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Interdisciplinary Case Miles

22: Don't Let Summer Derail Your Fall Running Goals | 3 Injury Mistakes Every Runner Should Avoid

Jun 26, 2026 · 13 min · Ep 22

Summer training can set you up for your strongest racing season or leave you sidelined before it even begins.

In Episode 22 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser MD, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT take a quick break from injury cases to help decrease your risk for injury later.

They share the three biggest mistakes runners make during the summer that often lead to injuries when fall marathon training, cross-country season, and race preparation begin.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, a marathon, or preparing for a competitive cross-country season, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to help you stay healthy, recover well, and build a stronger foundation before race season.


In this episode, you'll learn:
  • Why under-fueling is more common during hot weather than you think
  • How summer travel and inconsistent training increase injury risk
  • The importance of maintaining running and strength training consistency
  • Why recovery is the missing piece in many training plans
  • Smart nutrition and hydration strategies for hot-weather running
  • How to avoid training spikes before marathon and cross-country season


Whether you're a recreational runner, competitive athlete, coach, parent, or healthcare professional working with runners, these simple adjustments can help keep injuries away and performance moving forward.

Featured Experts
  • Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
  • Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
  • Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialist


Chapter Highlights
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Summer training mistakes that lead to fall injuries
02:10 Why runners under-fuel during hot weather
06:45 Staying consistent while traveling this summer
10:55 Preventing training spikes before marathon season
14:10 Recovery strategies every runner needs
18:45 Cross-training, rest days, and avoiding burnout
22:10 Fueling before, during, and after summer workouts
26:00 Final takeaways for staying healthy all season

Have a running injury or case you'd like discussed on a future episode?

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