Paula Radcliffe once lamented how the sport of running lacks an understanding of periods and unique female issues. Sports medicine doctors and coaches will give female athletes hormones to delay menstruation. Very few resources discuss anything about periods and running, much less female hormones and running. Honestly, it’s downright frustrating at times, especially as the percentage of female participants in the sport of running rises each year. You don’t have to suppress or fear your ... continue reading...
Mile Markers: A Little More Rest
Last week was a cutback week - not by need, but for convenience. We spent two nights camping in Southern Indiana and while I could have packed gear for trail running, I opted for a relaxing weekend, four days of running, and a hike. I used to try to squeeze in all my runs before a weekend trip, but my body simply cannot handle that right now. Or maybe, more accurately, I'm going a little easier on myself, since I know my body needs it right now. Monday: 4 mile easy run & injury ... continue reading...
Athlete Highlight: How Emma Trained With a Busy Schedule
Instagram and social media can skew what running really looks like. We see perfectly coiffed runners in coordinated outfits, running all the miles against beautiful scenery. In reality, that is not the circumstance of most runners - or at least, most runners whom I coach. Most runners fit their training around busy schedules of work, family, and other activities. They put in the hard work when it isn’t glamorous or convenient - and that is a huge accomplishment.I first met Emma in our ... continue reading...
How to Incorporate Two-a-Day Workouts in Training
You see the advice (including here) to run mileage, do hard workouts, strength train, do mobility work, and somehow sleep enough to recover. “How do I fit it all in?” you might wonder. Some people will suggest running fewer days per week to fit in strength training. But for many of you reading, you likely don’t want to run less. You like to run and you want to improve your running. A possible solution: two-a-day workout days.Elites and high mileage athletes use two runs per day to increase ... continue reading...
Mile Markers: Second Trimester Speed
I'll be honest: I am really proud of my body right now and grateful for well I can still run. I'm 21 weeks pregnant and a bit slower than I used to be, but I am handling my mileage well and do not need walk breaks. I even sprinkled a few mini workouts into my runs this week! I'm taking advantage of the second trimester for some faster running, especially since my third trimester will coincide with the summer heat. My paces aren't as fast as they were even in the first trimester, but running fast ... continue reading...
Quick Injury Prevention Exercises for Runners
All runners want to remain injury-free. Running injuries are painful, frustrating, and sometimes expensive. Thankfully, despite the high rates of runners injured each year, you can reduce your risk of injury with some simple injury prevention exercises for runners.An injury prevention workout focus on two effects: strength and mobility.Weak muscles are more prone to injury, especially if the weakness results in a strength imbalance. Weakness in one glute causes excessive strain on ... continue reading...