomes
Tyreek Hill
Juwan Taylor
Dante Skarnecki
Vrabel