Before each marathon there are a few simple things I do to get a solid idea what the course will be like.
This takes a lot of stress out of my mind when I get to the starting line.
Sometimes I work with my coaching clients to develop a race day strategy based on the course profile (elevation gain, hills, aid stations, out-and-backs, etc.).
Your study of the course doesn’t need to be that involved. Just start with these five things. Continue Reading →
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I recently ran a marathon billed “The Highest Road Marathon on Planet Earth.” The 9th annual Madison Marathon took place near Ennis, MT on July 23, 2016. This race is part of the Greater Yellowstone Race Series.
The next day Trevor ran the Big Sky Half Marathon. In this podcast episode we recap both races and all the nitty-gritty details of running a tough mountain race. Continue Reading →
The New Balance Vanzee Pace is is an attractive shoe coming out of the box especially in the color that I chose.
It has a typical running shoe shape and is fairly light weight and is similar in shape to the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante (which I also own).
The midsole material is called Revlite which is supposed to provide a firm but bouncy ride. This is how the shoe is described on the New Balance website: “Unleash even more speed and style in the Vanzee Pace v2. Continue Reading →
At first glance the MBT Speed 16 looks somewhat like a Hoka with a wide design and thicker sole.
You certainly won’t be buying a pair for the attractiveness factor. The bottom is built on something similar to a rocking platform with the heel and toe tapering up somewhat.
The company MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) created a walking fitness shoe back in the late 1990’s with this rocker profile to help your foot roll forward.
The MBT official website describes the shoe this way: Continue Reading →
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The 27th annual running of the Shadow of the Giants 50k was held on June 11, 2016 in Fish Camp, California.
We ran through forests of Giant Sequoias -the trails were beautiful, the weather was “magic”, and the race director was colorful!
Here is my race recap . . . Continue Reading →
photo credit: Jeff Moriarty; Flickr CC
Maybe you’re feeling nervous about your upcoming race. It’s typical to have pre-race nerves. If you’re not trying to PR or BQ why not take the pressure off and just run for fun?
Here are five tips for keeping it fun . . . Continue Reading →
Fargo Marathon mug shot
The 12th annual Scheels Fargo Marathon was held on Saturday May 21, 2016.
They also had a half marathon, 10k, 5k, relay, kid’s run, furgo dog run (2 mile), and Go Far challenge (5k + another distance).
This race as been rated “best value marathon.” It gets 4.5/5 stars on the course, organization and fans over on MarathonGuide.com Continue Reading →
My race day kit prior to the North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Miler last year. Click to enlarge
There are some things that you can’t control about your race experience. But being prepared with a race day kit can help make your run a lot more comfortable.
You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that you didn’t forget anything important. Continue Reading →
Zone 2 training is something I get asked about quite often. You may have heard us talk about it in the quick tip segment of MTA podcast episode 178.
Many people find that they have to slow way down or even add walking intervals to keep their heart rate in Zone 2.
This can be frustrating but it reflects the state of your aerobic system and the fact that a better endurance base needs to be built. So give it time! Continue Reading →
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I just ran my 44th marathon and collected my 35th state in my 50 state goal.
The New Jersey coast is beautiful, unfortunately it rained the entire 26.2 miles and I was underdressed (I was trying to be minimalistic in my packing).
I have never been so cold during a race!
Other than that, it was a great marathon. Here’s my recap . . . Continue Reading →
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After 42 marathons and ultras I’ve gotten to the point where finishing a marathon is not in doubt. Dare I say that I became a bit overconfident about marathons since they’ve gotten fairly easy for me if I’m not trying to set a PR.
The New South Trail Marathon was a good lesson in respecting the distance and the course for me.
With this marathon, and as I continue my running journey, I realize more and more that running teaches us about ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally and presents many character building opportunities. Continue Reading →
After 42 marathons and ultras I’ve gotten to the point where finishing a marathon is not in doubt.
Dare I say that I’ve gotten a bit overconfident about marathons because they’ve become fairly easy for me if I’m not trying to set a PR.
The New South Trail Marathon was a good lesson in respecting the distance and the course for me. Continue Reading →
