Ah, the marathon. Twenty six point two miles of wonder, joy, and things waiting to go wrong. It’s hard to have a perfect race, but there are some things (in addition to following your training plan) that you can do to make your experience as successful as possible. Start by avoiding these common marathon mistakes (that even the pros sometimes make). The Top 5 Marathon Mistakes (and how to avoid them)     1. Skipping Aid Stations Marathon Mistake #1: Skipping Aid Stations. It was October 1999, in St. George, Utah. I was running the St. George Marathon. I was in great shape. I had tra ..read more

Today, we’re talking about lactate threshold runs. They are also called tempo runs. Tempo runs can help you run faster, and help you sustain that speed for a longer period of time. Here is my favorite tempo workout. This post is sponsored by adidas.   Your lactate threshold is the point at which your body cannot keep up with processing the lactic acid it produces during hard exercise and responds by needing to slow down. This type of workout usually involves slightly longer intervals than the VO2 Max workouts, run at a slightly slower pace, your lactate threshold pace. This is a little s ..read more

With Black Friday just ahead of us (or already here according to the multitude of emails that I get), there are many Runners Gift Guides out there to get fun and fresh ideas. Well, here’s another but for this Runners Gift Guide, I wanted to share the Gift of Recovery. Here are some of my favorite recovery tools that I think will make a great gift for any runner. This post contains affiliate links. Plus note that many of the prices will get even lower on Black Friday. Runners Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Recovery Give the runner in your life the gift of recovery with this Runners Gift Guide ..read more

Half marathons are a popular distance for runners looking to challenge themselves without committing to the full 26.2 miles. However, completing a half marathon is no small feat, and proper recovery is essential to prevent injury and ensure future success. Recovery after a half marathon is crucial to allow the body to repair and rebuild, and to prevent common injuries such as muscle strains and stress fractures. There are several steps that can be taken to aid in half marathon recovery. Immediately following the race, it is important to continue moving to prevent stiffness and aid in the remo ..read more

If you follow me on Instagram you probably know that I had cortisone shots in both of my arthritic knees a couple of weeks ago (or, since I’m counting, 12 days as of today). My Arthritic Knees And if you know me, you also probably know that I’ve been whining complaining about my arthritic knees for years. While I’ve always been quick to point out that they didn’t hurt when I ran, they did hurt when I squatted below a certain level (or tried to stand up again). Lunging was almost out of the question (though I tried). And they are noisy! Clicks and pops when I move in certain ways (not always a ..read more

After 30 years of running, I am finally dedicated to my warmup routine for runners. I admit it took me a while to get on board but now I can look back and wish I’d started sooner. Here’s why you should be doing it too. This post is sponsored by adidas. Hey #runners! Do you warm up before your run? Here's why you should plus tome tips to get you started. #running #runningtipsClick To Tweet Why is a Warmup Routine for Runners so Important? You might say, “I’ve been running for a while without a warmup. Why should I add it now?” Here’s why: Warming up helps loosen up the joints Starting out cold ..read more

If you’re a runner who has considered switching to a vegan or more plant-based diet, here is some information about vegan nutrition for runners that will help you make sure that you are fueling your body for peak performance. Veganism is a dietary choice that involves avoiding any animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This lifestyle has been growing in popularity in recent years, and many athletes have adopted it as a way to improve their health and performance. For runners, veganism can provide a range of benefits, including increased energy, faster recovery times, and improved en ..read more

Personal Record. PR. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? For many runners, setting a personal best time in a race is their ultimate goal. It also may seem unattainable, requiring hours and days of training that just aren’t possible for some athletes. While running five or six days a week may seem the ideal way to train hard enough to set a PR, there are many reasons why that may not be possible or even desirable. It’s time to train smarter, not harder.   Lack of time? Injured? Don't sweat it. It's possible to set a PR when you train smarter not harder. #running #runningtipsClick To Twe ..read more

Taking up running can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering numerous physical and mental health benefits. As a new runner, it’s essential to learn the right techniques and strategies to avoid injury and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey into the world of running. Injuries are common among beginners, often resulting from inadequate preparation, improper form, or a lack of knowledge about the body’s limits. One of the key factors in preventing running injuries is understanding the importance of gradual progression. Sudden increases in training intensity, frequency, or distance can ..read more

Training for a half marathon can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to running or have never attempted such a distance before. However, with the right training plan and approach, anyone can run their fastest half marathon yet. One effective training method that has helped countless runners achieve their goals is the use of train-to-run programs. These can be designed either by a personal coach or as a running club perk. There are also training programs that are available for free or for a small charge, though they are not as personalized as the others. Here are some tips to h ..read more