Always Ready

For most of the runners I work with, coaching is on-going. Training and racing are part of their lifestyle in the same way that many people regularly do yoga, or meet with a trainer.

That being said, no one I’m coaching is running 20milers every weekend, even if they love the marathon. Neither are the milers ripping speed workouts on the track year-round.

But there are some aspects of training that are meant to be consistent.

When I coach runners to run at a variety of different paces, to lift (heavy) weights, to jump, and to get comfortable being uncomfortable — we’re going to do these forever. They’re meant to be permanent, lifelong habits and any interruption should be considered temporary.

We’re not trying to be race-fit 365 days a year. But we do always want strong bones, to maintain strength and muscle mass, and to be ready to take on a new goal, whenever the inspiration strikes.

Sincerely, Nicole

text: 313-462-9648
email: nicole@sifuentescoaching.com

I’m just getting into the thick of my spring marathon training build and the roads are really icy! It keeps snowing and the forecast is awful! How am I supposed to get these long runs done?

Sincerely,
A Snowed-In Runner

Dear Snowed In,

It may seem unthinkable to cover 15, 18 or 20+ miles on a treadmill, but sometimes, it’s required. When you have a specific marathon workout or long run with pace goals, icy roads are not an option.

If your gym has a jogging track, break up the monotony of a long treadmill run by alternating between treadmill and track. But keep your mileage on a small jogging track to a minimum. The constant turning in one direction on a small radius can easily cause problems like unbalanced soreness or tightness. (eg. alternate 4 miles treadmill/ 1mile track)

When the roads are icy, it may be fine to run slowly and carefully, throwing pace out the window.

If the roads are clear but it’s extremely cold, run outside until you can’t take it anymore and then move inside to finish on the treadmill.

No matter how bad the weather is, and how icy the roads, the training must get done.

Sincerely,
Nicole

Creatine for Runners: Beneficial or Not?
Read the article

Are Your Feet Strong Enough for Super Shoes?
Read the article
“Regardless of shoe type, runners who rotated between multiple shoe models had a 39 percent lower risk of running injury than those who almost always ran in the same shoes”

Meme of the Month
from @trainsmartrunstrong
I laughed so hard at this one! If you’ve been following along on the blog recently you’ll know that salad just isn’t the right choice for a pre-race meal.