No one wants to get injured before a marathon, but sometimes it just happens. The training season is an important stage in preparing for a marathon, but it is also a time when many runners encounter various strain injuries and damages. In case of injuries, it is important to look at what has happened, how badly and at what point in the training season.
Continue reading “Injured before a marathon – what to do?”
There are many differences between big and small marathons, which may already affect the choice of race, and where you want to run. Both have good and bad sides, and you should consider them when choosing a race venue.
Continue reading “Pros and cons: big and small marathons”
Surely every runner has already come across carbon plate shoes. You can see them on every professional, and many amateurs have also switched to wearing shoes. But does anyone benefit from carbon plate shoes? Are the benefits of carbon plate shoes so great that it is worth investing in them?
Continue reading “Carbon plate shoes pros and cons”
Let’s be honest, goal-oriented training and running can sometimes be really hard, also mentally. Months of training for a marathon, for example, is not always only a joy. There are bad days, the weather is bad for many days in a row, the darkness of winter tires the mind and the thought of running feels hard. It’s easy to burn out, but it can also be avoided.
Continue reading “How to avoid running burnout?”
It is again the time of year when many have started or are about to start the race season. In particular, social media are filled with medal images, and many also compare their own times with those of others. It’s easy to think that “I’m so slow runner” compared to others, but what do statistics say?
Continue reading ““I’m a slow runner” – What do statistics say?”
Every month and a year, body peace in sports raises its head and the subject is repeatedly on the surface. Athletes talk about how their appearance, weight and body are publicly judged, coaches monitor weight and body composition, social media is full of critical comments. At the same time, there is talk of body peace and performance pressures.
Continue reading “Body peace in sports”
Sometimes we miss several training sessions in a row. The longer the break is, the more adjustment needs to be done. So, how to get back in training, if you miss several days of running. And why you missed those running sessions?
Continue reading “How to get back in training, if you miss several days of running”
DNF, failed performance, struggles during the performance are familiar to most of the athletes. Not only professionals but amateur too. It doesn’t matter how hard we worked, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Returning can be difficult, so what you should do after failing to be able to make a better return?
Continue reading “Failing the performance – Returning after the failing”
Does running get easier? Yes. But of course, there are always certain limits. If you are training regularly and systematically, you will become stronger and develop better fitness and physiology.
Continue reading “Does running ever get easier?”
Marathons are fun, right? We all know that after marathon muscles are quite sore for a couple of days. But, there are happening a lot more than muscles fatigue and soreness. Following things might sound crazy and scary, especially if you are a beginner or just planning to run a marathon. Remember, everything is temporary and overall feelings during the marathon and after crossing the finish line beats everything else.
Continue reading “What happens to you when running a marathon?”
Preparing for a marathon often comes up with a pace, and both the words negative and positive split. Everyone has also heard of the guidelines for an easy start and faster second half what is called a negative split. A faster start pace and a slowdown for the second half, in turn, means a positive split. However, for many runners, a negative split distribution produces grey hair.
Continue reading “Negative, positive split vs. steady pace in a marathon – what can we learn from professionals?”
Training intensity distribution (TID) can seem confusing, as there is a couple of different styles. People often speak about the 80:20 division, where 80% of training will be performed easy level and 20% of training are speed training. It’s a good start, but at the same time, it does not give many details. We consider three different TID styles in this post.
Continue reading “Training intensity distribution – how to make it?”
In a physical perspective, there is some difference between women and men. Women are often described slower and weaker, because of the physical factors, but that’s not necessarily the thing. Women can be stronger and faster than men, like the same way some men are stronger and faster than other men. It depends on the training background and many other things. But in the scientific perspective, there are many differences between men and women. So should they train the same way?
Continue reading “Should women train differently than men?”
We all know that good running shoes are essential, and you should not use one pair year after year. But why have several different shoes, when you have found a good pair and want to use them? The shoes can affect the running speed, biomechanics and economy, and also injuries.
Continue reading “Why have several pair of running shoes?”
In the case of runners, there is often talk of little tension, which is expected to improve economic running and thus performance. The mobility and flexibility of the core and lower limbs are in a special position. The tension of the core, which limits the rotation and thus the rotation of the leg from the hip, improves economic running. Similarly, lower back, hip, and ankle tensions shift running biomechanics in a more economical direction. So, while a certain degree of tension may be beneficial from a running performance perspective, consideration must be given to how to determine the appropriate tension.
Continue reading “Hamstring movements for runners”
I have a great opportunity to get an interview with Holley Samuel RD, LDN, CPT. She provided a lot of tips and shared her free guide, so continue for reading. You can find her social media and website end of the interview.
Continue reading “Interview: registered dietitian Holley Samuel”
We all have been there, the race which wasn’t going as it was planned. Some point every runner experience the bad race, but they are good for learning. There are many things which, can be overwhelming especially for new runners. Many of us might run our first race, without much knowledge and preparation. I did that too, so here are some things which I wish I had known before the first marathon, and points which many runners had said.
