Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent overuse injury, particularly among runners, characterized by the irritation, inflammation, or tearing of the plantar fascia due to repetitive stress. According to Dr. Mireille Blanchette, a triple board-certified podiatrist and owner of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care, “It’s basically like a rubber band that prevents your foot from collapsing.” This condition is often exacerbated by factors such as excessive pronation, flat or high-arched feet, tight Achilles tendons, inappropriate training shoes, and training errors. Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis or know someone else who does, a good pair of shoes can help mitigate symptoms and discomfort.
Embarking on a marathon journey requires more than just physical endurance; it demands a meticulous approach to nutrition and hydration. As you prepare to conquer 26.2 miles of pavement, equipping yourself with the right fueling plan can mean the difference between hitting the wall and crossing the finish line with strength and satisfaction. Here's how to master your marathon nutrition for optimal performance.
Lifetime runners are a rare breed. I certainly was not able to manage it, the selfishness of the commitment dousing the fire of competitive desire and the level of dedication that lifetime running entails. Though a flicker remained through midlife, primed to become a raging inferno once I was ready again. I have come back to running, and I will not, cannot, let it go. This may sound melodramatic, and it is, quietly so, representing the flourish of commitment to a running life that faltered and is now renewed.
Going beyond the confines of the traditional marathon lies the realm of ultra marathons—an ultimate test of endurance that surpasses the standard 26.2 miles (42.1k). Spanning from single-day 50k (31 miles) sprints to grueling multi-stage races covering hundreds of miles, these events traverse challenging terrains, pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits.
Injuries are an inescapable reality in the world of trail running, even for those who diligently prioritize injury-prevention exercises. Let's face it - most of us would rather add an extra mile to our run than allocate time to exercises like deadlifts and crabwalks. Studies show that around half of all runners experience injuries within a single calendar year, making it more a matter of when, rather than if, one becomes part of this statistic.
If your marathon plans got delayed due to the pandemic, it's time to adjust your training schedule. Brace yourself for the familiar challenges that marathon training brings, including the inevitable aches and pains.
Amidst Norway's Romsdalen mountains, Kilian Jornet, the trailblazing icon known for his mountain conquests, reveals a winter training approach that transcends the norm. Instead of a seasonal pause, Jornet orchestrates a strategic shift—a blueprint that extends beyond his realm to offer wisdom for runners at every level.
In a pivotal endurance research gathering in England, Guillaume Millet presented a groundbreaking notion that challenged conventions: longer races might induce less muscle fatigue. His assertion that inefficiency could be strategic in certain contexts sheds light on the tactical role of walking within running strategies
Braving the cold for a run demands more than just donning the latest thermal gear. As temperatures plummet, one essential step often overlooked is the warm-up routine. Dr. Andrea Fradkin, an esteemed expert in exercise science at Bloomsburg University, underscores its critical importance, particularly in the face of wintry conditions.
As winter sets in, the prospect of an invigorating outdoor run competes with the challenges of navigating through heavy snow, treacherous ice, and the biting cold. The choice between facing the elements head-on or opting for the comfort of indoor activities, such as diving into a good book by the fireplace, presents a real quandary. Here are vital considerations for those contemplating a winter run:
