Today We Die a Little! tells the story of the greatest Olympic runner of all time. In 1952, Emil Zatopek stunned the world by dominating the 5,000m, the 10,000m and the marathon in Helsinki, Finland. He earned three gold medals in the space of nine days. Zatopek set 18 world records, won 5 Olympic medals,…
Run Fast. Eat Slow. As a runner, a father of two, I totally support this philosophy. Healthy meals fuel our runs. But, just as important, mealtime should be a time for conversation, relaxation and good food. A breakfast conversation about the day ahead, a lunch with colleagues, and a dinner with family members full of lively…
If there is one single take away from Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor, let it be this: there is no greater influence on success than the power of optimism. Emotional control and mental fortitude are necessary for one to do their very best in any event, especially distance running. Too often, we focus on the physical…
Hobbs Kessler’s name should be on every coach’s radar. His recent 3:48 in the Wannamaker Mile, just two years after competing in high school, is a remarkable feat. But what truly sets him apart is his unconventional training approach challenging established norms and sparking lively discussions within the coaching community.
Nico Young is the fastest 5000m runner in the college ranks. Move over Graham Blanks. On Friday, January 26, the Northern Arizona University junior shattered Blanks’ record time of 13:03.72 by running 12:57.14 at the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University. Nico Young’s Pre-Meet Training Okay. Nico is definitely a stud. He’s just run a 5K…
As a high school running coach for over a decade, I’ve witnessed the growing tension between the long-term nature of athletic development and the pervasive culture of instant gratification. We live in a world of “likes” and immediate feedback, where results are often expected overnight. This mindset can create challenges for coaches and athletes alike,…
Coach Arthur Lydiard was revolutionary in his approach to training middle distance and distance runners. His Training Pyramid is still the model most often used by distance coaches today and greatly influenced both Jack Daniels, Joe Vigil and others. But, did you know he also perfected a way of lacing shoes to relieve pressure on…
Cross-training is more than just a tool for injured athletes; it amplifies training volume, aids recovery, and revitalizes an athlete’s passion for the sport.
Building a successful high school cross-country (XC) or track team isn’t just about individual talent or winning races—it’s about cultivating a team culture that thrives on unity, camaraderie, and common goals. A tight-knit team culture can significantly impact a team’s performance. And, if your team is anything like mine, you know that half the reason they joined the team was to be invited to the team dinners.
Securing a spot on a collegiate cross country team involves more than just impressive race times. Navigating the recruitment process requires a strategic approach that includes academics and effective communication with collegiate coaches.
If you are looking for a way to spice up your cross-country training and improve your speed, endurance and efficiency, you might want to try Kenyan diagonals.
She had always been a strong competitor. She consistently placed in the top three on her team in varsity cross country races. As a Nordic skier, gymnast, cyclist, and lacrosse player, she was known for her impressive endurance, toughness and stamina. However, during her junior year of cross country, Sierra began to experience a noticeable decline in her performance…
