Run to the Top Extra Kick Podcast | Answers to Your Running Questions

Kinda scary, right?

While this may look more like something you'd wear to a Halloween party, altitude masks are becoming increasingly popular as companies claim they can provide the same benefits as altitude training.

But is this fad or fact? Can these masks really replicate training at elevation?

Coach Claire answers in today's daily podcast!

Following a training schedule rarely goes 100 percent according to plan, and it's especially frustrating when you're derailed due to injury.

However, it's important to be both patient and smart when returning from injury - especially if you're entering a marathon buildup. 

Listen in as Coach Claire discusses how to alter your marathon training after an injury to ensure you're healthy and ready to roll come race day. 

Whenever you go out for a run – whether it be an easy day, tempo run, speed session, or long run – it’s vital you first ask yourself the purpose of the workout.

When you know why you’re setting out to run a prescribed distance and pace, you're better able to execute the purpose of that session.

When you don't know why, you're setting yourself up for some "junk miles".

Listen in as Coach Claire discusses the consequences of junk miles and how to avoid them to get the most out of your workouts.

To date, the effects of menopause and postmenopause on running haven't been given much attention, and this might be because the number of female masters is far greater now than it was in past decades.

Either way, it's about time we shed some light on the adjustments women can make to optimize performance during this time in their lives, and Coach Claire is here to do just that.

Listen in as she discusses what it takes to run fast and stay healthy during and beyond menopause.

So you've picked your next marathon. Now what about the tune-up races?

Tune-ups are not only great for assessing fitness and gaining confidence, but they also help you get your routine and nutrition strategy down pat for goal race day.

So how do you choose which and how many tune-ups to do? And then how do you plan to execute them?

Coach Michael explains in today's daily podcast.

It's no secret that foam rolling helps to expedite recovery and prevent injury, and there are many different techniques great for targeting those areas where we runners tend to get tight.

But when is it best to roll out for maximum benefits? Before or after you run?

Coach Michael explains in today's daily podcast!

Considering adding glycogen depleted runs to your marathon training?

Never even heard of these?

Listen in as Coach Michael discusses the benefits of glycogen depleted runs, whether they're right for you and your training, and how to implement them if so.

Competitive running - whether it be against others or against yourself - is essentially about getting from point A to B as quickly as possible.

So what's one way to cover more distance in less time? Increase your stride length and cadence.

This can help you achieve a more powerful and economical running style, but runners be warned: "lengthening your stride" does NOT mean overstriding, and you must first ask yourself if you even need to increase your stride length and cadence.

But how do you know?

Listen in as Coach Michael first shares a test to determine if you could use some improving and, if so, some exercises to help you achieve a better, more powerful stride over time. 

The only equipment we runners use is what we put on our feet, and so determining the footwear best for you and your individual needs is crucial to long-term success and health. 

But when it comes to individual needs, where do orthotics and stability shoes come into play? 

Do these produce real, long-term benefits for pronators and flat-footed runners like they advertise?

Listen in as Coach Michael shares his expertise in today's daily podcast. 

For most of us, summertime means less than desirable race conditions.

Heat is the most difficult element for runners to train and race in, and performance suffers when we don't change our strategies to accommodate for the sweltering temperatures.

More importantly, we put ourselves at greater risk for heat illnesses like heat stroke. 

So what can you do to optimize performance and steer clear of dangers in the heat? Coach Sinead answers this and more in today's episode.