Published on March 17th 2024
In this guide, we’re about to embark on a conversation that transcends the typical training tips and running routines. We will discuss the delicate art of balancing the intensity of your training with the well-being of your veins. So, fasten your shoelaces and join us on this insightful journey. Because your marathon success story deserves to be etched on the pavement, not marred by discomfort. Let’s hit the ground running! Continue Reading →
Heroes of the Marathon [Part 1]
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In this episode we share the stories of people who helped shape the sport of long distance running into what it is today. These marathon heroes set new records, defied conventional wisdom, and blazed a trail for others.
In this two part series we will be discussing five men and five women who shaped the sport.
The idea for this two part podcast was spurred by the recent death of Roger Bannister from the UK who was the first person to break four minutes in the mile in 1954. Bannister changed the running world forever. This got us to thinking . . . what runners have influenced the marathon distance in particular? Continue Reading →
How You Define “Hard”
How you define hard is how you are going to experience hard. -Ryan Hall
Hear our podcast interview with Ryan here.
Anti-inflammatories and Running
Here’s a interesting question from Randy about anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen. You may have heard me talk about this in our Ask the Coach podcast episode . . .
What do you think about very occasional use of ibuprofen/anti-inflammatories? Not referring to daily or prophylactic use. When, if ever, might it be appropriate? -Randy
What Six Weeks of Coaching Can Do . . .
Huge contrasts to one of our coaching clients Marty Gardner on his massive PR at the Snickers Marathon!!
“Hello MTA Family! Just wanted to give an update from my race today. It was my 2nd marathon. My 1st was January 7th this year at Disney. My time was 4:59:45. I learned that I was not properly prepared mentally or physically even though I trained with an online Disney plan for 28 weeks.
After about 2 weeks of recovery, I signed up with MTA coaching in mid January (I have been listening to the podcasts since early in my training) and started working with Coach Lynn Grieger. I signed up for the Snickers Marathon in Albany, GA which I ran today.
I had exactly 6 weeks of training with coach Lynn. my A goal was 4:30. Actually I changed it to 4:29 to beat Oprah’s time. Well I didn’t quite reach my A goal, but I PR’d by over 23 minutes with only 6 weeks of coaching. My time was 4:36:41.
I am so excited to see what Coach Lynn and I can achieve with a full training plan. I have half marathons scheduled in 3 weeks and again in late April, and look forward to those and to crushing my A goal in my Fall marathon whichever one I decide to do. I’m already committed to doing Dopey Challenge next January.
I also listened to the greatest hits episode on the way down last night about mental toughness and it helped me tremendously to deal with leg cramps in my last few miles. Thanks Trevor, Angie, and Coach Lynn!” -Marty Gardner
Ask the Coach Episode . . .
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Welcome to the Marathon Training Academy Podcast where we empower you to take your running to the next level!
In this podcast episode we cover an array of questions from our community about base building, tight hip flexors, black toenails, what to do if you are under-trained on race day, hamstring pain, fuel and fuel belts, anti-inflammatories, treadmill recommendations and more things that inquiring runners want to know! Continue Reading →
Ways to Stay Fit with Injured Knees
A knee injury may dramatically hinder your running schedule, but this is not an excuse to lie down and give up. In fact, now more than ever you need to stay fit in order to help your body heal properly, by maintaining flexible joints while avoiding any high impact movements. To do this, look at your dilemma as a blessing in disguise, perhaps an opportunity to embark on something brand new, and try this list of suggestions to begin this fresh journey. Continue Reading →
Health 101 for Runners
The good news is it does not require a lot for a person to become a recreational runner since all you need is a good pair of running shoes and a strong desire to reach the finish line. Running is a great form of aerobic exercise. It triggers runner’s high (a general sense of well-being and fitness because of regular physical activity). Continue Reading →
Greatest Hits Episode! Mastering the Endurance Mindset
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In this episode we bring you mindset tips, strategies, and stories from past guests on the MTA podcast like Marshal Ulrich, Dr. Jeff Brown, Lisa Smith-Batchen, Dr. Tim Noakes, and Sean Astin.
These conversations will help you master the mental game of long distance running.
In conjunction with our podcasting anniversary this is a “greatest hits” episode on the subject of mental toughness. Continue Reading →
Putting the bottle down, lifting her running spirits up
By Henry Howard
When Judith Dahl first sipped alcohol she knew it would be a problem.
For many years, she was able to contain her drinking to weekends.
“But eventually, it got to be a daily thing,” says Dahl, of Norway. “The last two years it really escalated, I did not manage to hide it from my kids and my extended family any longer. I have always worked, but it was getting hard to keep up. I began to have trouble attending and when I did, I was sick big parts of the day.”
She hit rock bottom, separating from her husband and feeling depressed. But fortunately she reached out to get help through her doctor, who connected Dahl with someone who could help.
“He signed me up with a counselor, who I went to for almost two years,” Dahl recalls. “But the job was mine to do, I had an amazing family who wanted me back. That was my motivation.”
As drinking moved out of the picture, running moved in. Continue Reading →
Four Strength Exercises Every Runner Should be Doing
Many runners don’t realize that their workouts need to consist of more than just running. While running is a great cardiovascular exercise, pure cardio without strength training can increase your risk of injury. Research shows that runners who include strength workouts in their routine also outperform those who purely focus on cardio and endurance training.
If you’re not sure how to incorporate strength training into your workout regimen, keep reading. Listed below are four great exercises that every runner (and everybody in general) should be doing regularly. Continue Reading →
Muscle Fatigue in Marathon Training: Prevention and Recovery Tips
The sheer endurance required in marathon running is astounding. Runners who suffer from muscle fatigue, however, may experience impaired concentration that inhibits performance during a marathon.
Contrary to common believe, muscle fatigue isn’t always inevitable though it can occur even with trained athletes. Research also indicates that novice runners have higher a risk for injuries and fatigue for every 1000 hours spent running. Lack of energy and soreness can get in the way of finishing training much less a marathon itself. Don’t miss this quick guide to muscle fatigue prevention and recovery: Continue Reading →
