# 327. Sleep Science for Runners: Why Recovery Starts Long Before You Hit the Pillow

An episode of [Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1568093441), 17 Aug 2026, 28 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO5002159519.mp3

We spend hundreds of dollars on carbon-plated racing shoes, track every gram of protein, and hit our weekly mileage without fail. But when it comes to the single most critical factor in physical recovery, most runners leave their performance to chance: sleep. In this episode, we sit down with Laura Brewick, Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager at MOLECULE—a sleep technology company backed by a dedicated team of PhD-level scientists focused entirely on foam formulations and athletic recovery. We dive deep into why simply getting "eight hours" isn't enough for distance runners, how thermal regulation and microclimates impact your deep sleep cycles, and the exact presleep habits you can start tonight to wake up ready to perform. Connect with Us: • Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast • YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal • Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

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