One of the biggest questions a runner must ask themselves is what weekly mileage to target in training. And this is exactly the right question as mileage has a great impact on the success at nearly every distance. Many people look in several places to find faster race times when Read more…
A 1:45 half marathon is a highly sought after goal for many runners. If you’re chasing after this goal, congratulations! For many, this is a stepping stone to even bigger goals including fast marathons and the 8:00/mi pace required can be a great mental barrier to break through! You’ll find Read more…
It seems logical to use half marathon pace in training. But it’s the definition of a gray area physiologically. At MARATHON pace (or just a touch slower), you’re getting some of the aerobic benefits of an easy runs. You’re also right at that edge where lactic acid JUST begins to Read more…
Your make-up of muscle fibers will determine a large amount of your running success. Two otherwise identical runners with different percentages of slow and fast twitch muscle fibers will have wildly different strengths. The good news, however, is that whatever your current state physiologically, it’s possible to change it! Slow Read more…
Every race has a go-to workout that training can be built around. A workout that builds confidence in the athlete while also providing critical physiological adaptations needed for the goal race. These are the workouts I build training plans around. They are the most important workouts, especially in the later Read more…
Runners have a lot on their training plates. A runner who is trying to improve their performance will consider several tools in their training toolbox. Which tool is most important? Mileage, nutrition, drills, strength training, specific workouts, the list goes on. Every independent article we read can make it sound Read more…
Are you upset that you can’t translate an awesome half marathon time into an equally awesome marathon time? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. One of my first acts after a new PR is to check out the VDOT tables and see what the consensus tells me I should be Read more…
Every personal best race is special and this one was no exception! I can easily see why the half marathon is such a popular race distance. I chose the Illinois Half Marathon in Champaign, Illinois for this race. The course is very flat and fast and the weather always seems Read more…
“The most important thing is how a guy prepares himself to do battle.” – Hank Aaron. Let’s talk about what happens right before the action – the warm-up! For some, warming up is simply an afterthought. For others, it’s downright ignored. And for a select few, it’s borderline obsessive compulsive! Read more…
Few things are as exciting for a runner, especially a beginner, as tackling a new distance. This is not surprising. People in general are fascinated by the idea of going beyond their limits. The long run is a staple in most training plans from the 5k and beyond. The aerobic Read more…