Finish Strong Training

14/07/2017

Run slow to get faster? I know it's a hard concept to understand. I struggled with this when I first tried to do this, but it works! Lately a few of our cross country kids have been noticeably been running their easy and long runs too fast. We have been trying to get them to slow down so they can reach new level of fitness. I figured others could benefit from reading this artlice that helps explain how running slow can can you run fast. And as weird as it seems, when I first really tried to run slow, I felt worse running slow than I did running quicker. So stick with it. It can take some time to develop.

A common question, and one of the more difficult concepts of training to comprehend, is “how do easy runs help me race faster”. If you want to run a mara

27/06/2017

Wanted to share this great snack idea that Susan Doerr told me about a few years ago. It's delicious! Wheat Thins, Turkey, Green Pepper and Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame - so yummy!

20/06/2017

Great article about long runs

Ahh, the marathon long run. What a worrisome thing for most runners. And for good reason, the long run is such a crucial part of marathon training. I don’t think there’s any other race distance where one single workout plays such a large part in the success or failure of the race. As a result,...

20/05/2017

Over the last few years, my athletes have benefited greatly from workouts called progression runs. In a progression run, you begin running at a slow, easy pace but finish at a fast pace. Not only will you find progression runs to be fun, but they are a great way to boost your fitness without any...

19/05/2017

High School / Middle School XC and Track Athletes interested in summer conditioning running plans!
If your school does not offer summer runs or have running plans for the summer to keep you in condition for fall xc - I'd love to help!

04/03/2017

14/02/2017

The A Skip - Running Drill instructional video - Turn on your sound.

11/02/2017

How can you avoid one mistake many new runners make? So you're super pumped, you decided you're going to start a running program! Awesome! So what do most new runners do? Go out and run AS FAR and AS FAST as they possibly can! Feel like a rockstar and feel totally out of shape at the same time. Then wake up the next day and - Oh my gosh! Sore! And unmotivated to ever run again - because yesterday was REALLY tough! Instead, ease into a running plan. Always leave something in the tank for your next run. Start EASY. Jog so you can BREATH. If you can't breath, slow down. Jog 60 secs, walk 90 sec for maybe 15 -20 minutes. Build up slow and steady. You'll start to get your wings as you start to build the foundation within your body to support your new activity. Your heart will get stronger, pump more blood and become more efficient, which supplies oxygen to your muscles. There's an increase in the density of the capillaries - which means that oxygen can exchange faster and more efficiently. It increases the size and the amount of mitochondria! What the heck are mitochondria? Glad you asked! They are the power houses of the cells. SO, increased size and number of mitochondria is like having larger factories and more factories to work for you! They allow more fuel to be processed at a single site. So, stick to your plan. Don't skip a scheduled run day. Be consistent. And let your body have the time it needs to build the foundation and soon enough, you'll start to really roll.

08/02/2017

If you are new to running, here's a tip! Put your runs on your calendar. Make them a priority. If you try to just run if it happens to fit into your day you're likely not going to run. Being consistent is the key to success!

03/02/2017

This is a great video not only for basics of coaching but great also great ideas of optimism in racing.

Jack Daniels, PhD, gave a training lecture in Winston-Salem, NC on February 16, 2013. The event was hosted by the Twin City Track Club.