Here is a question we received from a runner named Bill who is dealing with heel pain. I had an unpleasant bout of heel pain last summer when I ran the Juneau Marathon. When I got back home I was able to find a treatment that helped me to complete fix my heel pain (knock on wood) and I was able to run the Loch Ness Marathon without any issue. I’m happy to pass along what worked for me. Continue Reading →
Archive | Listener Question
How To Avoid “Bonking” in a Race
Here’s an important question we received about bonking -that dreaded feeling when your body refuses to cooperate and no matter how much further you have to run your legs just feel like lead.
Hi Angie, My question is: Can you please recommend some tactics to deal with bonking at a race or even during a long run? I was lucky that Coach Athena’s training plan really worked for me at the Chicago marathon and I didn’t bonk a single moment. But I fear that I may run into a ‘wall’ in the future, as I have experienced during a couple of long training runs before, when I had to stop for a really long time before I could run again. Aside from repeating some personal mantras, what can one do to quickly get the legs moving again? Many thanks, Vicky
Tips for Runners in Their 60s
Masters runners now represent more than 50% of all marathon finishers.
A person is actually considered a “masters runner” from the age of 40 on up so I’m now officially part of that classification.
However, I would say that there are a number of physiological differences between a masters runner in their 40’s and one in their 60’s.
Some races actually break down the masters category more with 50+ being grandmasters and 60+ as senior grandmasters. There is a push to make another category called veteran grandmasters for ages 70+. The questions that we’d like to tackle have to do with runners in their 60’s. Continue Reading →
Listener Q & A with Angie and Athena
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In this episode we do a listener Q & A session!
Angie and special guest Coach Athena Farias tackle questions about recovery, what to do in the off season, back-to-back marathons, how to train for a 50k, dealing with taper madness, and more.
Plus we will give you a quick rundown of the 2018 New York City Marathon. Continue Reading →
How Do Boston Qualifying Times Work?
Here’s a great question we received from a listener named Anthony. We featured it in the quick tip segment of podcast #250.
“I really enjoy the web site and podcast, very inspirational. I finished my first half marathon in 2007 at age 45 with a time of 2:07. I stuck with it through the years and recently achieved a BQ at the Manchester marathon with a time of 3.35.47 a 6 and a half minute pb. I am in the 55-59 age category. What are the chances of this time getting an entry into the 2019 Boston Marathon? Keep up the amazing work.” Anthony
Here’s my best explanation: Continue Reading →
Does everyone suffer the last 6-8 miles of a marathon?
Here’s a question from an Academy member named Lyndi about the later miles of a marathon . . .
I have lots of questions following my marathon yesterday. Does everyone suffer (horribly) for the last 6-8 miles and it is just part of the experience or is there genuinely a way to train so that it doesn’t end that way? I suspect there may be an unspoken code of silence about how bad it really is and, like childbirth, we highlight the high moments and wink quietly about the rest. -Lyndi
Anti-inflammatories and Running
Here’s a interesting question from Randy about anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen. You may have heard me talk about this in our Ask the Coach podcast episode . . .
What do you think about very occasional use of ibuprofen/anti-inflammatories? Not referring to daily or prophylactic use. When, if ever, might it be appropriate? -Randy
Treating Piriformis Pain with Active Release Therapy
Here’s a great question that came in for the recent MTA podcast episode on Injury.
In this Q & A, I discuss Active Release Therapy (ART) and the importance of getting to the root cause of Piriformis Pain.
The Piriformis is a very important muscle in the buttock region. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and femur (the long leg bone) and rotates the leg outward.
It is also a common location for pain! Continue Reading →
Marathon Training in the Summer Heat
Here’s a great question that came in from a fan in India who is dealing with daytime temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 Fahrenheit).
Hi A&T, I am a big fan of your podcast. I started running in 2013. I have three running goals: 1. Run a half marathon under 2:00; 2. Run a full marathon under 5:00; 3. Run 2,000 KM in 2017! Last 2 months have been very hot in Pune, India (where I live) with daytime temperatures reaching 39 deg C. It is definitely impacting my pace and soreness. I wonder if a future podcast will talk about running in summer. Regards, -Milind
Fixing Problems in Your Kinetic Chain
The term kinetic chain is basically the a concept that your body is interconnected. We’re made up of fixed segments made mobile by joints and all these segments and joints have an effect on each other in the process of moving.
When one part is in motion it creates a chain of events that impacts other segments of the body (frequently neighboring areas). A weakness, inflammation, or injury can show up in other segments of the body in response to repetitive motion (like running). Continue Reading →
Reoccurring Shin Splints
Here’s a great question that came in for the recent MTA podcast episode on Injury.
In this Q & A, I discuss why addressing the root cause of reoccurring shin splints is critical in order to avoid injury and lost training days. Continue Reading →
What is a Runner with Chronic Lower Leg Overuse Injuries to Do?
Here’s a great question that came in for the recent MTA podcast episode on Injury.
Should a person resort to running with “stability shoes” and/or orthotics or minimalistic shoes? What is the role of footwear for runners who are experiencing chronic lower leg overuse injuries?
