Many runners want to run faster; it’s a natural desire and a clear indication of progress. In order to run faster, you have to train your body to adapt to the physiological demands of faster running. Typically, this involves speedwork. Yet speedwork increases the risk of injury - which will emphatically not make you faster. With the right approach, you can speedwork without getting injured - whether you are introducing speedwork for the first time, making your speedwork harder, or doing ...
Training Tips
Your Guide to Fartlek Workouts
Fartlek workouts are a versatile, adaptable, and even fun workout - any runner can incorporate them into their training. They are also highly effective, no matter how your level of experience or your running goals. The word “fartlek” is borrowed from Swedish and means “speed play.” In the first half 20th century, Scandanavians dominated the running scene and attributed their success to the use of “speed play” workouts in training. Now, fartleks have been adopted by the larger running ...
How to Effectively Train for a Race on the Treadmill
For some runners, the treadmill is the only realistic option to fit in their training. Perhaps they work long hours and can only run during the dark hours of the morning or on lunch breaks. Maybe they have a small child (or two or more) and can only fit in runs during naptime or playtime. Whether it’s time, safety, or convenience, choosing train for a race on the treadmill is what allows them to train consistently. There are disadvantages to the treadmill: it lacks wind resistance and other ...
Should You Take a Break from Running?
Most of the time, running is enjoyable. That’s ultimately why we all lace up our shoes, log those daily miles, and train for distances that seem crazy to the average person. But what happens when running is no longer enjoyable? When should you take a break from running? Obviously, there are situations in life that necessitate an extended break from running. The postpartum phase, stress fractures or serious injuries, surgeries, and other medical reasons all warrant several weeks off of running ...
What to Do After a Goal Race
After the excitement of the racing season, the question for most runners - whether you ran the race or your life or had a poor experience - is what to do after a goal race. You may be ready for a break, you may feel slightly adrift without a goal, or you may need to shake off a case of the post-race blues. Most runners don't immediately jump into training for their next big race. Instead, most take some sort of off-season - and here is how to navigate what your off-season can look like and ...