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Author Archive | Angie Spencer

Race Recap: The Myrtle Beach Marathon

By on March 3, 2014 in Podcasts, Race Recap

myrlte_beach*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

This episode is about our experience running the Myrtle Beach Marathon in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon is in its 17th year and also features a half marathon, 5k and family fun run the night before. They also brought back the marathon relay this year.

The Myrtle Beach area has approximately 60 miles of shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean and around 30,000 permanent residents. However they get an estimated 15 million tourists per year. It’s actually very cost effective to visit in the off season as most of the hotels and eating establishments are nearly empty.

The race partners with the Rare Species Fund, a non-profit conservation program, and Ripley’s Aquarium (you can get a discount on entry with your race bib). This area, known as the “Grand Strand” must be the mini-golf capitol of the world, although the majority are closed in Feb. Continue Reading →

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Special 4th Anniversary Edition – Listener Q and A

By on February 10, 2014 in Podcasts

100th Episode*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

In this special 100th episode of the marathon training academy podcast we answer real questions from every day runners who are trying to take their running and their health to the next level.

I answer questions about running multiple marathons, hill training, the 10% rule, 50ks, proper recovery, eating a high fat low carb diet, speedwork, running form, and questions about our family.

Continue Reading →

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Your Brain as the Central Governor – Interview with Dr. Tim Noakes

By on January 11, 2014 in Interview, Podcasts, Running Physiology

Dr. Tim Noakes*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

Dr. Tim Noakes is a professor of exercise and sports science at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

He has completed more than 70 marathons and ultra-marathons and is the author of Waterlogged, Running Injuries, Challenging Beliefs, and the Lore of Running.

The Lore of running (900 pages) is the first running book Trevor bought me before we started the MTA podcast. I have kept it by my reading chair for reference ever since. It is worth its weight in gold.

While we had Dr. Noakes on the phone we were eager to talk with him about how the brain governs one’s performance in the marathon. Here’s what he had to say, Continue Reading →

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Increasing Productivity and Reaching Goals in Marathon Training and Life

By on January 2, 2014 in Motivation, Podcasts

2014*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

As we enter the New Year many of us have ideas about what we’d like to do and accomplish in 2014.

I think it’s healthy to have goals and dreams and work toward these things. However, I’ve read that only 8% of people’s resolutions actually get carried out.

I know I’ve been guilty of letting many good intentions go by the wayside. One common roadblock to accomplishing goals is the fact that we’re already so busy. Sometimes it seems overwhelming to add even another good thing to our schedule.

Here are my three tips for getting things done . . . (and loving it) Continue Reading →

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Happy New Year!

By on January 1, 2014 in Uncategorized

IMG_1539Happy New Year to everyone in the MTA community. You guys are awesome!

I logged 1725 miles and nine marathons last year and am looking forward to a wonderful 2014.

Life is good.

What are your goals for 2014?

Maybe you’ve heard the quote, “If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.” It’s so easy to be complacent and let life pass us by. However, just the fact that you’re a runner (or aspiring runner) means that you’re not the kind of person who lets life pass you by. You want to live a full and meaningful life and running is one way to add adventure and purpose.

To reach your fitness goals you will need a proven plan and the support of a community who has done/ is doing what you want to do.

Here is your invitation to train with us and make 2014 the best year of your life.

https://member.marathontrainingacademy.com/access-1/

From the Academy (this could be you)

In 2013 I ran my first marathon, PR’ed for my 5K and half marathon times, and totaled 920 miles for the year. In 2014 I plan on breaking 1000 miles for the year, training smarter (using cross training and speed work to my advantage) and PR in my 1st marathon of 2014 in Providence, here I come! -Liz

I did 1200 miles for 2013 (my goal for 2014 is 1400). A huge thanks to the entire MTA family, especially mom Angie and pop Trevor, for all of the support this past year. Best wishes to all for a super 2014!! -Foti

I’m so pumped to reach 1500 miles in 2013 even though I only ran a total of 35 miles between January and February. I completed 4 marathons, 1 half, 2 10k’s, numerous 5k’s and a 1 mile race. I PR’ed in all of those distances this year! 2013 was a great year, but 2014 is going to be even better! Thank you Angie for all of the great coaching and the MTA family for all of the encouragement. Bring on 2014…Happy New Year everyone!!!!! -Chris

What a year….I ran my first marathon and had my first broken bone (my heel, which I unknowingly ran 8 miles on and finished my marathon!) I was able to come back hard and PR in a 5 miler, a 10k and marathon and joined Marathon Maniacs. Just wanted to Thank our wonderful coach Angie for everything! Look out 2014! Happy New Year everyone! -Johari

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Merry Christmas from MTA!

