Many protein options for endurance athletes have flooded the market. PlantFusion uses a no-sugar, no-gluten, fermented process in its powders and drinks.
By Henry Howard
Author Archive | Henry Howard
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Like the Treadmill
Running on the machine offers up some benefits when it gets too cold or icy to be out on the roads or trails.
By Henry Howard
OK, so I couldn’t actually justify using the word “love” in the headline as was used in the Dr. Strangeglove movie title that gave me the inspiration for this story.
But I did find that running on the treadmill was actually palatable during bitter winter days or when sidewalks and roads still had icy spots.
Not as enjoyable mind you as an outdoor run in spring or fall when the temperature feels just right. And certainly not as enjoyable as an invigorating trail run. Continue Reading →
Beating Alcoholism, Conquering Ironman
Rochelle Moncourtois hit rock bottom and entered rehab to beat her addiction. She emerged on a quest to complete an Ironman.
By Henry Howard
Rochelle Moncourtois was a very competitive dancer when she was growing up. She completed her first solo when she was 8 years old, and went on to compete on her high school dance and cheerleading teams.
But demons raged underneath her smile and positive outlook.
“I used to handle the pressure very well,” Moncourtois says. “Around my junior-senior year of high school things really started to change for me. I really felt all the pressures from dance to look a certain way. I turned to an eating disorder for comfort, but it just wasn’t enough. That’s when I began to find comfort in drinking.” Continue Reading →
From Freak Achilles Injury to Ultramarathoner
A pool accident sidelined Jill Becker as she transitioned from high school to college running. She’s fought back with patience and perseverance, and now runs faster and longer than before.
By Henry Howard
Jill Becker found her passion — running — when she joined the middle school track team. Later, she excelled on the high school cross-country and track teams.
“First off, I love to run,” she says. “I love the feeling. The ups and downs. The runner’s high, the accomplishment, the health benefits, the challenge, being a motivator, my idea time, my focus time, and it’s part of my routine. I enjoy challenging myself, pushing my limits, and the process of being the best I can be!”
A freak accident before Becker started college gave her the challenge of a lifetime. Continue Reading →
Running Miles and Miles for Charity
By his own estimation Adrian May is an “average runner.”
He started slow, signing up for 5Ks and similar shorter distances.
Then, based on a gym manager’s encouragement, May eventually signed up for half marathons and a marathon, even though he didn’t think he could finish.
Now, seemingly no distance is too challenging for May. But his efforts are not just about him, they are focused squarely on the charity — Hope for Children — that he supports through his running quests. Continue Reading →
How to Best Transition to Trail Running
Over the river and through the woods will take runners on a journey often more satisfying than a road run. Here’s what to know before you take to the trails.
By Henry Howard
If you are like me, you started out running on the roads or a treadmill. Your first race was probably a 5K on a paved road or maybe a paved trail in a community park.
Since those early days, I have gravitated toward running trails.
In fact, three of my nine long-distance races this year were trail runs — my first full marathon on a trail in Wisconsin, as well as two half marathons, one at night and one during the morning.
A Race for Elites and Everyday runners
photo credit: Keith Facchino
The Ultra Race of Champions aims to level the playing field for the sport’s top performers while offering a challenging opportunity for other ultra runners.
By Henry Howard
Francesca Conte grew up in Italy where high school sports are not very well developed. Since then she has made up for lost time. Continue Reading →
Does Compression Gear Really Work?
By Henry Howard
There are varying points of view on whether compression socks actually help athletes, or whether they are merely a placebo.
By a fairly wide margin, online reviewers credit compression gear for assisting their recovery from hard workouts, providing endurance athletes support throughout competition and following through on promises of wicking away sweat. Continue Reading →
Blind Runner Cherishes NYC Marathon Finish
Charles-Edouard Catherine lost his sight three years ago. But thanks to his persuasive wife, Achilles International and others, he is achieving his dreams.
By Henry Howard
For many first-time marathoners, the first glimpse of the finish line signals the end of an incredible journey.
Charles-Edouard Catherine never saw the finish line as he approached then crossed the timing mat at the end of 26.2 miles at the New York City Marathon.
Three years ago, Catherine lost his sight — and with it his self-esteem and motivation. Continue Reading →
The Birth of Altra Shoes
Champion runner Golden Harper uses his passion for helping injured runners, homemade ingenuity and thoughtful research to create a unique, beloved brand.
By Henry Howard
When you run before you can walk, you were born to be a runner.
When you win a world championship at age 8, your running future is bright.
When your parents own a running store where you start working at age 9, you learn quite a bit about sneakers, running form and injuries.
Put it all together, and you have Golden Harper, champion runner and founder of Altra Shoes. Continue Reading →
Inaugural Race a Labor of Love for First-Time Director
The Laughlin/Bullhead Half Marathon and 5K offers participants the chance to run in two states and two time zones.
By Henry Howard
The clock is winding down to the inaugural Laughlin/Bullhead Half Marathon and 5K race, taking place in both Nevada (Laughlin) and Arizona (Bullhead) and in two different time zones.
This is also race director Mark Villalovos’ first time overseeing a race. It’s been quite the journey, as he says. I’ll step out of the way and let him talk about his journey, the race itself and more. Continue Reading →
Review: Tailwind as a Race-Day Fuel Source
The electrolyte mix will replace calories and energy without giving the endurance athlete the dreaded sugar crash or bonk.
By Henry Howard
Jennifer Vierling knows the challenges endurance athletes face: the need to replenish lost calories, energy and electrolytes with something that will sustain and hydrate them throughout the event.
Vierling became hooked on cycling when she rode 6 miles from the Charleston airport to the KOA campground to begin a weeklong cycling tour. She put in many miles including RAAM qualifiers and Paris-Brest-Paris, while also supporting her husband, Jeff, as he competed in long-distance cycling events.
They turned their love for endurance sports into a solution for athletes when they created and co-founded Tailwind Nutrition mix and launched their company in 2012. The company actually got started when Jeff ran into nutrition challenges while competing at the Leadville 100 mountain-biking event. Continue Reading →
