Many runners rely on their gadgets to determine training zones. Worse, they stick with whatever their watch spits out, which is often based on the outdated and wildly inaccurate formula of Max HR = 220 – age. Because the formula is relying on statistical averages, it’s imprecise and worthless for individualized training; it can send […]
I first encountered this idea while reading Fast After 50 by coach Joe Friel. In that book, he described how aging athletes don’t necessarily lose the capacity for hard training, but instead they lose the capacity to recover quickly from it. For some time I was in denial about my capacity to recover. I maintained […]
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable rise in doctor-influencers — i.e., medical professionals with large social media followings who offer advice on everything from diet to training regimens. On the surface, we may be saying to ourselves: Finally, health information from “credible” sources instead of anecdotal tales from random internet personalities. While doctors bring […]
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen or been asked the same question: “How do I start running?” It usually comes with a hint of hesitation. Some feel too old, too slow, or too unsure. Others think they need to buy all the right gear before they can even begin. That’s understandable — […]
Those who follow me know I’m not a big fan of heart rate training zones—especially when it comes to identifying whether you’re in the aerobic zone (Zone 2). I almost always recommend the “talk test” over any chest strap or wrist-based heart rate monitor. Many of the runners I coach have made great progress by […]
Still running. Still learning. Now writing more. If you’ve followed me on Facebook, you already know a bit of my story — the running tips and advice, the reflections and occasional rants (especially about toxic run groups), and the thoughts I share after each race, whether it’s a PR or a learning or a personal […]
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