The 5K/10K and marathon/half marathon aren’t mutually exclusive events. While peak training will differ, a well-trained runner who develops endurance, lactate threshold, and speed will thrive in any of these events. Need more evidence? Some of the fastest marathoners in the US also hold titles in shorter distances. Once fall marathon season wraps up, 5K or 10K races such as Turkey Trots and other holiday runs appear everywhere. And why not race them, once you are recovered from your ...
Running
C-Section Recovery: The First Six Weeks
Six weeks ago, I headed out for my final run of pregnancy on Monday morning - three miles at a 9:49/mile pace. After my run, I worked and then called my OB to schedule a version (a procedure to flip a breech baby) followed by either an induction or C-section for the following day. They had found out that Isla was breech just a few days ago and wanted to attempt the procedure before my due date. Within two hours of scheduling this, I went into labor - but not just regular labor. My mom and I ...
Strength Training Hacks for Runners
Strength training is essential for runners - but it can also be difficult to fit in long strength training sessions into your training plan. For most runners, quality matters more than quantity. You will benefit from even one or two 15-30 minute sessions per week if you are focusing on the quality of your strength workout. It’s vital to remember that more is not always better. More reps and more exercises are not necessarily more effective. Going faster throughout your reps is certainly ...
When Should You Quit a Run?
More often than not, runners are stubborn people. They will log their miles in downpours, snowstorms, or heat waves. But even the most stubborn and resilient of runners inevitably will want to quit a run at some point. How do you know if you should quit a run, especially a hard workout, and when you should stick it out? This is meant to guide you through the thought process of determining if you should quit a run. This is not intended to be a comprehensive or definitive guide. ...
Countdown Fartlek Workout
The word fartlek means “speed play” in Swedish, and that’s exactly what these two countdown fartlek workouts are: playful, fun workouts. Every workout has a purpose. The purpose of some workouts is not to prepare you for your next PR or push the limits of your mental toughness, but to remind you why you enjoy running. You can use a stopwatch, interval timer, or program the workout into your GPS watch. There’s no pressure for perfection here - don't worry about distance or even precise ...