Join Coaching Training Plans

Accidentally Setting a Personal Record

By on June 10, 2011 in Beginner

This picture was taken at about mile 12 of my recent half marathon in Port Angeles, Washington. Angie is turning me into a lean mean running machine.

I was planning on just taking it easy and running alongside my Dad (2:18:01) the whole way. But suddenly I felt a competitive streak and decided to push hard, throttle on, and surge ahead. My Dad said, “Go for it”. Or maybe he said, “Run Forest!” I can’t remember.

I felt like a gazelle. The weather was hospitable. The scenery was spectacular. I wanted to RUN FAST!!! But I could hear Angie’s voice in my head telling me to save some gas in the tank for my later miles. She was right.

Continue Reading →

16

Special Report for Fall Marathon Success

By on May 31, 2011 in Podcasts

In this report I reveal the six key components to successful marathon training.

These six things got me back into long distance running quickly and safely after my pregnancy. I know they will work for you!

If a marathon is on your radar this year I want to tell you what it takes to make your training a glowing success.

Running in the summer can be tough especially if you live in a humid climate. But successful training is possible this time of year if you know what you are doing. I realize that if you live in the Southern Hemisphere you’re going into winter right now. Winter is actually my preferred time to train.

ANNOUNCEMENT (drum roll goes here)
In just a few days we will be reopening the doors to our training and coaching program for people who want help taking on the marathon challenge. This time my husband Trevor will be getting in on the action to prepare for the Rock and Roll St. Louis Marathon. He was a total “non-runner” only a year and half ago!

This program is an A to Z system for total marathon butt kicking. It is designed with beginners in mind. More details to come.

Now here are the six key components make your training effective! Continue Reading →

3

My Calf Muscles are Ripping Apart – And Other Strange Fixations

By on May 24, 2011 in Beginner

Lately I have been haunted by a strange sensation in my calves. It feels like a small electrical spark under my skin. I can’t say that it is a sharp or deep pain . . . just a mild twinge now and again.

My brain had me convinced that my calf muscles were ripping apart. Maybe these strange twinges were microscopic tears? Maybe my muscle fibers were cleaving with each awkward foot strike?

Soon I was running on my tip-toes in order to save my calves from utter ruin.

I’ve heard of runners who rupture a ligament and hit the pavement face first. Everything is fine then all of a sudden “snap”! Perhaps it was about to happen to me!

Plausible explanation don’t you think? Continue Reading →

16

No Turning Back

By on May 20, 2011 in Beginner, Guest Perspective

From Guest Blogger, Andy Richardson – This is the second post in an ongoing series with the Marathon Training Academy where Andy discusses his personal journey of training for his first marathon.

Ready to Rock!
Well, it is official! I just signed up for my first marathon. I am going to be doing the Rock and Roll marathon in Savannah, Georgia – which happens to be close to my home in Beaufort, SC.

So, now that I have signed up there is no turning back! And, I am certainly not going to let the readers here or my family down either! I will be running the marathon on November 5, 2011. They will have bands set up throughout the 26.2 mile journey, which will be pretty cool. Who knows, maybe a power song at mile 18 will be just the thing I need to keep going. Continue Reading →

14

Will Running a Marathon Kill You?

By on May 12, 2011 in Health and Wellness, Podcasts

*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

Occasionally I get the question about whether marathon training is damaging to a person’s body.

Maybe a well meaning person has told you that it will ruin your joints, lead to arthritis, or cause sudden death. Often the people spreading these myths about running do so while clutching a big gulp soda in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

So, what does the evidence say? Having the facts can help you answer people who may be concerned that your running a marathon will lead to an untimely death or disability. Continue Reading →

11

How I Went From Boring Runner to Hopeful Marathoner

By on May 6, 2011 in Beginner, Guest Perspective

The first thing you are probably wondering is ‘who is this guy, and why should I read what he has to say about running a marathon’?

Well, I am a friend of Trevor’s (hopefully that counts for something!) as well as a blogger. Recently, he and I were talking about running.

I mentioned to him that I am planning to run my first marathon in November of this year, and we thought it might be cool to track my progress using the MTA Official Guide and provide regular updates of my progress while using their system. Continue Reading →

7

Overcoming Adversity Like a True Athlete

By on April 29, 2011 in Motivation, Podcasts

*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

Marathon Training forces you to face adversity. You must overcome fear, fatigue, and frustration. The journey is tough but also life changing!

Even the best runners stay engaged in this conflict:

As a runner, I deal with fear almost daily. To prevent fear from defeating me, I have to fight back against it in my mind. Reminding myself that I am doing what I was born to do—that, win or lose, embracing the challenge is still worthwhile. Kara Goucher, Olympic Runner

Here are three simple ways to overcome adversity . . . Continue Reading →

9

Proper Fueling Before a Long Run

By on April 15, 2011 in Nutrition

As a runner it’s important that you learn to fuel your body properly.

When you start running longer distances, like marathon training calls for, it becomes even more critical that you know what, when, and how to fuel your body.

Eat too little and you may “bonk” half-way through your run. Eat too much and you may be plagued with stomach cramps. Here are some tips for knowing how to fuel. Continue Reading →

24

How to Choose a Marathon

By on March 26, 2011 in Podcasts

*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

More than 628 marathons took place in the USA last year.

Each race is a little different. How do you know which marathon course is just right for you?

Matching the right marathon to your goals and personality can make for a truly memorable experience.

Here are my seven deciding factors you can use when choosing a marathon. Continue Reading →

18

Race Recap -Lessons from the Little Rock Marathon

By on March 14, 2011 in Podcasts, Race Recap

*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

This podcast episode deals with a lot of racing firsts.

My sister Autum ran her very first marathon. Trevor completed his first half marathon (a long anticipated event). And this was my first time going 26.2 after having a baby 5 months ago.

You may be preparing for your first marathon or going into your one hundredth race. Each time your training is going to be unique and there will be some firsts to deal with.

I want to help you be prepared for your marathon experience. Here are some tips to remember going into your race. Continue Reading →

16

Best Workout Tips To Improve Muscular and Cardiovascular Endurance

By on March 7, 2011 in Guest Perspective, Sponsored Post

It’s perfectly fine to work out and train at your own pace. But once your body gets used to it, you must learn to go past the beginner’s stage. Note that doing the same activity all the time can lead to plateau and demotivation. Your body adapts to the daily workload but may stop responding unless you change your workout routine or activity level. Continue Reading →

0