Running Rogue

I know. I know. Some of you will think I am a social media curmudgeon for this episode, but I don't think so. I actually love what social media has done to grow and expand and educate the running community. It's actually quite amazing and powerful, and the impact in a positive way is far reaching. That said, there is some bad info out there as well as a tendency for our perception of the fundamentals to be warped by what we see there. In this episode, I give you 9 "messages" from social that I believe to be misleading, many that will prevent you from reaching your potential. Avoid the pitfalls you see there so that you can take/absorb the good without letting the "bad" influence you in an unproductive way. 

In this episode, I have the privilege to talk to a listener who is 75 years old and just starting her running journey. She is 9 weeks into it and only beginning to think about the possibilities. She has a 5K on the docket in the spring but is also dreaming about a half marathon or more. How will I advise her to build and how might that look different because of her age? You might be surprised by my answers. I couldn't be more inspired by Deborah as she is proof that it's never too late to start and certainly never too late to dream big!

In this week's coaching conversation, I chat with listener Nicole. I have worked with Nicole before, and this is our first conversation in many months. You get to listen in as we discuss how she is trying to balance a new life stage with what that means for her running process and goals.  We talk about dreaming big and how seasons of life can cause changing priorities, especially around starting a family. Does she have to abandon those dreams? How can she keep the fire lit while balancing everything? What does this mean for her future in the sport? And where should she start now? We talk about it all, and I really appreciate Nicole's willingness to share and be open as she wrestles with what's next.

Explore the power of mindfulness in training and racing. Discover strategies to stay focused, especially when facing injury before a race. Learn how to concentrate on daily actions and listen to your body to enhance your performance. Uncover tips for effective race day preparation to ensure you’re present and engaged from planning through execution. Staying in the moment could be the key to achieving your running goals!

"A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown." - Tom Hanks I would submit that we do that everytime we step on a start line. That quote also highlights that heroism is defined independently from the outcome, which means that we can all be heroes by stepping into the unknown of race day. We can all, also, have an heroic ripple effect on others by setting big goals, doing the work, and then putting ourselves in the scary position to achieve them. In this episode, I talk about the practical side of it. How can you relate to being a hero by examining what heroes look like? How can you then act like one to bring confidence to your next big swing at a goal? Bear with me on this one y'all... it might sound cheesy, but I believe there are some really good practical nuggets inside.

“We cannot know the mystery of the future.” – Jimmy Carter Preparing for race day creates fear and anxiety in part because we cannot know what the future will bring. In those moments, I encourage athletes to focus instead on what you DO know and what you CAN control.  In this episode, I give you a rundown on those controllables. With the Houston Marathon/Half Marathon as the backdrop, we talk about how to prepare both physically and mentally for everything that you will encounter pre-race and during the race to give you the best chance of hitting your goal. 

In this final episode of the year, I answer questions from you! With questions from the UK, Canada, and all over the US, we cover caffeine and training, VO2Max, race planning, when to press vs. rest, osteoporsis and running, race goals, and so much more! Thanks to everyone who sent in a questions. I will be taking next week off, and episode #363 will release on January 10th. Happy New Year everyone!  

Strength training is crucial for runners, but it must be done correctly to enhance performance. Discover five principles to create a strength routine that complements your running without overwhelming you. Focus on long-term strategies and listen to your body for sustainable progress. Learn how to choose the right strength trainer to support your goals, emphasizing community recommendations and a collaborative approach. Remember, it’s about consistent improvement rather than impressive lifting!

We are back to our listener conversations, and this week we talk with Pete from Michigan. Pete has 4 kids and is about to turn 50. He is wondering if he can still get faster as he ages and wants to know how to optimize around that. He also has a goal to race Boston some day, so we dig into the big picture plans for that as well. I believe Pete still has faster days ahead, and like many of you, he just needs to do the work and believe!

Explore the importance of a consistent running routine for achieving fitness goals. Discover how to personalize your regimen with supplemental activities like foam rolling and yoga for optimal performance. Learn the five essential elements to create a balanced and enjoyable routine that supports long-term success. Plus, gain insights on the gradual integration of habits to enhance well-being, ensuring you reach your maximum potential!