Neurocognitive Training in Runners, Using Our Brain As Our Superpower

I Pr’d my half marathon by 13 minutes. One reason I truly think I was able to do this was because of how mentally prepped I was to endure the 13.1 miles at my half marathon pace. I can’t stress the mental importance enough, so in this episode I have physical therapist Dr. Jessica Wulke here to discuss the importance of neurocognitive training for runners. 

Episode Outline

00:00
Introduction: Is Running a Learned Skill or an Innate Ability?

06:39
Challenging Yourself and the Benefits of Running

11:19
The Developmental Sequence of Movement and Coordination in Running

25:37
Long-Term Athletic Development: Play, Practice, and Training

30:04
Refining Running Skills: Beyond Running Form

31:59
Positive self-talk and starting the process

34:03
Starting with biomechanics and key performance indicators

37:24
Importance of warm-up drills and assessments

48:07
The role of coaching and individualized approaches

57:10
Run your own race: Focus on your journey

About Dr. Jessica 

Jessica Wulke is a dual board-certified specialist in orthopedics and sports physical therapy, based in Dallas, Texas. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa and has dedicated her career to sports rehabilitation, with extensive experience in treating professional athletes. Currently, Jessica serves as an Implementation Manager for the healthcare technology company, Academy Medtech Ventures,  and also owns a concierge physical therapy company for professional athletes. Prior to this, Jessica spent 11 years at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, excelling in various roles, including clinic manager, sports residency mentor, and sports physical therapist.  Her innovative approach to care includes developing return-to-sport protocols for lower extremity injuries, collaborating closely with sports performance teams throughout the athlete’s rehabilitation journey, and conducting advanced video analysis for running evaluations.

Jessica’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice into education and professional development. A passionate advocate for women in sports, she frequently addresses the unique challenges and opportunities they face, inspiring future generations to pursue their goals in the sports industry. She is actively involved in advancing the field through participation in professional groups and conferences, presenting on topics such as running gait analysis and hamstring injuries. She was also a platform speaker at the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting, where she discussed treating first responders post-COVID. Jessica's holistic approach to patient care, combined with her leadership in program development, highlights her as a distinguished figure in physical therapy, committed to enhancing both patient outcomes and the professional growth of her peers.

Connect with Dr. Jess

• Email
  • [e-mail]
• Website 
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-wulke/
• Instagram
  • @sportspt_jess

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• Facebook Group- RunwithKat Show
• Website- RunwithKat.net