“You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” ~ Steve Prefontaine Why race? As American distance runner Steve Prefontaine taught us, the real purpose of racing is to test the … [Read more...] about Racing to Test the Human Heart, Physically and Metaphorically
Learning to Differentiate Between Gears in Your Training
Raise your hand if you drive in the same gear whether pulling out of your driveway or driving down the freeway? At this point in my survey, I’m hoping the room is void of raised hands. Now, raise your hand if you run at one pace day in and day out? Or swim at the same speed from one workout to another? Or bike at the same effort level day after day? If you answered … [Read more...] about Learning to Differentiate Between Gears in Your Training
Reconnect with Your Most Important Running Muscles
If you’re wondering right off the bat what I consider your most important running muscles, here’s the answer: your glutes. The gluteus maximus (or glute max) initiates hip extension. And running is all about hip extension. Sure, the hamstrings are involved in extending the hips as well. But they cannot carry the burden alone. They require the more powerful glutes to get … [Read more...] about Reconnect with Your Most Important Running Muscles
Recipe: Chocolate Chia Milkshake
People seem to either love chia seeds or don’t. But if you’re a fan of chia, here’s another way to incorporate them into your pre- or post-workout fueling. This “milkshake” uses soy milk and gets its thickness from the gelatinous property of chia sees when allowed to soak in liquid. The drink is easy to make and works great for a quick pre-workout breakfast or to refuel … [Read more...] about Recipe: Chocolate Chia Milkshake
Why More Cushioning in Running Shoes Does Not Reduce Injuries
Impact forces generated while running are thought to be a leading cause of overuse injuries among runners. So to reduce injuries, it is therefore desirable to reduce impact forces. Yet, as I discussed in length in my previous article, “Rethink Traditional Assumptions When Choosing Running Shoes,” the traditional way this issue has been approached by the running shoe industry … [Read more...] about Why More Cushioning in Running Shoes Does Not Reduce Injuries