Disclaimer: In 2017, I was sent a package of Red Ace Organic Beet Juice in exchange for a fair review. Since then, I've used and repeatedly tested this product. All opinions expressed are my own. This post has been updated to reflect my experience with Red Ace over the past couple years and to reflect the most recent research in beet juice supplementation. Beet juice is one of those trendy foods in the world of sports nutrition. Some of the trends aren’t back by legitimate ...
Mile Markers: 35 Weeks and Running
At eight months pregnant, I have started getting a lot of weird looks on my runs. Some people gawk, others divert their eyes, but most people are their normal friendly Midwestern selves. One older man stopped to ask me if I needed a ride to help me get somewhere. Meanwhile, I'm amazed at how I can still run without walk breaks or bathroom breaks. The BaoBei support band was definitely one of the best purchases this entire pregnancy! I will admit that I wonder how third-trimester running would ...
Anatomy of a Training Week: 5K Training
The 5K is not “just” 3.1 miles, at least if you want to optimize your peak performance. Even if three miles is the duration of a recovery run, specific training is essential for running a PR or placing on the podium in a 5K race. The purposeful workout and progressive loading are vital to smart, effective training for any distance. The 5K is no exception - and intentional 5K training can be challenging and rewarding, even for long-distance runners. This 5K training week comes from my ...
Ask a Running Coach: Treadmill Running
For some runners, the treadmill is their lifeline for running. Others not-so-affectionately refer to it as the dreadmill. No matter what your opinion on the treadmill is, it's a useful training tool for runners everywhere. The treadmill makes winter running, training with infants and toddlers, and zero dark thirty runs more feasible for the casual runner and dedicated marathoner alike. While it's the closest substitute to overground running, there are some physical and mental ...
Mile Markers: 34 Weeks
Overall, though, this is still an easy pregnancy and running still feels sustainable and comfortable. I don't want to seem like I'm sugar-coating things, but this is my authentic experience, just as much as any other woman's experience, whether that's full of complications or easy. I can handle fewer miles, but the miles I can do are still enjoyable and relatively comfortable (and that's factoring in the humidity!). This week I did start experiencing puffy and achy feet, probably due to ...
Athlete Highlight: How Eric Ran a Six Minute Half Marathon PR
While running is not solely about finish time, there is something incredibly satisfying about putting in months of hard work and running a hard-earned PR on race day. Eric started working with me in the summer of 2018 to train for an October half marathon, after a few years of long distance running on his own. His PR at that time was a 1:53 from recent race. In the past year of coaching, he’s taken six minutes off of this half marathon time - and is continuing to make progress as he trains for ...