I remember watching the New York City Marathon in November 2018 and getting that hot, bubbly, excited feeling in my brain. I sat glued to the screen as Shalane Flanagan fought to defend her NYC title. When she crossed the finish line in third (Mary Keitany placed first), she gave the packed crowd a wave and said, “I love you. I saw all the runners-more than 52,000 finishers-looking simultaneously exhausted and gleeful. Filled with serious FOMO, I was struck with marathon fever and promptly signed up for a February marathon, which was about 12 weeks away.
For months before this sudden urge to do another 26.2, my running had stagnated. A major cross-country move, too much CrossFit, and an achy hamstring left me logging 15 miles per week if I was lucky. It wasn't until I jumped right into the marathon training mindset that I learned an important lesson: Don't ignore base training unless you want to feel deflated or get injured as that big race approaches.
Base training is the one-to two-month period before the four- to six-month marathon training plan begins. It is similar to a marathon training plan in that it has shorter runs on weekdays with one long run on the weekend, and the best base plans will incorporate strength training to build your muscles as you slowly increase mileage.
This story is from the Issue 02, 2022 edition of Runner's World.
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This story is from the Issue 02, 2022 edition of Runner's World.
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Twenty-One Years Ago, He Incarcerated Was for Life. Last Year, He Ran the NYC Marathon a Radically Changed Man.
Rahsaan Thomas rounded a corner.
100 WOMEN. 100 MILES. ONE HISTORIC RECORD.
On June 3, 2023, a group of 100 women came together to reclaim the 100x1-mile relay world record. | It reminded her of what she loved about running in the first place: a tight-knit community of women.
CAN YOUR GARMIN WATCH REPLACE A COACH?
Artificial Intelligence continues to rapidly creep into seemingly every facet of our daily lives. While no amount of computer learning will ever be able to do the actual running for you, there are aspects, like coaching, where AI could have a meaningful impact. In every debate about Al, the conversation almost always includes this question: Is it better than what humans can accomplish? In the case of running, would Coach AI be better than, say, Ed Eyestone, a two-time Olympian and coach of Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, the top two men at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February?
A SHORTLIVED AFFAIR WITH A WALKING BOOT
“Usually, engage in all kinds of activities when start a relationship. With you, Fiking, dancing, and running are clearly of the table.”
HOW TO (NOT) COMPETE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Our first race together was a 5K Color Run. I'm not sure why we signed up, because neither of us was a runner, but in May 2016, my boyfriend of three years, Jonathan, and I showed up to run around the parking lot at Citi Field. It was fun, but I didn't think it would amount to anything.
GAMIFY TRAINING TO MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU
Instead of sticking to an iron-clad structure and numbers, I've tailored it to what motivates me, borrowing from the community around me and learning from their training.
THIS KITCHEN GADGET IS AN UNHERALDED TRAINING TOOL
Not only would the rice cooker help me meal-prep and pile on the carbs, but it was a badge of honor, a commitment to serious training.
REASONS TO RACE BEYOND CHASING A TIME GOAL
It's the determination, joy, and pride I see shine on everyone-a unique light that seems to illuminate most when running races-that brings more meaning to the miles.
A LIFETIME JOURNEY OF FUELING MISTAKES
DURING THE 2023 New York City Marathon, Runner's World set up shop in an empty storefront on West 57th Street with Adidas and hosted three days of inspiring talks, shakeout runs, and shoe demos.
THE ACCIDENTAL JOY OF RUNNING WITHOUT HEADPHONES
I'M FUMING. I rummage through my work tote, turn my workout bag inside out, lift every notebook on my desk, go through the pockets of every piece of clothing in my zone of vision, then my tote again... It's 5 p.m. I'm standing in the middle of the office dressed for a run, but my AirPods are nowhere to be found-and I can't possibly leave without them!
