The Hidden Risks of Dual Coaching for High School Runners The landscape of high school distance running has changed. What used to be a seasonal activity has morphed into a high-stakes, year-round industry. With high school times dropping to historic lows, it’s natural for parents and athletes to look for an edge. For many, that…
The hard training is done. The miles are in your legs. But the night before a big meet is often a stressful one. Doubts creep in and you start to wonder if you are really prepared. Here’s a easy way to take control of something. Use this race day packing list to help you sleep…
I stood at the 2.5-mile mark of the NH XC Division 1 championships at the brutal Derryfield Park course a few years back, watching one of my most dedicated varsity runners approach. She should have been surging. Instead, she looked gray. Her form was breaking down, her eyes were glazed, and she was fading fast….
Extending Training Time at Goal Race Pace: A Case Study To increase my athletes’ training time at their goal race pace, I’ve adopted a method inspired by Mahaly Igloi: consecutive high-intensity intervals with active recovery. This method has proven successful for my athletes at a variety of ability levels. The Challenge of Race-Pace Training It’s…
Summer road races are lots of fun, but heat stroke is deadly serious. High temperatures and humidity increase the risk of heat-related illness or death among runners. Masters runners are especially susceptible. It’s important to practice prevention, recognize the danger signs, and be good to yourself when racing in the heat. Surprisingly, the risks of heat stroke or…
I’ve participated in two road races where a runner has died on the course. Their tragic and unexpected deaths shocked everyone. Both runners were regulars on the local racing circuit. On both days the temperatures had climbed well past 90º F during the race. Runners feel a certain degree of invincibility earned through healthy living and regular workouts. But, when…
