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…
Most marathon runners have heard, at one point or another, the famous Yasso 800’s workout. It is presented usually as a predictor workout for a marathon. The workout itself is pretty simple: 10x800m where the 800m intervals (and subsequent rest intervals) are equal to your marathon finishing time. Example: If Read more…
I’d been gunning to go for the sub-3 hour marathon again ever since my race the year prior where I finished 3:00:28. After skipping the spring season with a knee injury, I was back again a year later attempting the distance and primed and ready! As far as marathon build-ups 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…
Week 1 of a new decade is almost done! For runners everywhere, this is a time of renewed focus, race planning, and PR-dreaming. For me, however, I’m putting that on hold. As well as 2019 went (new PRs in every distance), I am changing my focus a bit for 2020. 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…