Victoria Sekely

Dr. Victoria Sekely, a physical therapist and certified strength coach, discusses optimal fitness strategies for runners. She explains the importance of strength training over alternatives like Pilates, and why something can sometimes be worse than nothing. The conversation covers how to successfully integrate CrossFit with marathon training, emphasizing burnout management and effective workout scheduling. Victoria also shares her favorite calf exercises and tips on increasing weights confidently, all grounded in her extensive expertise in running performance.

Dr. Vicky (Victoria) Sekely, a physical therapist and certified run coach who helps runners rehab and return safely. She discusses PT approaches to returning to running, the limits of gait analysis, why strength work must progress beyond bands, and the role of social media and influencer culture in fueling injury trends. Practical, straight-talking guidance on safe progression and responsible running culture.

This episode is all about strength training. Some runners love it, most runners avoid it, but almost everyone knows they should be doing some of it. Nathan's joined by Victoria Sekely, DPT to answer all your strength questions. How do you best integrate it with your training? Where do you get started with lifting heavy? What are some generally beneficial exercises? What shoes should you wear? Tune in for answers to these and more. Victoria Sekely is a Manhattan-based Physical Therapist with a passion for all things running. Victoria graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University and went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University. Victoria is also a USATF Level 1 and RRCA certified run coach. She is dedicated to helping runners of all levels by using her skills and knowledge to assist runners who are rehabbing from an injury, interested in injury prevention, and/or looking to improve their training with custom running programs. You can find her online at her website or on Instagram. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 1:39 - Victoria's background 8:21 - Favorite running courses 11:05 - Do we need to lift heavy or is bodyweight enough? 17:18 - Mistakes to avoid when learning to lift heavy 20:15 - Adapting your running routine to lifting heavy 21:29 - When in the week is it best to strength train? 26:39 - How do you periodize your lifting through the year? 29:10 - Does strength training benefit everyone or just elites? 32:52 - What lifts/exercises are recommended for runners? 41:29 - How do you avoid overdoing strength training? 42:33 - What shoes should you lift in? 45:33 - Is strength training bad for your running performance? 47:46 - Victoria's favorite running shoes 50:21 - Wrap-up This week’s episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast is Sponsored by Running Warehouse. The best deals of the year have arrived with Cyber Week. It’s time to stock up on all your 2024 training needs with  tons of great footwear on sale for under $100. From the Novablast 3 to the Hoka Rincon to Saucony Triumphs, there’s amazing running shoes to check out and stock up on this holiday season.The deals don’t end with shoes either. Everything is on sale this week from apparel and socks to headlamps and hydration vests and even running watches. Gear up this holiday season by visiting runningwarehouse.com today.