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How to Recover Quickly from a Quadriceps Strain

By on November 15, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Injury

Muscle injury. Man with sprain thigh musclesA quadriceps strain, also known as a quad pull or thigh strain, is a relatively common running injury.

Strains can range from a mild discomfort to a full blown tear of most of the muscle which can result in severe pain and the inability to run or walk. The injury typically happens when one or more of the quadriceps muscles become overloaded.

In this post you will discover the factors that increase your risk of straining your quadriceps, and learn specific strategies to implement during your rehabilitation and return to activity. Continue Reading →

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My Boston Marathon Qualifier, Thanks to MTA Coaching

By on November 12, 2016 in Guest Perspective, PR, Success Story

image2In the weeks leading up to the Indianapolis Monumental on Nov. 5, I was feeling properly trained, thanks to Angie Spencer and MTA Coaching.

Her plans have guided me through two ultras and then onto recovery and preparing for Indy.

I knew I was physically ready for my first real attempt at qualifying for the Boston Marathon, which would mean a 3:25 or better. But I also needed to make sure that I was mentally prepared for the challenge. Continue Reading →

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Marathon Training Q and A Episode

By on November 6, 2016 in Beginner, Listener Question, Podcasts

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

One thing we’ve always enjoyed through the years is connecting with runners from around the world in our awesome online community.

In this episode we answer questions sent in by MTA Members -topics include what to do in the down season, transitioning from half to full and from full to ultra, finding time to run when your life is busy, motivation, and proper pacing in the marathon. Continue Reading →

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Ed Whitlock -Sub 4 Hour Marathon at Age 85!

By on November 1, 2016 in Interview, Masters Runner, Podcasts

photo credit: Canadian Running

photo credit: Canadian Running

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

In this podcast episode you will hear from Ed Whitlock -the amazing master’s runner from Canada who just set a world record at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

At 85 years of age he ran a 3:56:32 -a masters level record for 85-90 division.

Ed has been smashing records and conventional wisdom for years. Hear all about how he got started (later in life) and some of the unusual ways he trains. Prepare to be inspired! Continue Reading →

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PodcastFest! -Joint Episode with Marathon Talk U.K.

By on October 20, 2016 in Interview, Podcasts

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In this episode with we hang out with Martin Yelling and Tom Williams from the Marathon Talk Podcast. In this virtual meet up you will hear us discuss the work that goes into podcasting, getting dream guests, top picks for U.K. and U.S. marathons, angry fruitarians, recent running adventures, and more. Continue Reading →

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Cupping, Should Runners Try it Too?

By on October 17, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Health and Wellness, Injury

screen-shot-2016-10-17-at-12-09-42-pmThe 2016 Rio Olympics brought new light to an old treatment–cupping. The world stared as athletes like Michael Phelps proudly displayed his petechia for the world to see.

Petechia is the medical term for the purplish bruise that can form with certain types of cupping techniques.

After seeing so many Olympic athletes with bruises this year, the rest of us were left wondering about this trend of using cupping as a medical treatment or sports enhancement treatment. Does cupping really work? Can I utilize cupping as a self-treatment method for common running related pains? Continue Reading →

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Replay Episode: How Heart Rate Training Works

By on September 30, 2016 in Health and Wellness, Heart Rate Training, Podcasts

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

Today we bring you a special replay of one of our most popular episodes from 2013. It’s a nuts and bolts kind of topic so get ready to learn a lot!

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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How to Study the Marathon Course in Advance to be Confident on Race Day

By on September 21, 2016 in Race Day

screen-shot-2016-09-22-at-12-40-08-amBefore 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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Ultrarunner Ian Sharman – What to Tell Yourself When the Going Gets Tough

By on September 17, 2016 in Interview, Podcasts, Ultramarathon

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In this episode we speak with Ian Sharman the winner of the 2016 Leadville Trail 100 Ultramarathon -a race he’s won three times.

In this interview you will hear Ian describe what it’s like to run 100 miles, tips on recovery and nutrition, and what to tell yourself when the going gets tough no matter what distance you are training for. Continue Reading →

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Inspired by an Ultrarunning Legend

By on September 17, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Interview, Ultramarathon

00810-07-1489-1Eric Strand saw a 1999 marathon as a one-time thing. Now, thanks in part to Dean Karnazes, Strand has completed dozens of marathons and the Leadville 100 five times.

By Henry Howard

Eric Strand had been fascinated by long-distance running ever since Frank Shorter won the marathon gold medal in the 1972 Olympics.

Years passed and before he knew it, 39-year-old Strand had just finished graduate school and his kids were becoming self-sufficient. “I’d always wanted to run a marathon and everyone knows you can’t run 26.2 miles once you turn 40, so I signed up for the 2000 Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn.,” he said.

That year — 1999 — he finished the “one and done” marathon. But instead of hanging up the running shoes, Strand has upped his running game to a total of 60 marathons and ultras. Continue Reading →

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