Welcome to today’s episode, where we sit down with Cristina Smundin, a podiatrist and the owner of Stride Footcare in West End, Brisbane.

Cristina brings a grounded and practical perspective to foot health and biomechanics, working with runners and active individuals who value staying active as part of their lifestyle. Her approach moves away from chasing “perfect” mechanics and instead focuses on how the body functions, adapts to load, and builds resilience over time.

In this episode, we explore what “normal” movement really means, how the foot influences the entire kinetic chain, and why many injuries don’t stem from one isolated issue, but from overlooked foundations, training load errors, and insufficient recovery. We also unpack common biomechanical patterns seen in runners, footwear myths, early warning signs of injury, and the role of strength training in supporting efficient, durable movement.

This conversation will challenge the way you think about foot health and biomechanics, and leave you feeling more confident in how your body moves and adapts. Crristina, welcome to A Rehab Diary.

Questions we spoke about:

1.What is mental resilience to you

2.About you and your background

3. Biomechanics – What is “normal”

4. What are some of the most common biomechanical faults you see in runners or athletes that lead to injury?

5. What should athletes understand about how the foot influences the entire kinetic chain?

6. How much of performance comes down to foot mechanics versus strength, training load or mindset?

7. What should we do every day/ week for our foot health?

8. Should we spend more time in shoes or out of shoes?

9. What is bad for our foot health?
a. What’s often missing from an athlete’s rehab or strength routine?

10. What role does strength training play in foot health and running efficiency?

11. What are some early signs athletes should look for in their feet or lower limbs before a bigger injury occurs?

12. Foot wear – common myths

13. Quick fire / practical
a. Tips for early-morning or jet-lagged athletes keeping feet healthy?
b. Best warm-up for feet? Worst mistake?
c. One thing most athletes underestimate about their foot health.

14. If you could give one piece of advice to every runner before they train – what would it be?

15. About your clinic – Future plans

Cristina Smundin links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stridefootcare?igsh=MTJyZWtkd3FteW13MQ==
Website: stridefootcare.com.au

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