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Thoughts from a First-Time Ultra Runner

By on July 17, 2016 in Beginner, Guest Perspective, Ultramarathon

Henry_BuckeyeTrail1I had no idea what lay ahead when I recently lined up at the starting line for my first ultra race, the Buckeye Trail 50K in Brecksville, Ohio.

I had completed 13 marathons previously, including one on a trail — the North Face Endurance Challenge Series in Wisconsin last year.

I knew I had trained well and had my nutrition dialed in. We got a break from the weather — the long-range forecasts of thunderstorms had given way to a nice 60-degree day start.

There was no rain in the forecast and the temperature would be in the mid-70s around my anticipated finishing time. Not bad at all for July.

Oh, about that anticipated finishing time. That was an eye-opener! Continue Reading →

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How to Keep it Fun at Your Next Marathon

By on June 15, 2016 in Beginner, Race Day

photo credit: Jeff Moriarty; Flickr CC

photo credit: Jeff Moriarty; Flickr CC

While pursing my goal of running a marathon in all 50 states (I just finished California), I’m reminded of the importance of having fun at these races.

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 →

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Respecting the Distance

By on April 10, 2016 in Back-to-Back Races, Beginner, Podcasts

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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 →

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Running Terminology You Should Know

By on March 21, 2016 in Beginner, Podcasts

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Running terminology may not be the most fascinating topic at first glance.

However, running like any other sport or profession has a language of its own and it is very important to understand the definitions and terms that will be referred to so you can be in the know.

This might be the most exhaustive list of running terms on the internet! Continue Reading →

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What To Do The Day Before A Marathon

By on February 17, 2016 in Beginner, Guest Perspective, Race Day

image2You’ve trained hard and prepared for this challenge. Now as the minutes tick down to the start of the race, nerves rattle and questions mount. Here are some tips to help you get to the starting line.

By Henry Howard

In a few weeks, I will be at the starting line of my 12th marathon. Even though the past 11 marathons have taught me a lot, I will undoubtedly feel a bit of nerves at the starting line.

Did I train the best I could have? Is my nutrition plan solid? Are those Oreos I ate a month ago going to affect my performance?

Of course, the starting line is way too late to make any adjustments that will create a better outcome. That’s why all the training, tapering and recovering are so crucial. But in the final 24 hours, there are some ways that runners can help themselves. Continue Reading →

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Going From Zero to Marathon

By on January 11, 2016 in Back-to-Back Races, Beginner, Podcasts

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If you’ve recently started listening to the podcast we’d like to give you a big welcome and let you know that you have come to the right place, even if a marathon seems like a long way off.

Trevor and I didn’t start off in marathon shape and it’s been a process through the years to get to the place where we can run a last minute marathon.

You may be looking to train for your first half or full marathon or you’re just returning to that level of fitness after some time off. That’s what “From Zero to Marathon” is all about. Continue Reading →

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Six Ways I’m Fixing My Achilles Tendonitis

By on September 28, 2015 in Beginner, Injury

These are not my feet, btw.

These are not my feet, btw.

You may have heard on podcast episode #154 that I had to skip a marathon because of pain in my achilles tendon.

My injury became the inspiration behind The Marathon That Got Away.

Thankfully my tendon hasn’t bothered me for the last two weeks and I’m ready to slowly ease back into running.

I’m thankful to Angie (my wife) and my physical therapist friend Dr. Ben Shatto for helping me diagnose and deal with this injury before it got serious.

Here’s what I’ve been doing Continue Reading →

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Interview with Dr. Jeff Brown (Part 2), The Runner’s Brain

By on September 9, 2015 in Beginner, Interview, Podcasts

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Here’s part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Jeff Brown the lead psychologist at the Boston Marathon and author of the new book The Runner’s Brain.

In this episode we ask brain questions sent in by Academy members. I know you’ll love it!

Topics covered include: how to mentally prepare for a race, overcoming the post-race blues, mental toughness, how the elites think, and dealing with start line nerves. Continue Reading →

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Why Half Marathon Times Don’t Translate into Full Marathon Times

By on August 11, 2015 in Beginner, Half Marathon, Listener Question, PR

Here’s a question I received from a fellow runner named Chris,

Hi Angie! I’m 50 years old and have been running for 2 1/2 years (after losing 105 pounds, but that’s another story). My times for the half marathon are decent, generally in the 1:55 area. I’ve run three marathons with a PR of 4:27:34 and a worst of 4:58:30.

Anyway, based on various race predictors, it looks like my “expected” marathon time is in around 4:05. Why am I so far off, and how can I get my half marathon ability, such as it is, to translate to the marathon distance? I’m training for the Long Beach (Ca.) Marathon in October and I’d really like to come in around 4:10 or so. Thanks, and keep up your great work! -Chris

My answer . . . Continue Reading →

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How to Run at Elevation

By on July 3, 2015 in Beginner, Safety

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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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Fitness Begins In The Mind!

By on June 20, 2015 in Beginner, Motivation, Podcasts
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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