Taking a good client history is key to a good intervention. And in each case it was a simple fix that resolved their issue. In fact, you'll probably roll your eyes as you read the solution.
4 Articles You Should Read [2/27/14]
Today I've got a variety of articles I'd like to share and think you'll enjoy.
Key Workout(s) For The LOVE Run
I wrote this piece last fall, but you might want to revisit it if you're running a half marathon (or even Broad Street). You'll have much more confidence in your pacing and gain race specific fitness after doing these sessions!
CRAZY Drama at USA Indoor Track Championships
Wow, when a elite coach as prominent as Alberto Salazar has to be physically restrained from another pro coach you know something's up. As a passionate fan of the sport, this weekend was truly unsettling and highlighted just how corrupt/unfair things can get when you've got one company (Nike) funding nearly half of the operating budget of the sport's governing body (USATF).
How To Calculate and Predict When You'll Hit the Wall During a Marathon
Well, that might be handy! Most of us are used to just guessing or going by trial and (lots of agonizing) error when it comes to fueling for a marathon. Further, I think it's more common to over-fuel, especially if you've trained well.
Print Out This Fruit and Veggie Cheat Sheet
Want a simple way to figure out if you're actually eating enough of the good stuff? It's as simple as red, yellow, green, purple, and white (<---white). Most of us either know we don't eat enough fruits/veggies or we think we eat more than we actually are. This awesome chart makes it easy to track. Plus, you'll learn about the health benefits of each color.
“I didn't train all winter. Now I've got a race coming up!”
Treadmill Workouts That Make Time FLY
Is there such a thing? Well, maybe. If you're an outdoor runner like me, it can be a huge mental struggle to slog through a basic easy run. But breaking the run into little chunks is the way to go. And that's what I've got for you today - 3 workouts, easy, medium, and hard - that fly by so you don't lose your mind.
Relying On Motivation Is A Mistake
Nose Breathing For ALL Runs?
I was recently asked for some clarification regarding my nose breathing post. In it, I detail all of the benefits of breathing solely through the nose. (There are a lot) The question I received was essentially: should one breathe that way all the time if one is running “easy pace”? In other words, if you're running easily, are you better off breathing solely through the nose?
The One Trick Pony
Here's the problem with running as your only fitness activity. To a large extent, it neglects 2 of the 3 fitness bases. Not only that, I'd say over time it ERODES those bases. That's right, if you're like the average person (seated most of the day) and only run, then your basic movement patterns AND whatever strength you have will get worse over time.
Perfect For Winter: The Fartlek Workout
Using a Heart Rate Monitor During a Race
Planning For Your Fitness Peak
Setting personal best times, beating the competition, and accomplishing goals that once seemed unattainable are just some of the outcomes that are possible when you are in peak condition. Once you've acquired a taste for the feelings associated with being in that sort of shape it can be hard to have it any other way. Here are some questions to consider when thinking about your goals for 2014.
3 Tips To Fuel Your Best Marathon
If there's one thing people love, it's being told what to do. They want the guesswork removed, they want to skip the trial and error, and to just know what they should do. As a coach, it's very easy to fall into the trap of thinking I know best and therefore I know what's best for YOU, too.
In my experience, however, a better approach is to encourage you to continue to experiment. I'll gladly share some strategies that have worked with others, but remind you that you are an “experiment of one”. Let's figure out what works for you.
Half Marathon Workout Progression
Don't Race Like An 8 Year Old (no offense, kids!)
The Pervasive Myth of Variety
Base Training: More Than Just Running
Shut Your Mouth: Endurance The Easy Way
Random Bits Of Awesome
Sprinting Rules Pt.4
When we talk bang for the buck, sprints have to rank near the top of the list of things you can do that will noticeably improve your distance running in a short time period. From improving your coordination to developing stride power, just a small amount of sprinting can take your running to the next level in only a few weeks. They can be magical, but they can also be disastrous, however. The range of motion required and your body's ability to tolerate huge amounts of force determine if you should even try sprinting in the first place.
Sprinting Rules pt.3
Once you've addressed your tissue quality and joint mobility and, at a bare minimum, woken up your sleepy butt muscles, you are ready to incorporate a highly effective form of speed training into your routine: Strides! The thing I love about strides is that they don't carry the same injury risk as all out sprinting, but give nearly the same benefits.