Continue reading “I wish I’d known these before the first marathon…”
I got an opportunity to test Chimpanzee sports nutrition products. The company was totally new to me, and I don’t normally do a collaboration with sports nutrition products and supplements as the field is so wild and there are many things to consider. But Chimpanzee sounded a different kind of company and their products were interesting.
Continue reading “Chimpanzee products reviews”
We often speak certain factors and their importance for running performance. But as often we forget the amount of these factors. Some of the training factors are not as important as others, some provide only minimal benefits or not at all, and still, we use them more than we know.
Continue reading “The perfect recipe of running”
Running world turned upside down when Covid-19 hit to the world and all the spring races being cancelled. Now many race organizer also cancels the autumn marathon. That means some runners might not be able to race this year at all and might be lost their motivation as there is anything that to expect. Try to remember, that you should always train for yourself and races are just extra.
Continue reading “Running challenges when races being cancelled”
Sometimes we all struggle with lack of motivation. Especially now as the many marathons are cancelled or postponed because of Covid-19. Many countries have total lockdown and some runners don’t have the opportunity to exercise like normally.
Continue reading “Running motivation – how to motivate yourself?”
Making a race calendar might be overwhelming, as there are many great races during the year. This post is about how many races should run in a year and what to consider when choosing the race.
Continue reading “How many races can you run in a year?”
Long hours in the outside, sweating and discomfort. Runners know how to push their body to the limit, but do they know how to train their brain.
Mental training is not only for a professional athlete. Mental factors are seen as high self-esteem and confidence, but it’s much more.
How to build a training plan? What you should take account? What is periodization training cycle? This post will answer these questions and help to put your goals in the training plan.
Continue reading “Periodization training cycle”
Hello, and welcome the year 2020! Last year we have a series of books from different topics that are excellent for getting more knowledge about training, coaching and nutrition. Now, here’s the last part, sport psychology. This post is good for any runner, as we all sometimes struggle with lack of motivation, low self-esteem and nerves.
Continue reading “OTHER: Sport psychology books must-read list”
Running and ecology seem like a good compo already. All we need is running shoes and path, right? Climate change, environmental disaster, extreme weather, travelling, climate emission, trash, ocean pollution, such a few words we hear every day. Running is changed, it not as easy as it used to be. It’s more technical, there are more equipment than ten years ago. Continue reading “OTHER: ecological running part 1”
Save the photo and give it to try! Share #tuusarunning #tuusasports Continue reading “WORKOUT WEDNESDAY: part 11”
Do you ever feel pressure? Do you compare yourself to others? Do buy things because someone else has those same?
It’s easy to compare yourself others, especially nowadays as you can see runners everywhere. Social media is one of the worst places to get low self-esteem. Scrolling Continue reading “OTHER: Feeling pressure?”
Blisters, black toenails, detached nails, basically nail technician nightmare and common for runners. Almost every runner have some experience of these and already find the best solutions to avoid them as good as possible and treat them. Beginners and those you have never get any blister from running, don’t worry your time will come, or otherwise, you are somehow lucky, or are you even run? Continue reading “OTHER: runners, nail technician nightmare”
Stomach cramp, absorption problems? Sound familiar during the running? Unfortunately, many of us have suffered some problems during the running, especially in the long run. Or probably you struggle lack of energy during training or racing. Have you ever thought what you drink or eat during the long run or before the run?
Let’s continue my favorite series. Now let’s list some Runners. I find it so difficult as there are so many inspirational and amazing Runners. I know almost everyone on the list is female Runners, even thought I follow and value guys and their work as much. I ended up choosing these Runners, as I follow them social media and they often update training, etc. which I find very Motivational. They show their normal life next to the athlete’s life. Most of them are professional runners, but not all.
Continue reading “My favourite; runners”
Okay, there might be many of you who has run marathon or a few of them, so this post might not bring anything new information for you, but those whose are about to take a part for their first marathon, you might find something good tips. I’m not write anything training, mental or nutrition tips here as I have spoken them earlier, these are more general little tips.
Let’s continue to my favourite series today, as the topic of running coaches. I have picked some these coaches as I have followed their job and admire their knowledge and work that they have done. Some of them have written a book(s) and made running training methods which are still in use and well-known. They have different kinds of perspective to training and running, and even if you disagree some of their thoughts and method, I’m sure we can always learn some new things and even modify some of the training method. As the truth is that more you read and gather knowledge and test things you will learn to find ways that work for you. We are all different so, which works your best Continue reading “My favourite; running coaches”
The last post wrote about running in the bad weather, now let’s look the other side of the coin, running in the heat.
