Jaclyn Evans

You probably giggled a bit when you first heard the term "Fartlek" and wondered what the heck it had to do with running. When I told my husband I was writing a piece on Fartlek, his exact response was, "What did you say?!" while looking at me with an amused and confused expression. But, it's actually a very common running workout! A Fartlek is a type of running workout that implements speed and literally means "speed play"...

Want to start becoming a better runner as soon as possible?  You might not realize it, but strides are a simple, yet essential component of running training from which every runner can benefit. I'll be honest, I questioned their necessity, but this year I finally realized how crucial they can be to making progress as a runner. But what exactly are they? Strides are bouts of speed run in a fast and controlled manner for...

It was 4:30 am the morning of my very first half marathon.  I stood in my bathroom, barely awake, staring at my shower, and thinking, “Should I take a shower before my run?” I thought perhaps it would make my race go better. Is there a best answer for runners for when to shower around your run?  I’ve done the research, so let's take a look! Showering before your run is the best choice if you have a hard time...

Whether you’re a runner, or just a fan of the sport, you’ve undoubtedly heard the term “distance running” and wondered what exactly it means. Surely the athletes who compete in marathons are partaking in distance running...but where is the line drawn? Are Olympic track stars long distance runners?  Are recreational joggers who hop into the occasional 5k considered long distance runners?  The term...

Are you new to trail running and wondering how it differs from road running? As someone who ran only roads for a very long time before adding in some trails, it's normal to wonder what to expect. The main difference between trail running and road running is the terrain. Road running typically refers to any running that's done on a flat hard surface such as asphalt or cement whereas trail running is done on natural ground...

Being injured can be one of the most frustrating and disruptive aspects of the sport of running, but it’s actually quite common. Estimates vary, but according to a recent study cited in Runner’s World magazine, 46% of runners reported being injured over the course of a year. Luckily, most runners are able to get back to their normal running routine after healing when done the correct way. The best and safest way to get back...

If you’ve ever gone on vacation to a location at a significantly higher elevation than where you live, it’s likely you noticed the effects of the altitude on your body - especially if you decided to go for a run. I believe they call the term “sucking wind.” Why does running at altitude feel so terrible? The higher you go up in altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air for you to breathe. Because your muscles require more...