There’s a moment during my workouts—usually somewhere in the thick of a tempo run or near the back half of some spicy intervals—when my brain starts yelling “You’re stiff! Your form’s falling apart! Shoulders up near your ears again!” That’s when I hit the mental reset button:Relax and win. Relax and win. It’s not just
Relax and Win: The Mental Shortcut to Better Running Read Post »
Training & MindsetTime Trial Triumph & Training Turn-Up Week 12, that’s a wrap!This one was special—a week of solid execution, mental sharpness, and a defining 3K Time Trial that didn’t just test fitness but lit the fuse on what’s next. Every session was dialed in with purpose, and the payoff? Big. Week at a Glance Tuesday, 04/01/2025
Weekly Recap – Week 12 (March 31 – April 6, 2025) Read Post »
Half Marathon Race Prep, Half Marathon Training, Running After 50, Running After 60, Weekly RecapI recently wrapped up a 120-minute treadmill run that was, by all accounts, a success. I felt energized, fueled, and strong from start to finish. But something curious lingered in my post-run reflection: while my heart rate data suggested I was working above Zone 2 for extended stretches, I was able to comfortably breathe through
Are My Heart Rate Zones Wrong? A Nose-Breathing Experiment Read Post »
Heart Rate Training, Self-Experimentation, Zone 2 RunningThis week served up some real attitude—blustery winds, tough intervals, and one beast of a treadmill run. The schedule was loaded, and while one session got scratched, every choice was intentional. With two quality workouts, a strategic rest day, and fueling insights galore, I’m wrapping Week 11 feeling proud, a little tired, and very ready
Week 11 Recap (March 24–30, 2025): Embrace the Wind, Respect the Rest Read Post »
Fueling Practice, Fueling Strategies, Recovery Strategy, Tempo Runs, Weekly RecapNature’s Candy Meets Running Fuel There was a time when I thought “fueling” meant only reaching for a fancy gel packet, a precision-formulated drink mix, or whatever shiny thing claimed to shave seconds off a 10K. But lately, I’ve been reaching for something a little more… natural—dates. That’s right, the sweet, sticky fruit that’s been
Fuel With Dates Before Running: My Sweet Start Strategy Read Post »
Fueling for Runners, Nutrition for running, Training Over 50The Road to the Georgina Spring Fling Half Marathon This week had everything—intervals, treadmill insights, tempo grit, a powerful long run, and a missed ride that taught me just as much. I hit nearly every target, and even the bumps in the road gave me a clearer view of the journey ahead. I’m learning that
Week 10 Recap – Embrace the Effort, Learn from the Lulls Read Post »
Half Marathon Training, Recap, Recover, Relax & Ready, Training Tips, Weekly RecapThe Power of a Good Mantra Running is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Whether it’s during a grueling interval session or the last stretch of a long run, the words we tell ourselves shape our performance. Some runners repeat classic phrases like “Smooth and Strong” or “One Step at
Lock In & Let Go: How Rhythm & Mantras Elevate Your Runs Read Post »
Performance Optimization, Running Mindset, Training StrategiesEmbrace the Moments: Finding Balance in the In-Between What a powerful week. I hit all my targets—volume, HR, paces. But the biggest win? Realizing that the magic isn’t just in the highs or the lows—it’s in the moments between. This week wasn’t just about nailing workouts (which, let’s be honest, I did 💪). It was
Recap, Recover, Relax & Ready – Week 9 (March 10-16, 2025) Read Post »
Recap, Recover, Relax & Ready, Running Mindset, Weekly RecapFor years, I’ve relied on my trusty Garmin, heart rate zones, and meticulously planned paces to guide my training. Alerts would beep, stats would dictate effort, and the numbers would ultimately decide if a run was ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ But lately, I’ve been experimenting with something radical… Running by feel. I know, I know—sounds risky.
Runnin’ on Feel: Ditching the Data, Trusting the Stride Read Post »
Pacing Strategies, Running MindsetFrom Icebergs to Breakthroughs: A Week of Wins This week had a bit of everything—speed, endurance, unexpected cross-training, and a whole lot of winter surprises. But no matter what Mother Nature threw my way, I kept pushing forward. Here’s how it all went down: Tuesday – IntervalsThe week kicked off with some structured speedwork. Short
03/10/2025 Weekly – Week 8: The Road to Georgina Spring Fling Half Marathon Read Post »
Pacing Strategies, Recap, Recover, Relax & Ready, Weekly Recap, Winter Running