During the heat season we can always choose when to go for the run, the best time of the day is before the sunrise. But we can’t change the start time of the marathon, so here are some tips how to survive. Continue reading “Running a marathon in hot day”
As much, the most of us like idea of good weather on marathon, sunny sky, warm weather, no strong wind everything is beautiful. We have been training in months to compete one certain race and picturing everything in our mind. Then race week coming and forecast show, cold, windy and rainy day, we get upset, even little bit scared. What to do?
Of course, running in bad conditions long distance makes running harder both Continue reading “Bad weather on marathon day”
Most of us has bad habits, that’s okay, but if we constantly repeat them, the development and performance start to suffer. As running is not just running, to become faster and better we have to consider every aspect of our life. This doesn’t mean you have to live like elite athlete, but there are many little things which you can do, these also often prevent injuries and improve life quality. Can you recognize yourself any of these bad habits? Continue reading “Runner’s bad habits”
A lot of speculation going on about London marathon, especially who’s going to win. Many set Mo Farah and Eliud Kipchoge against each other.
There are some points of why people, especially British wait a lot for Mo, as he has enormous career in track. We have to remember that marathon is all the way different race than 10 000m or 5000m. I believe that Mo will have successful career also on marathon field, but transition from track to road can make some time. Continue reading “London Marathon: Mo Farah vs Eliud Kipchoge or NOT?”
I have written about shoes once earlier, where I listed down some main things to consider when picking the running shoes, you can find it here.
What are the differences of running shoes and training shoes, and when to use them?
Like the name say, racing shoes are designed for racing, when speaking the road races, such as marathon, these shoes can be 100-200g lighter than normal training shoes. They are designed for minimal support as all extra cushioning add weights. 100-200g weight Continue reading “Racing shoes vs training shoes”
New Year is coming! Do you have plan for the next year? Maybe running some marathons or half or shorter distances? Are you looking for the new PB or are you a first timer?
Now you have change to win free customized running program. You can choose one program between marathons, half marathons, 5 km or 10 km plans.
What you need to do? Tell me why you should win and what are your goal(s)! You can Continue reading “WIN free running plan!”
I haven’t running all my life, but I have always been quite sporty and competitive. When I was young I started to dance, which later changed to basketball and then taekwondo and again back to dance. My hobbies, especially basketball included running. Back then I wasn’t massive fan of running, but I didn’t hate it. It was always thought I’m not good runner, but again I didn’t ever practice running seriously.
I saw marathon on TV when I was younger, I think it’s Olympic Games or World Championships and back then marathon seems to be something unbelievable. I said to Continue reading “Why I am running”
You might of heard that you should run practice marathon or at least 20 miles (32km) before your first marathon event. Is it true or not?
The answer is: yes and no.
NO. Let’s consider that you have not much running experience, you started to run a few months ago and training for your first marathon, or you have been running years, sometime more regularly and sometimes taking breaks. Your running pace is around 7 min/mile or 11min /km. Your estimated finishing time is around 5 hours. There’s not point to go for the run marathon during in your training as it would take that much time. Continue reading “Should you run practice marathon before your first marathon event”
Those who have ever run a marathon or half, have seen funny cheering signs. I collected some of the funniest and best signs together. Which one is the best? Are these bring any memories from your race?
Everyone has seen plenty of running memes and jokes, but here’s 10 funny memes, which describes running and runner life too well. I think every runner can relate with these or at least some of them.
First of all there as many opinions as runners about how to choose running event. I will cover some good tips and points which are good to consider either running on marathon or half marathon.
Profile and terrain
If you wish to new PB or fast marathon. Check the route, often marathon organizers’ show profile in their website, the flatter the better, as the every hill reduce the speed. Also prefer more city run where the ground is asphalt as they are often more flat and not soft which makes running slower. Of course if you more adventurous and want Continue reading “What to take account when picking running event?”
Do you have a training plan? If you answer is no, why should you consider to get one. You might have heard seasonal training, how runners first build their fitness level, then race and then take time off before starting everything again. Training plans are designed to help runners to develop, break PBs and prevent injuries. There are many modifications of training plans as each person are different, but most of them follow quite similar procedure, which are scientifically tested and used many years and found to be workable.
First runners need to set their goal, long term and short term. Plans are designed to meet goals and help achieve them. Long term goals can be even goal that runner wished to be happening in a couple year time while short time goals are smaller step which support Continue reading “Why runners need training plan?”
Signing in your first marathon is exciting thing. Filling up your details, you will come across question; What’s your predicted finishing time? If you haven’t run marathon before or there’s been a while since you have run one and your fitness level has changed, you might wonder what to put on that section. Organizer often want to the predicted finishing time, as there are number or color coded starting section. Each section presents certain finishing time, for example all runners who wish to finish under 3 hours are in the first starting section, then runners who wish to finish 3:01-3:30, and so on. Section are often divided every 15 or 30 minutes. This ensure that faster runner start at the Continue reading “How to predict your marathon time?”
