Ready. Set. Marathon. Blog - Ready.Set.Marathon.

8 Best Women’s Running Shorts with Pockets (That Even Hold Your Phone!)

As runners, we know that spring means it's time to pack away our long leggings and switch over to running shorts. There's nothing like a running wardrobe refresh this time of year to help revitalize your motivation and excitement for running as it warms up. And I don't know about you, but there are no better running shorts than those that have pockets. Lots and lots of pockets. Ready.Set.Marathon.com founder Jane and I...

How to Set Running Goals: Follow These 7 Steps to Achieve Success

Runners are some of the most driven, self-motivated, and goal-oriented athletes out there. But what exactly is the best way to go about setting running goals (and achieving them)? Keep reading, because we have 7 simple steps that will help you determine your next running goal, and find success in achieving that goal. Why is it important to set goals for your running? Setting goals for your running is important because by...

Your Comprehensive Guide to Long Runs in Marathon Training

Long runs are the "bread and butter" of marathon training. Getting them right is essential to having success in the marathon distance. As part of a comprehensive training plan, the long run provides you with the necessary physiological adaptations to prepare to run 26.2 miles. Easy-paced long runs allow you to build aerobic endurance week after week, as you work up to the longest run of your training cycle which will be...

Chewing Gum While Running: Is It a Good Idea?

Have you ever considered chewing gum while you're running? Seems strange maybe, but perhaps you've wondered whether it's a good idea to try. To answer this question, we've delved into the science of chewing gum, and reviewed scientific studies about chewing gum and how it relates to athletic performance. Based on our research, caffeine chewing gum, specifically, is good for runners, because it is scientifically proven to...

What is 80/20 running? Using Polarized Training to Your Benefit

80/20 running is a popular concept in the running world nowadays. But what exactly is it? 80/20 running is a principle of polarized training, where a runner spends 80% of their training runs at an easy effort pace, and 20% at a hard effort pace. Training in this manner typically allows runners to reach their best potential on race day while avoiding injury, burnout and/or plateauing. You might be wondering how to implement...

Choosing the Best Marathon Training & Racing Shoes in 2022

If you're about to train for a marathon, then you're not new to the world of running shoes. You likely have a pair that's worked for your previous run training needs, but embarking on the marathon journey means you're going to be running a lot more miles...and that may mean rethinking (and replacing) your current pair of running shoes. In this marathon running shoe guide I'll cover 3 main steps for choosing your marathon...

How to Like Running: Top 7 Tips

It's probably safe to say that most people struggle a bit when they first start running. Running might not feel good or enjoyable like you had hoped. It just feels hard, and that can make running difficult to like. If you're just starting out as a runner, or coming back after time away, your body has quite a bit of adjusting to do. But there are ways to like running even as you're getting used to the sport.Here are 7 of the...

How to Hydrate for Your Next Half Marathon

As runners, we know that staying hydrated is a crucial component to running well and feeling good. But trying to figure out just how much water you'll need and how often to drink during your half marathon can be intimidating, which is why we're giving you all the info right here.Most half marathon runners should take several small sips of water about every 15 minutes. Taking in 4 ounces of water at that time is ideal -...

What is a Fartlek in running? The Speed Session You Should Be Doing

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"...

Strides in Running: Learn How to Do Them and Become a Faster Runner

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...