Category: Training Theory
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Why it’s okay to run slow on technical terrain
After a few months out with plantar fasciitis, today was my first day running on “technical terrain”. One thing that stood out was just how much slower I ran on the trails than on the roads, whilst exerting the exact same amount of energy. This is completely okay in so many ways.
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Why you need a training plan
Throughout my life, I’ve done my best training for running with the help of fantastic running coaches, who helped to dictate a lot of the intense workouts and running efforts I conducted. But since leaving university, I’ve failed to get coaching advice from others, and I’ve failed to follow a distinct plan. Instead, I’ve followed…
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Why you shouldn’t train at maximum intensity
If I was to tell any athlete in any sport one piece of advice it would be this: You don’t need to train at maximum intensity to perform at maximum intensity. For that matter, you don’t even need to perform at maximum intensity in any sport except for in short bursts.
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Best indoor cycling workouts for runners
The indoor cycle is a powerful machine for the injured runner, the winter season, and anyone aiming for some cross-training year-round. It can be great for an easy day on tired legs, but simultaneously stellar for getting in an easy workout when your options for intense workouts are reduced. I’ve personally spent the past six…
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What I’ve learned through five weeks of injury rehab
The past five weeks have been mentally exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding as I’ve undergone my injury rehabilitation from plantar fasciitis. I’ve spent a significant amount of time learning about ultramarathon running as a sport, but also about injury prevention and healing, ensuring that when I come back to running, I’ll be in it for…
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How to tell you’re ready to return from injury
As part of our crazed addictions to running, it can become incredibly hard to take any time off from the sport we love, especially due to something beyond our control. What runners around the world then want to know is – “When can I return?” This will always be specific to the injury and a…
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What you need to bring when travelling for a training run
Travelling to new and exciting places is one of the best ways to keep the act of running fresh and fun. But without the right gear and preparation, your training run can suddenly turn into a nightmare. With that, here is everything you need to bring when travelling to a new place for a run.
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My favourite wraps for runners
Pre and post recovery from running, you require a mix of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Making your own healthy wraps becomes an easy way of getting all three in one, including all the other important vitamins and minerals you need along the way. What’s more, if you have half an hour to spare, you can…
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My 2023 Ultramarathon Plan
The Fall running season was a jovial old time for my ultramarathon training – racking up the best times, paces and distances I’ve hit since my university cross country days – when I PB’d a 10k at 34:20 and a half-marathon at 1:16:30. Unfortunately the year likely won’t come to an end in the way…
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Running through plantar fasciitis
After about two months of training for an ultramarathon, I’ve now realized that what I could only previously describe as indescribable heel pain, is actually plantar fasciitis. This had been a running injury I had previously thought I was immune to, but I’ve realized that like most of my running injuries over the years, plantar…
Rhys Desmond 