Lydiard’s Legacy

After my last post, I got few questions from readers asking what I meant when I referred to the “base building” phase of training. To answer this, let me give a very brief history of running training theories. In the early 20th century, the common idea was that one had to train fast to get […]

Lessons from the New 5k American Record

Those of you who follow elite running know that Dathan Ritzenhein set a new American record in the 5000 meter run. His time of 12:56.27 broke Bob Kennedy’s old record of 12:58.21 set in 1996. Although this time, which equates to running three consecutive 4:10 miles, is way out of reach for recreational runners, Dathan’s […]

Starting Interval Training

One of the best ways to improve your running fitness is to incorporate interval workouts into your training. Interval training teaches the body how to run at fast periods for a long period of time. Usual interval workouts include running 400 meters (1 lap on a track) at a fast pace, rest two minutes, run […]

How to Prevent Over-Training

You can train too hard. Although running more miles generally means better fitness, it is possible to run too much before your body is ready. It is one of the most frustrating aspects of running because people who suffer from over-training are usually the ones who are most dedicated to the sport. Perhaps the most […]

Increasing Mileage

The best way to improve your running fitness is to increase the amount of miles that you run. This is easier said than done. Not only will an increase in mileage leave you initially feeling tired, but it can lead to injuries. The secret to increasing mileage intelligently is to go up no more than […]

Running to Lose Weight

Many people start running with the intention to lose weight. However, after a few weeks, a lot of these folks give up when they don’t immediately see the pounds shedding off. It is important to understand that while running is one of the best calorie burning activities possible, running also must be accompanied by the […]