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Author Archive | Angie Spencer

Interview with Ben Greenfield

By on June 12, 2010 in Nutrition, Podcasts

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Ben Greenfield is one of the top nutrition and fitness experts in the country. He competes in multiple triathlons each year, including the Hawaii Iron Man, and is a personal trainer, author, and host of the popular new podcast The Get-Fit Guy.
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We had the opportunity to talk with Ben and ask him some key questions about nutrition for marathoners.

Many runners I talk to want to know more about the best foods for fueling the body and providing optimum support for marathon training.

Well . . . you are about to get a nutritional overhaul . . . so hang on tight! Continue Reading →

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Interview with Sheldon Spencer

By on May 25, 2010 in Motivation, Podcasts

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sheldonIn this episode we chat with Sheldon Spencer, the man who has had the greatest influence on Angie and I to think positively and live the active life.

Looking for a new challenge, he ran his first marathon at age 55 and has been addicted to running ever since.

This interview was recorded while we were on vacation in Washington State.

Yes, even on vacation we still work hard for the MTA community! Continue Reading →

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Listener Questions Answered

By on May 17, 2010 in Podcasts

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questionsIn this episode, I tackle questions sent in by our listening audience.

Topics discussed include:
Does running damage your joints? Is it safe to run in hot weather? What about running on the treadmill? What are some considerations for heavier runners? What should you eat before running? And some thoughts on setting and achieving fitness goals.

Check out the rest of this post to read the quick answers to these topics.
Continue Reading →

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Setting and Achieving Your Goals

By on May 13, 2010 in Motivation

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Last summer I hit a slump.

My exercise routine was dull and my life seemed busy and monotinous.

After taking a trip to visit family, my sister and I decided to set some goals, set a time frame for achieving those goals, and keep each other accountable.

Some of our goals were to run a marathon in the Fall, read more inspiring books, and grow spiritually.  About once a week we checked in with each other to report our progress.

With my sister to keep me accountable, I suddenly had more motivation and enthusiasm for reaching my goals.

May is National Runner’s Month.

Now is a great time to set some running goals for the summer months. Have you been dreaming of running a 5k? How about a half marathon? Or maybe it is time to start training for a full marathon?

Let’s look at some ways to achieve your goals. Continue Reading →

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Mental Strategies for Conquering the Long Run

By on May 8, 2010 in Motivation, Podcasts

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Your body will not be prepared to go the distance unless it has the full support and encouragement of your mind and will. mentalstategies

Having an arsenal of mental tools is vital because the race is at least 50% physical and 50% mental.

Training the mind is vitally important and can be attained through visualizing success, affirmations, and blocking the negative.

Here are some keys to unlock your mental motivation for getting through the long runs.

Continue Reading →

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Conquering the Long Run

By on May 1, 2010 in Podcasts

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In this episode I give you the secrets of conquering the long run, Trevor finds himself getting addicted to running, and in the quick tip segment – the most important thing a serious runner must wear.
longrun

The long run is undoubtedly the most important aspect of training for a marathon. 

There is no way around it, in order to run 26.2 miles, you will have to build up your ability to run long. 

We asked our facebook fans to send in the biggest challenge (physically or mentally) they face in running long . . .  keep reading to see the questions and answers.

Continue Reading →

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How to Find Your Running Pace

By on April 28, 2010 in Beginner

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This short post is in response to a question sent in by a fan of the MTA Facebook Page

Your perfect running pace is that zone where you feel like you could run forever. You need to be able to find this zone quickly if you want to run a marathon or half marathon. 

Here are some tips for finding that perfect pace. Continue Reading →

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Preventing Running Injuries

By on April 22, 2010 in Health and Wellness, Podcasts

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In this episode Angie deals with how to prevent running injuries so you can remain a healthy and happy long distance runner.  

injuryIf you run enough, at some point you will deal with injury.  Hopefully you will catch and deal with it early. 

Better yet, now you can be informed on how to effectively prevent running injuries before they happen.   

This is the stuff I wish somebody had told me before I started training for my first marathon!

To get Angie’s free report on preventing injuries click here.

Continue Reading →

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What You Need to Know About Cross-Training

By on April 15, 2010 in Cross-Training, Podcasts

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Effective cross-training can make you a healthier and better balanced runner.

cross-trainingEverybody knows training for a marathon requires lots of running.  But, other exercises need to be incorporated into your training regimen to ensure that you cross the finish line strong and healthy. 

When I trained for my first marathon I ran at least 5 days per week and did little cross training.  Throughout my training program I struggled with shin splints and knee pain.  It was frustrating to deal with these injuries. 

While training for my second marathon I was taking a power yoga class twice a week.  I also incorporated weight training and some cycling. 

My marathon training program only required 3 days of running per week and emphasized cross-training.  Here is a sample week from my training: 

Continue Reading →

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My Running Story

By on April 6, 2010 in Motivation, Podcasts

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This is the story about how a regular everyday mom found the discipline and determination to complete a marathon.  In the quick tip segment, I talk about how to prevent and deal with shin splints.

100_3600I never thought of myself as an athlete. 

I didn’t play team sports and was more comfortable with my nose in a book.  How did I go from an introverted teenager to a confident marathoner? 

This is my journey. . .

Continue Reading →

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How to Perfect Your Running Form

By on March 30, 2010 in Podcasts, Running Form

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Bad running form can put undesirable stress on the joints and muscles and cause soreness and frustration.

runningform

In this episode of the Marathon Training Academy podcast Angie deals with how to perfect your running form so that you can run comfortably and safely.  In the quick tip segment, she spills the beans about one of the great websites she uses to research topics for the show.

Having good form can save energy and decrease the chance of common running injuries. 

If you are a new runner it is important to learn good running posture so that you don’t pick up any bad habits.  If you’ve been running a while, be sure to evaluate your running form to see if there are areas that need improvement. 

Let’s take a look at each body part directly involved in running. . . Continue Reading →

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