Why First-Time Marathoners Should Skip the Speed Work: Building a Solid Foundation for Success
You’ve decided to train for a marathon? Congratulations on taking this huge leap and making it a goal to join the less than .2% of the population who have completed a marathon!
As you prepare to embark on this journey, it is essential to lay a solid foundation for success.
Lessons Learned from a Year-Long Injury Battle
At the beginning of 2023, I was a month out from my first marathon in 3 years and first postpartum marathon…. and I started having knee pain. I did a 21 mile long run and could barely walk without pain the next day. With no traumatic event, I assumed it was runner’s knee.
Mastering the Phases of Endurance Running: A Guide to Building Your Training Block
Running is more than just lacing up your shoes and hitting the pavement; it's a year-round journey with distinct phases or periods, each essential for peak performance and enjoyment. Let’s dive into the various phases of an endurance running block, from the foundational base-building phase to the challenging taper leading into race day, and the crucial recovery period post-race.
What is Base Building for Runners?
Have you heard of base building? I’m sure you have. It’s probably the least glamorous part of training and many of us are tempted to skip this phase of training all together. BUT - don’t do that. While base building is boring, it’s also the most crucial part of a successful training plan.
Summer Running Tips - How to Run Better in the Heat!
It’s getting hot and that means running will feel harder than it has the last few months. Don’t despair, you’re not losing fitness, we promise! If you prepare yourself well, you’ll be able to crush those summer runs and take that fitness into the fall with you.
Top 8 Fall Marathons in the United States (Outside of the Marathon Majors)
We’re closing out the spring marathon season and you may be wondering, what’s next? We’ve compiled a list of our top 8 fall marathons in the United States outside of the marathon majors. This list was compiled from personal experience as well as coaching over the years and some of the most popular fall marathons our athletes choose over and over.
What is the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale and How to Use It in Running
Have you ever heard of the Rate of Perceived Exertion scale? Even if you have heard of it, maybe you aren’t sure how to use it in your training? Well, we’re here to share all the details about what it is, how it can help your training, and how to use it!
The Reality of Postpartum Running
It’s been a while since I’ve blogged or shared much about myself or what I’ve experienced since having Quentin. If you’ve followed me for the years prior to having a baby, you know that I’m nothing but honest because I want to connect with this community and that cannot be had without honesty and authenticity. But once I had Quentin, things changed.
First Postpartum Half Marathon: Surf City Race Recap
That certainly felt very similar to my first half marathon ever - unsure of whether or not I would finish and wondering what would happen after I got to mile 12 (the longest I’d run prior to the half). Well, I survived AND it went much better than I expected!
How to Make the Most of the Off-Season
The off season can be such a tricky time for athletes. There seem to be two extremes:
The athletes who turn things off and really soak up rest and recovery.
The athletes who fear deviating from the intensity and focus of training and can’t relax.
The balance and benefit of the off season lies in the middle.
My First Postpartum Race - I'm BACK!
I did it! I ran my first race since having Quentin and honestly - it went better than I expected!
I’ve shared a bit on my Instagram about some of the setbacks I’ve had since coming back to running postpartum.
6 Tips for a Successful Return to Running Postpartum
It can be extremely challenging to know when your body is ready to run postpartum. You may feel ready within days of giving birth (at least mentally!), but truly being physically ready can be the difference between a major injury that sidelines you immediately and longevity in this sport. And that’s the confusing part!
Quentin's Birth Story
A very uncomplicated pregnancy turned quite complicated at my 34 week OB appointment when my blood pressure was extremely high. As a 35 year old, I was already at a higher risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia, so my OB had me on low dose aspirin for the entirety of my pregnancy as a precaution. It may be why I was able to avoid the high BP earlier in my pregnancy, but it was quite a shock.
2021 Goals: Cautiously Optimistic
I always get excited to set a few goals for a new year. Less resolution like and more about what I hope to accomplish with a seemingly clean slate. But that’s not how this works and 2020 really confirmed that. I woke up this morning in a brand new year, but nothing has changed since yesterday. We are most definitely still living in a pandemic. So, I’m entering the new year as I’m sure many are - cautiously optimistic about what it can bring that 2020 took from all of us: hugs, human connection, races, and health.