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Running Gadget Questions with Ray Maker (From D.C. Rainmaker Blog)

By on March 1, 2016 in Gear, Interview, Podcasts

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In this episode we talk running watches, fitness trackers, and other tech with gadget guru Ray Maker from the D.C. Rainmaker website.

Since Angie and I tend to be not-so-geeky when it comes to running tech (I have used a Garmin 305 wrist laptop up until last year) we were excited to bring a bona fide gadget guru on the podcast.

Ray’s product review blog gets over a million visitors a month. He really knows his stuff! Continue Reading →

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Single Mom Tackles Parenting and Ultra Racing

By on February 25, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Interview, Trail Running

Jameelah_closeupJameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaahid is motivated by family as she completes endurance events nearly every month.

By Henry Howard

Jameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaahid admits to being “hyper all her life.” The only thing that helps her keep focused is training.

“I have been diagnosed with ADD but I refuse to take medication; I just keep talking to myself so I can remember most things.”

To say that she is an ultra runner is an understatement. Glancing through her completed races on the Ultrasignup website, one will find six-day events, 24-hour races, 100-mile races and more. Mujaahid runs practically an ultra a month. Every month.

Even more impressive is that she is a single mother of five children and works full time. Continue Reading →

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How to Self-Treat Metatarsalgia

By on February 22, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Injury

Pain in the female footMetatarsalgia is a general term that refers to pain in the foot (typically around the ball of the foot).

It’s common in runners, track and field athletes, and for those who participate in high impact related sports (such as basketball and soccer). It’s also commonly associated with overuse syndrome.

Metatarsalgia is pain and irritation at the end of the metatarsal joints near the toes. Potential causes for the pain include: a stress fracture; gout; osteoarthritis; hammertoes; calluses; and pain in the joint from swelling and irritation. It can also be from neuromas, in which nerves tend to bundle and become irritated between the metatarsal heads. Continue Reading →

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Race Recap: The Lost Dutchman Marathon

By on February 21, 2016 in Podcasts, Race Recap

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The 15th annual Lost Dutchman Marathon was held on Sunday, Feb 14, 2016 (for those runner’s who really love running on Valentine’s Day).

It has been voted the Arizona Winter Classic “Best Little Marathon” and gets very positive reviews on Marathon Guide as well. It’s an all volunteer event with proceeds going toward local youth programs. Continue Reading →

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What To Do The Day Before A Marathon

By on February 17, 2016 in Beginner, Guest Perspective, Race Day

image2You’ve trained hard and prepared for this challenge. Now as the minutes tick down to the start of the race, nerves rattle and questions mount. Here are some tips to help you get to the starting line.

By Henry Howard

In a few weeks, I will be at the starting line of my 12th marathon. Even though the past 11 marathons have taught me a lot, I will undoubtedly feel a bit of nerves at the starting line.

Did I train the best I could have? Is my nutrition plan solid? Are those Oreos I ate a month ago going to affect my performance?

Of course, the starting line is way too late to make any adjustments that will create a better outcome. That’s why all the training, tapering and recovering are so crucial. But in the final 24 hours, there are some ways that runners can help themselves. Continue Reading →

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[Part 2] Running Injuries Q and A

By on February 14, 2016 in Injury, Interview, Podcasts

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Running injuries that crop up during marathon training are a real bummer!

Here’s part two of our Q and A with physical therapy doctor Ben Shatto.

In this episode you will hear about injury recurrence, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, ITBS and more. My favorite quote from this episode is, “Injury is never normal”. Continue Reading →

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Running Injuries Q and A

By on February 11, 2016 in Injury, Interview, Listener Question, Podcasts

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Running injuries! In this episode we invite Dr. Ben Shatto on the podcast and fire away with injury related questions sent in by Academy members.

You will learn when to self-treat an injury versus visiting a physical therapist, how to pick a PT, and great questions and answers about glutes, hamstrings, and muscle imbalances. Lots to love! Continue Reading →

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Fearless Words from a Former Fat Girl

By on February 4, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Motivation, Weight Loss

Stephanie Laska after winning the Athena Division at the Modesto Marathon

Stephanie Laska after winning the Athena Division at the Modesto Marathon

When I run into someone I haven’t seen in awhile, one of two things happen. Either they keep walking (having no idea who I am), or they stop and demand , “HOW did you DO it?” and “WHAT does your husband say?”

To back up a bit, I’ve lost half of my body weight. Yep, 50%. I currently weigh in the 140s ­­ you do the math. I did not have surgery or use any medication.

I lost an average of 10 lbs per month. My journey took about a year and a half. I’ve kept off the weight for three years, and counting. .. Continue Reading →

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How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Like the Treadmill

By on February 2, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Winter

treadmillRunning 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 →

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How to Become Better Than Before -Interview with Gretchen Rubin

By on January 31, 2016 in Interview, Podcasts

photo credit: Elk Studios

photo credit: Elk Studios

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In this episode we talk with Gretchen Rubin, author of the book Better Than Before -Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives.

Angie and I read this book in January to help ourselves get focused on goals and personal growth. It’s a great read and has many applications to marathon training.

All of us would like to run, exercise, and eat heathy without even thinking twice. Thus the power of habit is preferred to the strength of willpower. But making new habits is easier for some people than it is for others. Here’s the secret, Continue Reading →

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How to Avoid Upper Back Pain When Running

By on January 24, 2016 in Guest Perspective, Injury

Man with backache. Pain in the human bodyImagine how much the average person actually slouches during a day.

Slouching during breakfast, then hunched over the kitchen sink to wash dishes, slouching while driving a car, and then slouching while sitting at work or at a school desk.

Don’t forget about slouching while texting, watching TV or using the computer. When you are not slouching, you’re bending over to clean or pick up children and/or pets. The list of slouching possibilities is endless!

Now envision your running posture. Does it look any different? Many of us run in a forward head and rounded shoulders position–a slouched posture! Runners experience many of the same aches and pains as their sedentary counter parts. Upper back and neck pain is a common occurrence. The most typical cause is almost always poor posture. Continue Reading →

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