Team HillRunner.com: 2019 Al’s Run
It’s that time of the year again! Time to sign up for Al’s Run with Team HillRunner.com!
…There are no magic paces (or black holes)
Back in the 1990s, a lot of runners talked about running at VO2max pace or lactate threshold pace or some other specific pace. We were told that you needed to run at that specific pace in order to get the best benefit from a workout. If you ran between these magical paces, you were putting in extra effort for no added benefit.
How right were we about those things, though?
…Foam rollers, sleep, caffeine
This month, I’d like to focus on three topics I came across that I found particularly interesting.
I’m a fan of foam rollers and have my thoughts based on personal experience on what they seem to do but what do they really do? How do they actually help?
How does a lack of sleep affect you? What can the differences between sleep patterns of people who live on opposite sides of time zones tell us about that?
What should you do to best take advantage of the benefits of caffeine on race day?
…Are your PRs in the past?
A couple of weeks ago, I ran my first half marathon in 14 years.
Why did I go 14 years without running a half marathon? After the race, I was thinking out loud about that while talking with some people and I think I came upon the most likely reason: I’m having trouble adjusting to getting slower.
Take a lesson from me: when your PRs are in the past, don’t do what I did. As hard as it is, accept that and keep challenging yourself.
…Spring is here! Don’t get too excited
Spring is such a great time to be a runner. After putting in the work through the frigid weather, snow and ice, we get clear roads and trails and perfect temperatures! How can a runner not be excited for spring to come?
Just be careful about how excited you get about spring.
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