A well below par performance and crumbling under pressure does not have to be the end of all your running dreams. It is possible to bounce back even better and turn failure into a learning experience to help you grow. There are 4 steps to follow to come back stronger: 1. Anger and Disappointment A …
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Yoga or Running
The quote below was read out in my yoga class and I was immediately struck by how it could apply to running as well, so I adapted it by changing the yoga specific words to words for running. I think it works well. What do you think? “Each run is a journey. Endeavour to move …
Keeping a Running Journal
A link in a running email today reminded me how important it is to keep a running diary, not just a log of distance and times, but a record of how it felt, what you want to improve and what you have learnt. I stopped keeping one during lockdown, when there were few goals and …
Do Runners Need to stretch?
Runners require enough flexibility to run with an efficient stride, but there have been several research studies recently that have shown it may not be as beneficial as many think for injury prevention and improved performance. A recent review published in 2020 suggests that there was no difference to overall injury rate related to including …
Running through the Menopause
Everyone is different and will have a different experience of the menopause, but I thought it might be of interest to share my own personal experience. I’m not quite there yet, but clearly in perimenopause and getting close to flat lining on my hormones, I think. In everyday life I have noticed that I have …
Post Run Yoga Stretching Routine
This is a short sequence of yoga moves that makes a great post run stretching routine to help your body be ready for the next running session. Each position should be held for 3-5 long, slow breaths and nothing should be painful. If any stretches hurt then back off in the stretch or skip that …
The Best Running Races in the World (that I’ve done)
1. London Marathon: One of the World’s biggest marathons, taking runners past major tourist attractions like the Tower of London, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. It is very well organised and there are huge crowds offering support from start to finish. Great atmosphere, fast course, the only down side is that it is hard …
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First Ultra Race Training Checklist
If you are preparing for a first Ultra race there are some vital sessions to add to plenty of running, to ensure a successful finish. In fact these could be even more important than running a long way in training. Your ultra pace will be very easy and relaxed. What is most likely to prevent …
ChaChaCha and training for mountain races without mountains
I have just returned from successfully completing the epic 64k ChaChaCha Ultra race in the Swiss Alps: http://chachacharun.com As I had never run this far before, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to complete it. I also have the added problem of not living anywhere near a mountain! I have run some shorter …
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Lydiard Extended Base Building
As I see it there are 3 sensible options for run training during a lockdown. Just do whatever makes you happy and keeps some fitness. Work on weaknesses like strength and speed. An extended endurance building phase as recommended by Arthur Lydiard. What is a Lydiard Base building phase? Arthur Lydiard was a famous New …
Running Tips by Coach Julie 