There is no one "correct" way to train for distance races. Everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes, so the "best" training is going to differ. Because of that, I've always felt that a successful coach needs a big toolbox at their disposal to...
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A great marathon performance starts well before race day. A proper, effective training cycle is essential to hitting your race goals. But the amount of time that you need to train will vary depending on your background, your goals, and your recent training. In the flowchart below,...
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It’s pretty common knowledge that the long run is the most important run of the week if you’re a distance runner. It’s the one run that really gives you the boost to your endurance that you’ll need to be successful on race day. But I think...
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NOTE FROM COACH CARL: I work with a number of runners who dabble here and there with triathlon -- either as a way to make use of all that cross-training they do, or as something fun and different in between marathon training cycles. If you're looking at...
Read MoreI've been a big fan of visualization every since my high school cross country coach (Coach Christy -- shout out!) began using it with us my freshman year. Of course there is plenty of research to back up that visualizing yourself performing a task or reaching...
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When you want to improve as a distance runner, there are lots of approaches you can take. You can run higher mileage, you can do more speed work, or you can add in more supplemental work (strength training is always a plus!). But before you can...
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The Yasso 800 workout has long been one of the most popular marathon training workouts. The allure of being able to predict your marathon time through an almost “magical” mathematic trick has led everyone from first-timers to Boston Qualifiers to tackle the iconic 10x 800...
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The holidays are definitely known more for great food and drinks than they are for lots of good training time. This chart is a little tongue-in-cheek way to plan out both your holiday food and your holiday mileage. Just to be clear, the goal here is to...
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Speed workouts are a tough, but necessary, part of any training program. But there is more to a successful speed workout than just "run really hard!" The steps to getting the most out of your speed workouts starts well before the workout begins, continues through the...
Read MoreThe marathon is a mental challenge as much as a physical challenge. And one of the best ways that you can prepare for the mental elements of the marathon is to have a proper goal and race plan in place during your taper. To really be...
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