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Author Archive | Angie Spencer

Why Half Marathon Times Don’t Translate into Full Marathon Times

By on August 11, 2015 in Beginner, Half Marathon, Listener Question, PR

Here’s a question I received from a fellow runner named Chris,

Hi Angie! I’m 50 years old and have been running for 2 1/2 years (after losing 105 pounds, but that’s another story). My times for the half marathon are decent, generally in the 1:55 area. I’ve run three marathons with a PR of 4:27:34 and a worst of 4:58:30.

Anyway, based on various race predictors, it looks like my “expected” marathon time is in around 4:05. Why am I so far off, and how can I get my half marathon ability, such as it is, to translate to the marathon distance? I’m training for the Long Beach (Ca.) Marathon in October and I’d really like to come in around 4:10 or so. Thanks, and keep up your great work! -Chris

My answer . . . Continue Reading →

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Lessons From My First Ultramarathon

By on July 31, 2015 in Podcasts, Race Recap, Ultramarathon

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Iwas looking for a race in Idaho this summer and came across the To Bone and Back 40 Miler in Idaho Falls. I’ve been thinking about doing an ultra for quite a while. In fact, I said that after I qualified for Boston I’d run one but had never found the right opportunity.

In many ways doing the Leadville Marathon made me more confident about taking on an ultra because I survived a tough course and over seven hours on my feet. I also enjoyed the more laid back and non-traditional aspects of the trail marathon.

So in a haze of post-marathon euphoria and Colorado’s thin air I signed up for this race. Even though I was registering just a few days before the event the fee was only $45.00! Continue Reading →

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How to Beat a Motivational Slump in Your Running

By on July 20, 2015 in Motivation, Podcasts

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There are many different reasons why you may face a lack of enthusiasm and energy for training.

We often face life stressors—those positive or negative events that cause change or upheaval in life.

Some of these events may be easy to identify but some are more subtle. Things like a new job, loss of job, starting school, ending school, getting married, going through a divorce, having a baby, kids leaving the nest, moving, building a home, death of a friend or family member, illness, injury, a running partner moving, change of schedule, change of seasons, cold or hot weather, etc.

All these things can leave us with less energy and throw off our normal routine. Before you know it you may be in an exercise or running slump. And the longer you go without running regularly, the harder it is to start doing it again.

Pretty soon you wonder if you’ll ever get your mojo back. Continue Reading →

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How to Run at Elevation

By on July 3, 2015 in Beginner, Safety

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This post is inspired by my recent Leadville Trail Marathon which began at over 10,000 feet elevation and topped out at 13,185 feet.

We arrived in Breckenridge, Colorado, (9,600 feet) a couple days before the race and I could tell immediately that the air is a lot thiner than I’m used to. I struggled to run even a mile and climbing stairs left me out of breath.

Running at elevation can be tricky. Here’s how to do it safely. Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Leadville Trail Marathon

By on June 28, 2015 in Podcasts, Race Recap, Trail Running

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The Leadville Race Series currently operated by Life Time Fitness puts on the Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half along with several more running and cycling events every year (most famously known for the Leadville Trail 100 miler).

The marathon is in its sixteenth year and starts in the Historic Mining District located on the east side of Leadville—an area known for its mining heritage, beautiful scenery and exciting trails. Continue Reading →

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Fitness Begins In The Mind!

By on June 20, 2015 in Beginner, Motivation, Podcasts
Angie and family climbing Square Butte in Central Montana

Angie and family climbing Square Butte in Central Montana

Since we’re traveling around the American West climbing mountains and seeing family we’re a little behind on podcast production.

Here’s a training lesson pulled directly from the Academy member’s only area. I know you’ll love it!

Before you can physically run 26.2 miles or accomplish any other running goal you have to believe that you can do it. Continue Reading →

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An Inside Look into the Life of an Elite Runner – Interview with Tina Muir

By on May 31, 2015 in Elite Runner, Interview, Podcasts

photo credit: Tina Muir

photo credit: Tina Muir

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Tina Muir is a 2:41:10 marathoner and team member of the Saucony Hurricanes. She’s also community manager and podcaster at Runner’s Connect.

Originally from England, Tina moved to the States in 2007 to pursue her running career. She capped off her collegiate career by finishing 3rd in the 10k at the 2012 Great Britain Olympic Trials.

She spent two years working as an Assistant Coach for La Salle University in Philadelphia while completing her MBA

At the time of this episode Tina lives in central Kentucky and is engaged to be married. Continue Reading →

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Hot weather races—How to adjust and still have a good experience

By on May 18, 2015 in Safety

photo credit: Solomon Lieberman

photo credit: Solomon Lieberman

You may have a race coming up and notice with growing horror that the temperature is going to be very warm on race day.

You may have heard my recap of the Lincoln Marathon, this episode will give you a frontseat look at how hot weather affected my race.

There have been a few notable races that were hot this year including the LA Marathon in March. Since it takes approximately 2 weeks of training in warmer conditions for your body to acclimate you may not have that much time to adjust pre-race.

Here’s what you can do: Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Lincoln Marathon | A Hot Time In The Old Town!

By on May 17, 2015 in Podcasts, Race Recap

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The 38th running of the National Guard Lincoln Marathon was held on Sunday May 3, 2015.

This race started in 1978 in Lincoln Nebraska and is organized by the Lincoln Track Club. This race has gained in popularity over the years to the current number of 12,500 starters.

It also holds a distinction that few marathons do in that it sells out quickly. In fact, registration opened Jan. 3rd and sold out within the space of a few hours. Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Boston Marathon [part 1]

By on April 28, 2015 in Podcasts, Race Recap

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The 119th Boston Marathon presented by John Hancock was held on April 20, 2015. Started in 1897, this is the world’s oldest annual marathon held the third Monday of April on Patriot’s Day. It is also one of the 6 World Marathon Majors (joining Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City).

As most people know, entrants must qualify using a set of gender and age specific standards, run for charity or be really important and get a bib. Over 170 million dollars has been raised for charity in the last 30 years!

It’s interesting to note that in the beginning the distance wasn’t 26.2 miles/42.2k. Instead it started in Ashland and was around 24 miles (the distance wasn’t standardized to what we currently know until the London Olympics in 1908). The inaugural field in 1897 was 15 men and 10 finished that first Boston Marathon. Things have certainly changed because the race was capped at 30,000 this year with an elite field followed by four waves of runners.

Continue Reading →

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How to Run-Walk-Run a Marathon -Interview with Jeff Galloway

By on April 18, 2015 in Beginner, Interview, Podcasts

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Jeff Galloway has had one of the most influential careers in the history of running.  He  competed in the 10k distance at the 1972 Olympics. 

He’s run a 2:16 marathon.  He’s the author of many books and owner of the oldest specialty running store in America.

Many know him as the creator of the Galloway Run-Walk-Run program which has helped hundreds of thousands of people realize their dream of finishing a marathon. 

In this interview we have Jeff take us through how and why his method works for runners of all abilities. Continue Reading →

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