Rucking, which is walking with a weighted vest or backpack, is ideal cross-training for endurance runners. It’s a great addition to any marathon training plan as it provides significantly less impact stress than running and can, therefore, help prevent running-related injuries. I found out the hard way. Written by San Francisco Marathon Ambassador Scott Benbow Edited by Pavlína Marek One year ago, I was in the midst of my final weeks of preparation to run the Boston Marathon. On a 19-mile run, during which I was planning to run 15 miles at my marathon pace, I developed a sharp pain in my left ..read more

Ahhh, the long run… The cornerstone of every training plan. Many of us build our weekends around them, experiencing the progression of our mental and physical endurance as our goal races approach. But what about those short runs that are peppered throughout our programming? As one athlete that I coach pointedly asked, “What’s the point?” Written by Coach Karen Peterson Edited by Pavlína Marek 1. Longevity and Exerkines As human beings who all possess expiration dates, a major motivating factor could be longevity. This comprehensive study from ten years ago created quite a buzz, and the scienc ..read more

You’ve probably seen the term GMO nearly everywhere from internet debates to the news to grocery stores. It stands for “genetically modified organism.” It is generally understood to be an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA (genetic material) has been altered using specific genetic engineering techniques. (This is how I will use the term in the rest of this blog post.) Since you might encounter GMO ingredients even in your running nutrition, let’s discuss the most common GMO facts and fiction. Written by Becca Blumberg, MS, RDN Edited by Pavlína Marek History of GMOs Genetic modification might ..read more

I’ve been joining a friend of mine at the gym for a few months now; they’ve been training hard and I had decided to join them for some extra motivation. Working out with friends increases accountability, and that had been the case for me, too. However, a few weeks ago, my friend started a new job where they’re on their feet all the time, usually walking up to five miles a day. Suffice it to say, their motivation to go to the gym has ground to a screeching halt as they struggle to reconcile their training with a physically demanding job. I know they want to keep up the training and hit their go ..read more

Sanyika Shakur is a Houston runner who started to run as a gift to himself for his 31st birthday. Eventually, he moved on from the streets of his childhood, completing three marathons within a year. This is his Runner Spotlight story. Written and edited by Pavlína Marek Sanyika Shakur came from Los Angeles. Now, he lives in Houston, Texas, a city he’s crisscrossed during his runs many times. That’s also where his running journey began. Sanyika wasn’t a college athlete. However, sports have always been a part of his life. He’s always liked basketball and football. Nowadays, he also enjoys watc ..read more

When Lucie Nestrasilova was 45 years old, she decided she wanted to do something big for her 50th birthday. Inspired by a book and her wish to run across the Golden Gate Bridge, she said she’d run a half marathon in San Francisco. Eventually, she found time in her incredibly busy life to travel across half of the globe to do run her dream race. This is Lucie’s Runner Spotlight story. Translated, written, and edited by Pavlína Marek Who is Lucie? “I’m definitely a mom,” Lucie said. However, she’s also the manager of the Homeopathic Medical Association, founder and editor-in-chief of Svět Homeop ..read more

Whether you’re just starting your running journey or you’re a seasoned veteran who’s only just now becoming more involved, you’re probably going to stumble into other runners and running groups. If you were worried that you’d run alone forever and are excited about the prospect of running with others, this is an amazing time! Regardless of how you discovered these people and groups, you’ve now found your way into the running community. Written by Lucas Collins Edited by Pavlína Marek Sharing is Caring When you come across other runners and build bonds with them, it opens up a whole new avenue ..read more

Ahh, runners. We tend to be a bit of an edgy bunch. Training for a race is by its very nature a structured endeavor; you have your deadline (race day), you have your tasks (training plan), and you have the rest of your daily life that needs to accommodate said schedule. What if someone—me, for instance—told you that one of the best types of cross-training for runners could also help free your mind and let go of the stress of training? Enter yoga, an age-old, tried-and-true way of keeping your body and spirit in great shape. Written by Coach Karen Peterson Edited by Pavlína Marek When you embar ..read more

Jeremiah Maestre is a Filipino-born Orange County runner and martial artist, a father of two, and a man with big dreams and an even bigger heart. He’s helped build boxing gyms across the US and coaches combat sports fighters and runners alike. This year, he’s heading to the Marathon des Sables to push himself further than ever before. Written & edited by Pavlína Marek Growing Up in Sports When Jeremiah Maestre was three years old, his family came to San Francisco. He grew up in the Bay Area playing basketball with other kids. The game stuck with him through high school and a child’s play ..read more

When it comes to movement, there are many mind traps that keep us from getting off the couch and just doing it. However, the truth is, any and all movement has benefits. In fact, one recent meta-analysis suggested just 2-5 minutes of gentle walking several times during the day could improve blood sugar control. So, how do you overcome those pesky training traps and get going? Read on to learn about some common patterns and tips for success. Written by Becca Blumberg, MS, RDN Edited by Pavlína Marek 1. The “It’s Not Worth It” Mind Trap Ever hear yourself saying “well, I don’t have enough time t ..read more