The snow doesn’t stay around for long here in S.E. Missouri.
We usually only get a light dusting -enough to conceal a dangerous layer of ice.
On one such day I found myself on a 5 mile training run. The temperature must have been in the low 20s.
As I picked my way along the road trying to avoid the icy patches I suddenly saw footprints. Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
In this episode we talk about setting and maximizing your running goals in 2013. And for this episode’s quick tip we recommend a running app with live tracking and voice feedback.
When I look back on 2012 I have to say that it was a good year. However, from the perspective of achieving my running goals it was a mixed bag.
I came close to qualifying for Boston two times. The first time I missed my goal by 1 min, 47 seconds. The second time I missed the goal by 41 seconds. It was exciting to come so close, yet disappointing to be so far away.
At the beginning of December we went through a hard time. I was 18 weeks pregnant and had a sudden miscarriage because the baby had a genetic disorder. I was hospitalized after losing a lot of blood and going into shock. Since then we have done our share of grieving the loss of our baby and I’ve also had some physical challenges to cope with. I was left very anemic which has affected my energy levels and strength. For the first week I would get fatigued walking across a room and was plagued with dizziness. I currently can only run a half mile without getting very short of breath and fatigued. I’m definitely not going into the New Year where I want to be physically.
I share this experience because I know that many of you are struggling physically and emotionally. We want to provide some realistic encouragement to you as you go into 2013.
So here are a few suggestions of ways to maximize your running and fitness goals in 2013. Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
Several months ago my sister Autum suggested that we do a segment on each podcast featuring a notable marathoner. Since I haven’t implemented that yet I decided to do an entire podcast episode on four runners I admire.
There are hundreds of amazing runners I could talk about from all over the world. Here are four you should know: Continue Reading →
*Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now
Summer ranks among many people’s favorite season of the year. Vacations, warm weather, more daylight, BBQ, pool time… what’s not to love? Many runners are surprised to find that keeping their momentum going during the summer can be a challenge. If you’re struggling to be consistent in your marathon training this summer you are not alone.
I recently did a poll on the MTA Facebook page and found the top reasons why people struggled with marathon training in the summer.
In this post I share some tips on how to get past these barriers and make this summer one of your fittest ever. Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
Thinking big is highly individual.
You may decide to run a 100 mile ultra-marathon like Eric Strand.
Your personal best right now may be running for 5 minutes without stopping and a marathon seems so out of reach. It’s not.
Here are some thoughts to help you think big and dig deep. Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
When you run a marathon you become part of a living history.
Crossing the finish line connects you to those who have endured the toughness of marathon training before you.
Over 500,000 people will run a marathon in the US alone this year.
Here is the history of how our sport came to be.
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
Keeping good steady momentum is crucial to meeting your running goals.
There will be times when you might feel unmotivated or bogged down in your marathon training. In this post I will show you five great ways to keep your enthusiasm for running and exercise week after week.
Here is how I keep momentum… Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
The beginning of the year is typically the time when we think about what we want to accomplish in the New Year. This reflection often causes us to set New Year’s resolutions.
How can we set goals that are meaningful, realistic, and do-able? I developed the acronym R.E.A.P. which stands for REALISTIC, EVALUATION, ACTION, PERSEVERANCE. Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
In this episode we bring you success stories from four people who ran their very first marathon this year (and one ultra marathon).
All four of these runners are loyal MTA fans and it was a huge treat to talk with them. They are everyday people like you and I who took on the challenge of the marathon and changed their life for the better.
No matter where you are in your running journey be sure to celebrate the successes, dream big, and never give up! Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
Adam and Tim are the authors of the Book Running the Edge – Discover the Secrets of Better Running and a Better Life.
The edge is the outer reaches of your potential as a runner. We are all pursuing that edge to discover what we are capable of (because we know we are capable of more).
In running everyone who participates is a hero. Every runner must undergoes a training process and every runner must stick it out to be successful. You must push back against adversity and discomfort to accomplish your goal.
You may not be an elite runner but you are striving for a personal best. The only person you must beat is your former self. Even if you can only run 3 miles so far, you have reason to celebrate because a few months ago you couldn’t run even 1 mile.
What if Superman lacked initiative to save the day? What if all his potential went unused? Superpowers are great, but without initiative, responsibility, determination, adaptability, integrity, and personability you can’t tap into your latent potential.
Adam and Tim say a distance maven is a person who is dedicating themselves to pursuing excellence in their running and life. See how many of the following points apply to you. Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
Marathon Training forces you to face adversity. You must overcome fear, fatigue, and frustration. The journey is tough but also life changing!
Even the best runners stay engaged in this conflict:
As a runner, I deal with fear almost daily. To prevent fear from defeating me, I have to fight back against it in my mind. Reminding myself that I am doing what I was born to do—that, win or lose, embracing the challenge is still worthwhile. Kara Goucher, Olympic Runner
Here are three simple ways to overcome adversity . . . Continue Reading →
*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]
Most of us have probably notoriously made resolutions for the year and fallen off the wagon by the end of January.
In fact, I have read that many people fail by January 5th!
Do you have a plan to implement and achieve your running goals in 2011?
Here are two very powerful factors that have helped me make time for exercise, lose weight, and run marathons. Continue Reading →
