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Strength Training for Runners

By on October 19, 2012 in Cross-Training, Podcasts

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As a runner your primary form of exercise is probably running. That seems like a no-brainer, right?

But you may not be in the best possible shape because you’re neglecting other areas of your body. Maybe you’re struggling with injury and wondering how to get healthy and strong again.

In the book The Lore of Running Dr. Tim Noakes says that while running strengthens key muscles it can also cause a lack of flexibility in these same muscles. In the process the opposing muscles may become relatively underused and weaken. This can cause muscles imbalances which hamper your performance and even lead to injury.

I firmly believe that strength training will make you a more resilient runner. Here are six good reasons. Continue Reading →

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How to Run a 100 Mile Ultramarathon – Interview with Eric Strand

By on September 28, 2012 in Interview, Podcasts, Ultramarathon

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Eric Strand is a lean running machine. He has completed 35 marathons (including 5 Boston finishes). He ran the grueling Leadville Trail 100 Ultramarathon in 29:13:46. While training for this event he was able to raise over $14,000 for the Life and Hope Fund which helps cancer patients.

In this episode we talk with Eric about what it takes to run 100 miles in less than 30 hours. This interview uncovers the nuts and bolts of ultra endurance running. Trevor and I ask Eric about his training, pacing, fueling, support crew, and gear.

Best of all, we look at the mindset necessary for ultra-running. Even if you never plan on running 100 continuous miles this lesson in mental toughness will be beneficial for your running journey.

Click to see Eric’s video Continue Reading →

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My Killer Marathon Training Plan

By on September 27, 2012 in Uncategorized

After I ran my first marathon (in 2011) I had no aspirations of doing it again.

“Angie can be the 26.2 miler of the family.” I told myself. “I’ll stick to half marathons.”

I had gone from desk potato to runner. This was a remarkable transformation since I have hated running from a tender age. I failed PE class in 9th grade because I refused to run that mandatory 1 mile.

The marathon was a life changing experience but not one I was too eager to repeat. In the back of my mind I knew I would try it again but I planned to procrastinate it as long as possible.

The Eventual Death of Procrastination
Now I’m officially signed up for the New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Feb 24th 2013. Do or die, this should be an exciting race. I personally think it’s worth a drive to New Orleans just to eat in the French Quarter.

Angie has designed a killer training plan for me that will be more aggressive than any schedule I’ve previously followed. This time I will be as strong as possible when I nudge my way into the corral on race day.

Here is a look at my training regimen Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: City of Roses Half Marathon

By on September 18, 2012 in Race Recap

City of Roses Half Marathon Finisher's Medal

Click to see enlarged image


[Race location] Cape Girardeau, Missouri

I ran my fastest half marathon to date (1:44:28) this weekend!

There is no logical reason for why I set a PR.

I’ve never done speed work (ever). It rained non-stop. There were hills. I developed a massive blister. And I stopped to tie my shoes three times.

Angie is flabbergasted.

It must be a boost in mental power after interviewing Dean Karnazes (episode 66) and Eric Strand (soon to be released episode 67). Amazing runners!

Here is my race recap . . . Continue Reading →

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Interview with Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes

By on September 14, 2012 in Interview, Podcasts, Ultramarathon

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Dean Karnazes has been named by Time Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World.”

I first heard of Dean Karnazes when a non-running family member gave me a copy of his book Ultra-Marathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner. They had read the book with great delight and knew that that I would enjoy it too. Dean has managed to impact the lives of runners and non-runners alike in the last twenty years as he takes on feats that most of us can’t even imagine.

In this episode we talk with Dean about his latest book Run!: 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss

He gives some great advice for runners of all levels. Here is an excerpt of our conversation . . . Continue Reading →

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Questions New Runners Ask

By on August 31, 2012 in Beginner, Podcasts

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I recently did a guest interview on two different podcasts – Runner Girls and The Dr. Rob Show.

I had a chance to answer questions from new runners taking on the half marathon distance for the first time.

We talked about how to determine if you’re ready for the marathon, preventing injuries, carbohydrate loading, running surfaces, shoes, pedometers, nutrition, motivation, tapering, training plans, and overcoming doubts and fears.

Here is a sample of some of the questions these new runners asked me. Continue Reading →

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Get to Know the Olympic Marathon Champions

By on August 20, 2012 in Podcasts

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The 2012 London Olympic Games came to a conclusion on August 12th.

In this blog post and episode we’d like to dig a little deeper into the men’s and women’s marathon. The course featured a 2.2 mile stretch along with three turns around an eight mile loop. All in all the course featured ninety turns and some uneven cobblestones. Continue Reading →

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Runners You Should Know

By on July 31, 2012 in Motivation, Podcasts

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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 →

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How to Survive the Summer in Your Marathon Training

By on July 14, 2012 in Motivation, Podcasts

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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.

  • Only 11% said that they remain just as motivated during the summer
  • 62% struggled with heat/humidity
  • 22% had a hard time due to travel/family commitments
  • 5% dealt with allergies or a general lack of motivation.

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 →

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Weight Loss Questions with Dr. Robert Maki

By on June 30, 2012 in Nutrition, Podcasts, Weight Loss

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Many people start running in order to lose weight. [I admit, this was my motivation in the beginning].

Yet even when running as religiously as I do, dropping the extra pounds can still be a slow process. Sometimes weight loss feels like a mystery.

Here to help us unravel the mystery is weight loss expert Dr. Robert Maki. He has helped thousands of people drop the pounds without surgery, fad diets, appetite suppressants, or counting calories.

We spoke to Dr. Rob for over an hour about weight loss and marathon training. Here are the interview questions.

Continue Reading →

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How to Develop a Strong Finishing Kick for Your Marathon

By on June 19, 2012 in Podcasts

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In the racing world, kick refers to sprinting towards the end of a race.

Having a good kick doesn’t happen by accident. Some runners have more natural proclivity toward running faster, but kick has to do with neuro-muscular training. It involves a combination of physical and mental preparation.

I was recently interviewed by a writer for Men’s Running Magazine on the subject of how to achieve a sprint finish at the end of your run.

Here are some key points from this interview: Continue Reading →

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