Running may have gotten an unfair bad rap because it has been used as a “form of punishment” for fitness or sport and “exists as a necessary evil.” So, Dan and Scott called upon Matt DeBole, running coach, physical therapist, and Crossover’s Physical Medicine Program Manager, to share some of his secrets.

Matt exposes the most critical (and neglected) component of running when it comes to preventing injuries…hint: it’s not your fancy shoes or stretching. Elite runners have a personalized structure for their training—they limit themselves when their body needs it—and beginners should follow that lead, even though it’s sometimes hard to check your ego and start slow (or not keep up with the neighborhood running club). Matt explains that starting gradually and creating a program that helps you build a routine is the best way to begin and to make running feel more enjoyable. Running “nerds” will love hanging with Matt on this podcast, too.

Stick around until the end to hear his music of choice on his runs, and how a single “defining moment” question started Matt on his path to physical therapy.