Training

There is an unspoken expectation in the running and walking community that everyone should eventually move up in distance. It often starts with a 5K, then the assumption becomes a 10K, followed by a half marathon, and ultimately up the “distance escalator” to a full marathon. While those longer distances are incredible accomplishments, they are not the

Summer running is about more than simply dealing with higher temperatures. The real challenge is how your body manages the heat it produces while you exercise. Our bodies lose more than half of the energy as heat when we make fuel (ATP) for metabolism. This efficiency drops further during physical activity, leading to greater heat

One of the biggest mistakes runners make at the beginning of a training cycle is setting goals based on “ghost fitness.” It’s easy to remember the personal best you ran a few years ago or focus on the pace you hope to achieve in the future. The challenge is that neither of those reflects where

One of the biggest challenges in training is learning to respect where you are today. When motivation is high and a new goal is on the calendar, it is easy to become overzealous and try to accelerate the process. Many runners and walkers fall into the trap of believing that more is always better, pushing

Train smart. Build strong. Race ready. Whether you’re training for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon or 1/2 Half Marathon, or another fall goal race, this is the time to start building with purpose. Columbus Westside Running Club and the RUNColumbus Race Series are teaming up to help you get there with confidence. The Fall

Monday marks the start of an 18-week training cycle for The Columbus Marathon! The start of a training cycle is exciting. Race registrations are being completed, goals are beginning to take shape, and the miles ahead are filled with possibilities. While many athletes view Week 1 as the beginning of training, successful race preparation actually starts

One of the cornerstones of successful training is routine. Consistency and pattern help us stay on track, making it easier to accumulate the days, weeks, and months of training that ultimately lead to progress. The challenge is that life does not always cooperate with our preferred schedule. Work commitments, family obligations, travel, weather, and race

Many runners and walkers consider the first day of a training plan the start of training. In reality, a successful training cycle begins well before day one. Think of building a house. The roof cannot be installed until the walls are built, and the walls cannot go up until a solid foundation is in place.

Running and walking in warmer temps changes the challenge completely. Heat and humidity place additional stress on the body even when your pace stays exactly the same. Every step we take creates heat through the energy required to move. On cooler days, the body can regulate its temperature more efficiently, which is why the same

One of the biggest misconceptions in running and walking is that success comes down to toughness alone. In reality, having the right gear can dramatically improve comfort, confidence, and consistency. Shoes are the foundation of every step you take, and the “best” shoe is not the most expensive or most popular model. The right shoe