The Runners Zone Episode 73: Primary care for runners with Dr. Laurel Short
Oct 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Laurel Short, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and headache specialist, shares her expertise on primary care for endurance athletes. She highlights common challenges like stress and underfueling, along with proactive screening for nutrition and mental health issues. Dr. Short also dives into the significance of proper lab tests, the complexities of supplements, and the importance of strength training for aging athletes. With her direct experience in triathlons, she blends clinical insights with personal passion!
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All Stress Adds Up
- Non-training stress counts as physiologic stress and compounds training load.
- Early warning signs (sleep, mood, GI, energy) reveal when to adjust training or nutrition.
Screen For Underfuelling Early
- Screen for signs of underfuelling like poor sleep, frequent headaches, fatigue, GI issues, and menstrual irregularities.
- Ask open questions about daily nutrition and relationship with food before referring to a dietitian.
Open With Compassionate Language
- Use neutral language like 'nourishment' or 'fueling' and start open-ended when discussing nutrition.
- Ask about daily intake and relationship with food to open dialogue before deeper assessment.