Who love to watch documentaries and/or read books, even more when they are about running? If your answer is yes, stick around as I will tell couple my favorite documents and books. It interesting to see other runners world, how elite runner life and train, get some tips and most of all inspired.
There are tons of books and documentaries which I would recommend, but here are few. All the documentaries can be watch in YouTube.
Documentaries:
Born To Run: The Kenyan Secret
Former World Champion Eamonn Coghlan travels to Iten, Kenya to see how world best runners train and life. It’s interesting document which give a sneak peak about Kenyan’s training. The most interesting thing is that they make it look easy, as everyone knows in reality it is far from easy, especially in Kenya where the competition is real. For example 340 Kenyan athlete qualified to London 2012 Olympics, so who get the place to represent Continue reading “Running documentaries and books”
Recovering after marathon is as important as tapering and training for the marathon. Without proper recover you increase the risk of injury or overtraining symptoms.
During the marathon, body is pushed to its limit, muscles, tendons, ligament, cell, etc. are pushed to the maximum. Each step your lower body joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons receive your body weight three times bigger. So repeating that force over 42 kilometres distance you can imaging how much destroy it can cause. Also you have higher risk to get flu as your immune system is weaker.
What to do after marathon?
Immediately after the finish line rehydrate, try to get your body back to the normal hydration level, but avoid overhydration. Don’t stop moving, as amazing it would be just to go lay in the ground, move forward, walk! So your heart rate can come down evenly. During the first hour after the finish line, eat something light, bananas, fruits, etc. Eat Continue reading “How to recover after marathon?”
What is plyometric training?
Plyometric training is often perceived as explosive jumping exercises, even if it means short, mostly of own body weight performed explosive interval style exercises. Training is based on the “stretch-shortening cycle” method. Leg muscles is stored in a large number of human energy stocks, for example, when we jump we are able to take the energy for next jump from the previous ones impact, when landing on the ground. This makes it possible to jump even higher.
Why you should do it?
Quick conclusion is that this type of training must be good for sprinter, but Turner et al. (2003), actually found that it also help improve running economy for longer distance. It’s also prevent injuries as it’s strengthening ligaments and muscles. To have speed and specially able to maintain speed, runner need to train both speed and power. When these features are development not only running speed but also contact time on the ground accelerate. The less feet spent time on the ground while running the less human use energy.
Including plyometric exercise to your training plan
Before you start to do plyometric exercises, you should have a good base condition already. Do not do the exercises year-round. Do exercises on your speed and power development training cycle. It’s not good to do the exercises in the same week when you have running race.
Squat jumps, tuck jumps, lateral squat jump, lunge jumps, side hops, bounding, power skipping and diagonal obstacle jump are just a few examples of plyometric training. Before you start to do plyometric training, you have to warm up. You can do 10-20 repetitions, 10-20 times depending on your fitness level. If you are not familiar with these kinds of training start with lower reps and pay attention to your technique especially when landing on ground to avoid any injuries.
How long should you taper for the marathon? When should you start the tapering? What is tapering?
Every marathon runner should include tapering for their marathon preparation. WHY? Physiological adaptation will take at least 6 weeks so there’s much you can do anymore for your fitness during the tapering period. However doing too much can instead ruin your running performance. So, what tapering means and when to start it? Tapering means reduced training load, more recovery, sleep, and proper nutrient rich food. It Continue reading “Tapering for a marathon”
Training mental strength for the race is as important as training your body. Many runners don’t achieve their goals and PB because they are not mentally prepared.
Why prepare?
Going with the flow and enjoying the running doesn’t seem bad at all, right? But when you have run third of your marathon and your leg start to feel tired and then you see hill front of you, you might say couple swear word inside you Continue reading “Mental preparation”
You may have heard of how elite runners run they race using negative split pacing strategies. Why should you also use this? Negative split means that you run first half of the race slower than second half. Mostly starting at comfortable pace at the beginning and gradually speed up and the last few kilometers run as fast you can. Many of the runners start they race way too fast, and after halfway they are exhausted and dragging themselves further slowly. Continue reading “Pacing – negative split”
Walking in store and buying your shoes aren’t always as easy as you wish for. There are some many things to consider that sometimes it can be frustrated. Except if you have found so good running shoes or brand which you are stuck with it every time, you are the lucky one. For the others there no need any panic, especially if you are relatively new runner and heard all kinds of technical information about shoes and brand. You don’t have to know all that, but there are a few steps which help you to beginning.
Continue reading “Buying running shoes – what to take account”
Taste, gesture, content, brand, amount, such a few things which divide people when speaking of energy gels. New runners hearing about them and how they should use them during marathon. I often heard asked; which I should use and how many, should I take?
There are two simple rules:
