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Running

Top Marathon Training Plans: The Basics You Need to Know

I know this isn't common practice, but I've rarely used a training plan for races of distances 13.1 miles or less. I just ran a lot of easy miles, made sure to get in some speed work, with a good average of running days per week. For the most part, it's worked for me. The marathon though? It's a whole different animal. Training for a marathon without a plan can be disastrous. Googling for a plan will pull up names like...

Hitting the Wall in a Marathon: Why It Happens and 8 Tips to Prevent It

One of my non-marathon running friends recently asked about "hitting the wall" in the marathon wondering if it's a real thing. (Where you feel the sudden onset of fatigue.) I told him that unfortunately, it is very real. I've spent time strategizing the best ways to avoid this from happening, and want to share it with all of you. Because hitting the wall is not fun! So let's find out why hitting the wall in a marathon...

What’s Too Much: Is it OK to Run Every Day?

Many runners feel like they need to run most days in order to get the mileage they need for training or they just love the mental health benefits a daily run can provide. Run streaking has also become a common "challenge" in recent years. But is it really ok to run every day? Let's find out. It is ok to run every single day with the right approach. To run safely every day, training needs to include mostly easy running as...

How to Overcome Running Fatigue

As a runner, your thought process is likely, "the harder I train, the faster I'll get." This seems as if it would make sense, and of course, you know you're working hard. We applaud your determination and focus! But as you go out every day and pound the pavement, quite literally willing your legs to go faster and faster every time, the running fatigue is bound to set in sooner rather than later. So, what gives? You've been...

How Many Weeks to Train For a Marathon – And Great Plans to Use

Anyone who has trained for a marathon will tell you it's no joke. Whether they felt prepared or not, the process takes a physical and mental toll. When I put it like that, it sure doesn't sound that enticing, but honestly, that's what makes completing the marathon such an achievement. Because in the end, it's not just about the marathon. It's everything it took to get there. Which is what everyone always wants to know: How...

Caffeine Before Running and How it Affects Your Performance

Many people start their day with a fresh cup of joe. In fact, coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. And the running community definitely drinks its fair share. Whether I'm running first thing or not, I personally love starting my day with coffee to wake up a bit, but I usually stop at one cup. It got me wondering how caffeine affects a runner's performance...and just how much coffee a runner should be...

Preparing for a Long Run in Marathon Training – Follow These 10 Steps

The weekly long run is incredibly important during marathon training. Since it's an endurance event, you're going to need to build yours up. The best way to do that is incorporating one long run per week into your training. These can be daunting, but with the right preparation, they'll go so much better! Preparing for a long run during marathon training is your first line in getting it completed successfully. And who doesn't...

REVEL Marathons and What to Expect

In September of 2018, I toed the line of my fourth marathon to attempt my goal of qualifying for Boston. Though I ended up with a 5-minute PR, it was still close to 3 minutes off of the time I needed to qualify. It was a bittersweet feeling. I had accomplished another marathon with a PR, but I had trained hard for a time I didn't get. That night I went home and started searching for another marathon I could run before the...

How long does it take to run a full marathon?

Most non-runners don't even know how long a marathon is let alone how long it takes to run one. Once I tell them it takes a few (or several) hours, they usually look at me like I'm crazy and say they could never do that. But, I believe almost anyone can run a marathon which I wrote about here. Some will be faster, some will be slower, and most people will finish in a time somewhere in the middle. Most recreational...

Running at Night Safety: Benefits, Top Tips and Gear

Whether you are a seasoned in-the-dark runner, or are considering starting a routine that requires pre-dawn or nighttime running, it's important that you take extra precaution to do so safely. Running at night doesn’t have to be dangerous. Having a safe run in the dark means making smart decisions, wearing the right gear, and taking the necessary steps to keep yourself out of harm's way. Whether it’s short days, it’s too hot...