Several of the runners I coach raced in August. For some, these races were tune-up races as part of their training cycles for big goals. For others, they ran their goal races in hot conditions. For all runners, it was a strong month of racing! Mark ran a PR of 5:35 in a mile race! Chelsey placed 8th in a cross-country 2-miler! Aimee ran the Cascade Lakes Relay! Sam raced two strong 5Ks with some speedy splits! Marlene raced a 10K! Jessica ran her fastest half ...
Running
How to Include Tune-Up Races in Your Training
You picked your goal race for the season and you have already put in weeks of hard training, but your race feels weeks away. You're eager to test your fitness and enjoy a race atmosphere - so why not run a tune-up race? When done correctly, a tune-up race can boost your fitness and your confidence before a goal race. The Benefits of Running Tune-up Races What exactly is a tune-up race? A tune-up race is a race run in preparation for a goal race. It is not a goal race itself but rather ...
Mile Markers: Running at 37 Weeks
If there was a theme to this week, it would be puffy feet and tight calves. It's due to a combination of almost 30 pounds extra weight and how that weight is distributed, extra blood volume, and the effect of pregnancy hormones on circulation. I run or walk daily, which does bring relief. I'm now early term, which means tapering down running more. I ran 17 miles this week and plan on dropping down to 10-15 miles per week (or less) for the remaining 2-4 weeks. Monday: 40 ...
Why Leg Speed Matters for Distance Runners
Do you lack a finishing kick in a race? Do your legs feel stuck in a marathon shuffle? If so, you may be lacking leg speed. Many long-distance runners trade leg speed for high mileage, but you can develop it while still logging high mileage. If anything, deliberately developing leg speed will improve your marathon and half marathon times. Leg speed does not just rely on your top-end speed. It develops from specific neuromuscular training. Short sprints recruit muscle fibers differently ...
Mile Markers: 36 Weeks Pregnant
At 36 weeks pregnant, the biggest symptom I notice with running (or any type of exercise) is how much I sweat. I'll finish a short run and be drenched. Yes, the humidity is a factor, but it's mostly due to the furnace that my body has turned into. Other women told me about how hot you feel during the final month, and my experience has matched theirs. I eagerly welcomed the drop in temperature and humidity over the weekend. Especially compared to the 90-97% humidity early in the week, ...