There are few workouts that I hate more than the weekly (or bi-weekly) long run. The workout probably offers the most benefit of any workout for a runner as it makes them tough enough to handle hard, fast longer races like half-marathons. This toughness also has benefits for shorter races because it develops the leg strength and aerobic capabilities that makes really gut-wrenching running possible. Thus, for lots of runners, this workout is a weekly ritual. A few friends gather together early on a Sunday morning and form a unique support group as each runner slogs their way through the weekly long run. In most cases, this leaves them stiff-legged and sore for Monday. I’d like to propose a few strategies to make this workout a little easier for the competitive age group runner. Continue reading →

Like many runners, I spend my Tuesday nights at the track running a hard set of intervals. For the last few weeks, I’ve spending Wednesdays doing recovery workouts, which includes running about six miles at a 6:00 per mile pace. My heart rate barely breaks 135 beats per minute and I’m not breathing hard at all.   It’s not as if I’ve morphed myself into Geoffrey Mutai or Meb Keflezighi—I’ve just been using an Alter-G treadmill to teach my body to run faster while recovering. Continue reading →