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Articles from experts in their fields helping you reach your maximum performance levels

Running isn't always about pushing through nonstop. Sometimes, the best way to the finish line is to take a break. Enter the run/walk method—a strategy that involves adding planned walk breaks to your runs. This approach can help you fight off fatigue, improve your race times, and even unlock distances you never thought possible.
After a run, have you noticed a thin film of salt on your skin? This salty residue is a sign that your body is losing electrolytes through sweat. Sweat contains a blend of electrolytes, vital for maintaining fluid balance and muscle function. Jonathan Toker, Ph.D., an organic chemist and elite trail runner who founded SaltStick, explains, "Electrolytes are ions that conduct electrical activity and are essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and muscle function."
In the world of running, the options are as vast as the trails themselves. Whether it's pounding the pavement, circling the track, or sweating it out on the treadmill, each avenue offers its own unique experience. But there's a growing trend pulling runners off the beaten path and into the embrace of nature: trail running. Over the past decade, trail running has seen a staggering 231% increase in popularity, drawing enthusiasts with its blend of adventure and physical challenge.
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.
Developing an effective nutrition plan requires patience, adaptation, and a willingness to experiment. Athletes must anticipate the challenge of replenishing the substantial calories expended during races, accounting for various factors like race pace and terrain. However, a well-structured plan significantly influences the overall race experience and satisfaction.
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:
When frost blankets the ground and trails hush in the northern hemisphere, it's the off-season's silent call for trail and ultra runners. Just as nature embraces dormancy, preparing for a resurgence, winter invites runners to pause, rebuild, and gear up for an injury-resistant forthcoming season.
Ultramarathon runners, even seasoned ones, often face unexpected stomach challenges during races. Pushing limits in extreme conditions can swiftly turn a promising race into a digestive disaster when the body rejects fuel.
Athletes encounter a spectrum of challenges, from strained muscle fibers to compromised immune systems, as they navigate the rigors of intense training cycles and competitive races. The repercussions of insufficient recovery can be profound, significantly impacting an athlete's overall performance.
The art of endurance fueling, once an informal practice marked by pub stops and unconventional choices, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a finely tuned science. Back in the early 1900s, Tour de France champion Maurice Garin relied on pub cuisine, while Canadian marathoner Tom Longboat's 1908 Olympic experience involved an unfortunate champagne interlude at Mile 19. From alcohol and tea to bananas and cake, historical fueling methods exhibited a broad spectrum of approaches.