Author Archive | Angie Spencer

How to Run at Elevation

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This post is inspired by my recent Leadville Trail Marathon which began at over 10,000 feet elevation and topped out at 13,185 feet.

We arrived in Breckenridge, Colorado, (9,600 feet) a couple days before the race and I could tell immediately that the air is a lot thiner than I’m used to. I struggled to run even a mile and climbing stairs left me out of breath.

Running at elevation can be tricky. Here’s how to do it safely. Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Leadville Trail Marathon

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The Leadville Race Series currently operated by Life Time Fitness puts on the Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half along with several more running and cycling events every year (most famously known for the Leadville Trail 100 miler).

The marathon is in its sixteenth year and starts in the Historic Mining District located on the east side of Leadville—an area known for its mining heritage, beautiful scenery and exciting trails. Continue Reading →

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Fitness Begins In The Mind!

Angie and family climbing Square Butte in Central Montana

Angie and family climbing Square Butte in Central Montana

Since we’re traveling around the American West climbing mountains and seeing family we’re a little behind on podcast production.

Here’s a training lesson pulled directly from the Academy member’s only area. I know you’ll love it!

Before you can physically run 26.2 miles or accomplish any other running goal you have to believe that you can do it. Continue Reading →

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An Inside Look into the Life of an Elite Runner – Interview with Tina Muir

photo credit: Tina Muir

photo credit: Tina Muir

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Tina Muir is a 2:41:10 marathoner and team member of the Saucony Hurricanes. She’s also community manager and podcaster at Runner’s Connect.

Originally from England, Tina moved to the States in 2007 to pursue her running career. She capped off her collegiate career by finishing 3rd in the 10k at the 2012 Great Britain Olympic Trials.

She spent two years working as an Assistant Coach for La Salle University in Philadelphia while completing her MBA

At the time of this episode Tina lives in central Kentucky and is engaged to be married. Continue Reading →

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Hot weather races—How to adjust and still have a good experience

photo credit: Solomon Lieberman

photo credit: Solomon Lieberman

You may have a race coming up and notice with growing horror that the temperature is going to be very warm on race day.

You may have heard my recap of the Lincoln Marathon, this episode will give you a frontseat look at how hot weather affected my race.

There have been a few notable races that were hot this year including the LA Marathon in March. Since it takes approximately 2 weeks of training in warmer conditions for your body to acclimate you may not have that much time to adjust pre-race.

Here’s what you can do: Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Lincoln Marathon | A Hot Time In The Old Town!

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The 38th running of the National Guard Lincoln Marathon was held on Sunday May 3, 2015.

This race started in 1978 in Lincoln Nebraska and is organized by the Lincoln Track Club. This race has gained in popularity over the years to the current number of 12,500 starters.

It also holds a distinction that few marathons do in that it sells out quickly. In fact, registration opened Jan. 3rd and sold out within the space of a few hours. Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Boston Marathon [part 1]

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The 119th Boston Marathon presented by John Hancock was held on April 20, 2015. Started in 1897, this is the world’s oldest annual marathon held the third Monday of April on Patriot’s Day. It is also one of the 6 World Marathon Majors (joining Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City).

As most people know, entrants must qualify using a set of gender and age specific standards, run for charity or be really important and get a bib. Over 170 million dollars has been raised for charity in the last 30 years!

It’s interesting to note that in the beginning the distance wasn’t 26.2 miles/42.2k. Instead it started in Ashland and was around 24 miles (the distance wasn’t standardized to what we currently know until the London Olympics in 1908). The inaugural field in 1897 was 15 men and 10 finished that first Boston Marathon. Things have certainly changed because the race was capped at 30,000 this year with an elite field followed by four waves of runners.

Continue Reading →

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How to Run-Walk-Run a Marathon -Interview with Jeff Galloway

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Jeff Galloway has had one of the most influential careers in the history of running.  He  competed in the 10k distance at the 1972 Olympics. 

He’s run a 2:16 marathon.  He’s the author of many books and owner of the oldest specialty running store in America.

Many know him as the creator of the Galloway Run-Walk-Run program which has helped hundreds of thousands of people realize their dream of finishing a marathon. 

In this interview we have Jeff take us through how and why his method works for runners of all abilities. Continue Reading →

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Qualifying for the Boston Marathon –Interview with Chris Russell

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Chris Russell has qualified for the Boston Marathon 16 times.  He is the creator of the Run Run Live podcast and author of Marathon BQ – How to Qualify for the Boston Marathon in 14 Weeks. 

With the Boston Marathon approaching we thought it would be appropriate to bring you an episode about how to run a BQ time. Here’s what Chris had to say. Continue Reading →

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10 Questions About Pregnancy and Marathon Training

photo credit: Michael Hollander; Flickr Creative Commons

photo credit: Michael Hollander; Flickr Creative Commons

Many women have asked me if it’s possible to safely run and train for a marathon while pregnant.

This is a very important question and I’ve thought about dedicating a whole podcast episode to this topic.

Well, lo and behold I was recently invited to speak about this on the Run Run Live podcast. A big thanks to Chris Russell for having me on the show! You can hear me on episode 4-308.

Chris sent over 10 really great questions about pregnancy and running that he wanted me to tackle during the interview.

Here are the answers I gave based on my own experience of running through two pregnancies and the science I’ve read on this topic. Continue Reading →

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The Case for Core Training –How Strong Core Muscles Make You a More Efficient Runner

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If you’ve been around the running world for any length of time you’ve probably heard the term “core” and “core training” thrown around quite a bit.

Training for a marathon requires a time investment it can be challenging to add one more thing to your busy schedule if you really don’t see the importance of how it directly relates to your success in running. That’s why many runners mistakenly don’t focus on exercises to balance and strengthen their running muscles.

Building core strength is an essential element to running effectively since it will improve your running form and decrease the chance of injury.

Here’s why you can’t afford to ignore your core. Continue Reading →

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