The Blog
Keep up to date on the blog for free advice to help your running.
How to bounce back from a “bad” marathon – Part 2, my answers
For those interested in my own appraisal and use of the format and questions from the last post, here are my answers to the questions. Was my time target realistic considering recent races I’ve done? Yes. With a range…
How to bounce back from a “bad” marathon
The marathon is an unpredictable distance in so many ways. Whilst most of the parameters can be controlled for, and I don’t buy into the reasons that are often given for “bad” races, occasionally it just doesn’t go to plan,…
Racing after your marathon
When your target marathon is done, you may well be chomping at the bit to go and run some shorter, fast races. Here’s what to expect and some tips to make sure you’re getting the best out of yourself. …
The problems with running too fast
The nature of someone who runs is generally going to lean towards challenging themselves, and striving for improvement. As a result of this, I often see people training far too hard and/or too fast in ways that harm them. I…
I’ve made every mistake and failed in running too
Over the years I’ve been asked if I’ve made mistakes in training, and often share some stories with my sports massage clients to help show them that none of us get it right all the time and that it isn’t…
How to include stretching before a race
Although it was a staple of P.E. lessons and sports for years, static stretching was put on the back-burner a few years back as the education from governing bodies and exams slowly changed to reflect more modern research and scientific…
It’s not a PB course
“It’s not a PB course” is one of my least favourite phrases offered by runners to one another. It’s a simplistic, black and white comment for a topic that’s anything but. Heading into a marathon, or at least into…
Carbon shoes in marathon training and racing – part 3
I’ve shared how carbon shoes can help performance, what to look out for and how you might want to reassess the way you pace races. Now let’s recap and offer a couple more bits of advice to help you get…
Carbon shoes in marathon training and racing – part 2
Carbon shoes in training One of the big benefits of carbon shoes are the reduced recovery needs since the muscles aren’t having to absorb as much shock/do as much work. The added rigidity and bounce of the shoes means less…
Carbon shoes in marathon training and racing – part 1
Carbon shoes have been a big change in the world of running over the last few years, with more brands entering the carbon shoe market, creating another topic of discussion when it comes to race day decisions. Let’s dive into…
Marathon pre-race routine
It’s an hour until your marathon starts. Nerves are high. You’re frantically checking and double-checking your belt or bag, shoe laces, making sure your watch is working and perhaps applying Vaseline to places we won’t talk about. What about your…
Taper nutrition before carb loading
If you’re about to head into your marathon taper, you’ve essentially done everything that hard work can achieve before race day. Now it’s time to reduce the amount of training you do and prepare from a tactical and logistical perspective….
Competing with others vs self-compeititon
This post is written from a more personal perspective than most, and for many people won’t necessarily be all that relevant in most scenarios, but competition with others isn’t reserved for those at the front of the race, so it’s…
Strength training for runners isn’t always what you expect
Strength training. One of the most neglected areas of training for many runners, and something that’s often addressed in ways that aren’t ideal. It can be a multifaceted part of training for all runners, and is especially important for marathoners,…
What to look for in a marathon training group
Running can be a very solitary activity at times, especially when you’re training for a marathon since you potentially won’t be doing the normal sessions with your running club as often. Finding yourself a group of people to train with…
How to pick your next marathon
If you enjoy marathon running, it can be hard to know which one to do next, especially since we’re so lucky these days to have an abundance of choice. How do you narrow down and finally choose your next marathon?…
Running sessions to prepare you for a marathon
There are any number of ways it’s possible to train for a marathon. Whilst they won’t always be optimal, most sessions have some merit to them, and the combination of good quality sessions is what stacks up to good performance…
What should you eat and drink the morning of a marathon
After all the hard work in training and a well-executed taper, the final thing to do before you run across the starting line of your marathon is to eat and drink appropriately, but what can you do about these things…