By on December 25, 2013 in Uncategorized

Merry Christmas!
Best wishes from Angie, Trevor, Riley, Gavin, and Liam. We trust that 2014 will be an amazing year of health and happiness for you and your family.

Thanks for supporting the MTA podcast! We are looking forward to another great year of providing the best content possible on all things marathon training.

Happy Running!

angies signature



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Race Recap: The Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama

By on December 18, 2013 in Podcasts, Race Recap

Rocket City Marathon*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

On December 14, 2013 we got to run the 37th annual Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, AL put on by the Huntsville Track Club.

Huntsville is located in the north central part of Alabama and was a 5.5 hour drive for us. The city has around 180,000 residents and is the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and US Army Aviation and Missile Command.

This race is geared toward marathoners as it doesn’t offer any other races except a kids “marathon” later in the morning. The entry fee is very reasonable (around $60) considering the good organization, support and swag.
Continue Reading →

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Let’s Get Physiological! Vo2 Max, Heart Rate Variability, Anaerobic Threshold and More

By on December 12, 2013 in Fueling, Podcasts, Running Physiology

running pysiology*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

In this blog post/podcast episode we want to delve into a few more components of understanding how your body ticks by discussing heart rate variability (HRV), V02 max and anaerobic threshold (AT).

I received a question from a listener related to our podcast about heart rate training. He says,

“The only thing you did not discuss and maybe there is no answer to this, but I’d like to know more about monitoring and tracking recovery heart rate after a workout. I “appear” to recover very quickly after a long or hard workout, as my heart rate comes back to normal quickly. Do you have any data or thoughts on this?”

This excellent question leads into the topic of heart rate variability (HRV). Continue Reading →

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Run More! Interview with Chuck Engle aka Marathon Junkie

By on November 23, 2013 in Interview, Podcasts

chuck_engle*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

In this episode we talk with Chuck Engle the man who holds the record for most career marathon wins of any person in the United States.

He has won 164 out of 332 marathons with an average time of 2:43. At age 42 he continues to race almost every weekend and he continues to win.

Chuck lives in Coos Bay, Oregon, and is the internet marketing director for marathonguide.com. His approach to marathon training is “run more”.

Ten questions for the marathon junkie: Continue Reading →

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Understanding Heart Rate Training

By on November 7, 2013 in Heart Rate Training, Podcasts

Heart Rate Training *[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

Maybe you have a heart rate monitor (HRM) that you never use or use a heart rate monitor and get frustrated because you don’t fully understand how to go about using this training method.

In this post I want to cut through the clutter and tell you how to get started with heart rate training. You will learn:

  1. What to know before you start heart rate training
  2. Three ways to find your ideal training zones
  3. The limitations of heart rate training

Ready, set, go! Continue Reading →

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Interview with Elite Runner Leah Thorvilson – 2:37 Marathoner

By on October 15, 2013 in Elite Runner, Interview, Podcasts

leah_thorvilson*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

Leah Thorvilson is the 4 time winner of the Little Rock Marathon, competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials and holds the 4th fastest 50 mile time ever recorded for an American woman.

She won the Tupelo Marathon this year (I saw her blazing by me on the out and back section). And she recently became the director of athletic development at her alma mater, the University of Arkansas Little Rock.

We talked with her about her runner career, training and the lessons she learned from a torn hamstring.

Here are some of the questions we asked Leah and a few tips about injury prevention Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio

By on October 3, 2013 in Fueling, Podcasts, Race Recap

Brain overload at the Air Force Museum in Dayton

Brain overload at the Air Force Museum in Dayton

*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now

On Sept 21, 2013 we got to run the 17th annual Air Force Marathon in Dayton, OH. This year there were a total of 15,000 participants between the 5k, 10k, half and full marathon.

We made this a family trip and were able to visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force the day before the race. This is a pretty amazing place (with free admission!!) that details the history of aviation with many aircraft and memorabilia from over the years. The kids were as impressed as kids can be with a museum and it was an educational experience that they’re still talking about.

Continue Reading →

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