Runner's Tribe

This thought came to mind after watching Genevieve Gregson run 2:23:08 in last Sunday’s Valencia marathon. Just as she has so many times now throughout her career, Gregson produced on the big occasion. When it mattered. If you wanted someone to run for your life, Genevieve Gregson would be a pretty good choice.

Melbourne, Australia; 6 December 2023 - The strength of Australia’s middle-distance ranks will commence the year with a battle of Olympic proportions, as 2022 1500m world champion Jake Wightman books his ticket to Melbourne for the Maurie Plant Meet in February.

Perth, Australia; 5 December 2023 - The future stars of Australian athletics will make strides towards greatness this weekend in Perth, with the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championships set to unveil a fresh crop of champions.

The prowess of Valencia in long-distance running has reached new heights, exemplified by the remarkable 10,000m world records set in 2021 by Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda and Letensebet Gidey of Ethiopia. Their record-breaking feats during a spectacular event reverberated across the global headlines, solidifying Valencia's position as a leading destination for extraordinary athletic achievements.

Kenya, known for its formidable presence in marathon running, has revealed the initial list of 20 athletes as a part of its preliminary squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The lineup boasts esteemed names such as Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir, both previous Olympic champions.

Understanding the complexities of muscle cramps during exercise requires delving into the mechanisms behind neuromuscular control. Dr. Martin Schwellnus's theory on "Altered Neuromuscular Control" underscores the intricate balance of signals that govern muscle contractions. This imbalance leads to the overstimulation of muscles, resulting in cramps—a notion gaining significant traction among researchers.

For seasoned runners and novices alike, cramps during a marathon are an unfortunate yet familiar experience. From the common stitches plaguing newcomers to full-body spasms encountered in endurance challenges, cramping remains an unwelcome companion throughout the running journey.

Tackling races under scorching conditions might seem like an uphill battle, but with strategic preparation and prudent tactics on race day, it’s a challenge within reach. While soaring temperatures inevitably slow down all runners, the key lies in savvy readiness to navigate these conditions.

As winter blankets the northern hemisphere, trail and ultrarunners face a familiar dilemma: the absence of suitable hilly landscapes for training. Across diverse geographical regions, these athletes encounter trails buried under snow, icy patches, or muddy terrain, severely limiting their training options. For those eyeing mountainous events, this lack of terrain access poses a significant hurdle. Thankfully, experienced runners have devised effective strategies to maintain their mountain running prowess.

Preparing for a 100-mile race isn't solely about physical training; it's a mental marathon as much as a physical one. It demands confronting weaknesses and mastering mental resilience as much as physical endurance, a lesson learned during my own Leadville 100 journey. Here, are the three mental exercises pivotal in readying oneself for the daunting distance.