Archive | Health and Wellness

Those of us in Europe and North America are really starting to feel the impact of Covid 19 on our running and training. Basically all races between now and June have been cancelled and it can be challenging to stay motivated when things are uncertain.

I think it’s important to keep a larger perspective in mind and focus on how we can come through this stronger and with a greater appreciation for the things we take for granted (gyms/fitness facilities, group runs, races, regular schedules, the ability to go out whenever we want, socialization, etc).

Even though this is stressful and hard we can use it to develop a higher level of gratitude. When you think about it we don’t have to run, we get to run. Continue Reading →

The topic of the menstrual cycle is something that many people feel uncomfortable discussing and I recognize that it’s not as relevant to our male readers.

However, for women or those coaching women runners it’s important to have an awareness of how the menstrual cycle can affect training and know what to expect during different times of the month. Hormonal shifts can affect many aspects in a woman’s life including sleep cycles, stress levels, appetite, fluid retention, energy levels, motivation, and much more.

Let’s talk about the phases of the menstrual cycle, what challenges you may face during various phases of the cycle, how to train strong despite hormonal challenges, and how to deal with your flow during long runs and races. Continue Reading →

Research has shown that after running a marathon there is a shift in immune system function for approximately 72 hours where you’re more susceptible to things like upper respiratory infections.

But even a heavy training cycle can sometimes lead to immune system suppression so it’s important to be supporting your body along the way. Continue Reading →