Measuring your heart rate is a great way to track your recovery from a major event such as a marathon or half marathon. You’ll first need to establish a baseline measure of your average resting heart rate. It may fluctuate a little daily so take it at the same time each morning (ideally before you get up out of bed) and establish your average. It's … [Read more...]
Post marathon recovery
March 2, 2014 By Leave a Comment
It’s been a week now since the Tokyo marathon & my recovery has been going well… but is not yet complete. Too many people rush back into training too quickly & don’t give their bodies the necessary recovery time. Inadequate recovery time puts you at risk of overtraining and increases the risk of injury. While the muscles in my legs are … [Read more...]
Tokyo Marathon 2014
February 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
The Tokyo Marathon is an amazing race, and rightly one of the world major marathons. The Japanese people love & respect marathon running and as a nation have an amazing number of elite marathoners. Yesterdays race was won by Kenyan Dickson Chumba in a new race record time of 2:05:42. He beat home Ethiopian Tadese Tola (2:05:57) & compatriot … [Read more...]
Prepare for a marathon & enjoy your holidays
February 18, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Travelling away for any event always has it’s difficulties… and fun. After all you're travelling for a reason, to experience life, so you don’t want to miss what’s on offer, but how do you balance everything? Ideally when travelling for a marathon you want things to be as familiar & routine as possible, but Japan presents plenty of challenges. … [Read more...]
Tapering for Tokyo…
February 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment
One week to go until the Tokyo Marathon & i’m starting to taper (at least the running). Today, with a week to go until the marathon, i’m flying to Tokyo. It’s going to be the earliest i’ve arrived before a race, & the extra time to acclimatise will be very useful considering they’ve been getting a bit more snow in Tokyo this week. Actually … [Read more...]
Foam Rolling & Massage
February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Foam Rolling is quickly becoming a popular and effective tool for athletes, trainers and gym go-ers. The technique uses a foam cylinder (or sphere) to help stretch out muscles, tendons, tight spots, and tightness trigger points. This Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) works by utilising stretch reflex inhibitors within the muscle unit that decreases … [Read more...]
The road to Tokyo…
February 9, 2014 By Leave a Comment
With the Tokyo Marathon only 2 weeks away & the last of my big training runs are behind me I’ve started my taper. I can’t wait to get over to Japan & experience as much as I can. I’m especially looking forward to going for a few warm up runs in Yoyogi park in central Tokyo. While I’ll be reducing my training volume during the taper it’s … [Read more...]
Strength training for runners… Tips & myths
February 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Running is a dynamic high impact action that requires a strong body for maximum efficiency. Long distance running is also repetitive in nature, so to help minimise the risk of injury & provide support for tough training, strength exercises are essential. While you’re running you’re only ever on 1 leg (when you’re not in the air) so it’s … [Read more...]
Beachsprints & Soft Sand Running
January 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Summer is a great time to hit the beach & change up your training with some challenging sand running. With the softer sand your legs work harder on push off giving you that characteristic leg burn. It's great to mix up your training but avoid jumping straight into long runs on the sand or you'll pay the price. Because you push your toes into … [Read more...]
Cross-Training for Runners
January 14, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Running is a dynamic high impact action that requires a strong body for maximum efficiency. Pilates, rowing, skiiing and the elliptical trainer are among some of the best cross-training options for runners. Read our blog on Strength training tips & myths for runners, or follow our Runners Strength Training Series here. Distance running is … [Read more...]
