If you could talk one-on-one with a running coach, what would you ask him/her? I’m considering a newsletter feature in which we take real questions you guys have about your own running/training and pose them to a coach, which we’d then publish as a regular podcast/interview. What do you think? — Terrell
I can’t seem to get faster. Even though I’m older, I want to get at least a little faster. I’m doing everything I’m told to do. Stretching, running hills, doing at least 20 miles a week, taking vitamins, everything. I just can’t seem to run faster.
When you are running down a hill, do you back off to save something for the hill you know is coming or do you let it pull you down no matter how fast it is?
Hi Terrell. I started running when I was 53. Right now I am 57 years old. I become a runner by medical recommendation and I guess it was the best advice because I feel well and all diseases has gone. In a few days I will participate in Buenos Aires Marathon and I has been following a App's trainning plan. I hope to finish and getting my PB. My question is about foods, vitamins and hydration metods for elder runners for example using electrolytes and minerals. Thanks
Is it really possible for me to run a marathon, and how do I get there? Right now my long run each week is 10 miles, and I just ran my first half marathon. I loved it, but a marathon seems kind of impossible to imagine... of course a half was too once.
Wow Terrell you have your work cut out for you now! My question would be: how can I mix in trail running while I am training for a road race - half marathon?
I saw the response posted to the question - How do I get faster. The response from the running coach you interviewed made no sense. If you want to run faster times at races you need to incorporate speed work in your training. Every coach will tell you that. Of course you have to be thoughtful about your approach to speed work. But without a doubt to get faster you should do tempo, interval and fartlek runs.
What an awesome idea - I don't even know where to start with questions - but I'm loving all the ones I'm seeing and look forward to learning from what the coaches say! Thanks Terrell!
I'm a new nurse working 12 nights and can't figure out a new running schedule to fit into these eshausting shifts. Should I run when I get home at 8:30 am after the 12 hr shift or try and run before I go back into work? Either way, I'm only getting 4-5 hrs. of sleep. I use to run 5 days a week and now I'm lucky to get 2 days:(
I’d love to know more about how to start running! I have completed several half marathons using a combination of running and walking, but I still struggle with running a mile without stopping. I’ve tried slowing down, but then I feel more like I’m bouncing in place and that it would be faster to walk (it is, I measured). I’d love some suggestions!
I understand you are not a Doctor(and all Doctors also have a different opinion). In your experience as a running coach Have you had anyone run with bulging or herniated discs in their back? If so, were they able to keep running?
Nutrition- What is important before, during, and after a race ? What if you have a sensitive stomach? I have not had success with any supplements during a race except for oranges and bananas. Gu's , Honey Stingers, and Gatorade drops make me nauseous.
As I've gotten older, the height of my stride is shallower, though my pace is about the same. I know I can lengthen my stride by pushing off more on the backside, what helps recover some of the knee height?
I would like to know what is recommended for refueling as you are running longer distances. I’m overwhelmed by the internet suggestions on nutrition for runners. I am struggling with getting past about 8 miles without feeling completely drained. I brought a protein bar on my last long run, but it made me nauseous. And I’m in South Louisiana where it’s in the 90’s even at 7:30 am...the sweat is unbelievable.
What should be the pace for long run relative to marathon goal pace? Most articles say 1-2 min slower but there are some programs that have runners run long runs at marathon pace to get used to that pace.
I am new to running and don't even know what proper running form is. I'm sure there is a whole lot to it, but what advice would you give to a beginner? Thanks
How to strength train and run in the same week? For example I never know how much I should be lifting when doing leg presses? Should I lift until I am fatigued? If so is it ok to run the next day? At this rate I would not have any recovery time
I would love to know best practices for strength training. There's so much different information out there, and I know that working on strength helps with speed and fending off injury, but I don't know which way to go with it. I was working with a personal trainer who was not a runner, and ended up injured. So I would love to know how I strength train with the goal of supporting and improving my running.
In my prime I ran 7:30s pretty easily but now (age 63) I struggle to run 10 minute miles. What can I do to improve my speed; and my right foot turns out a bit (I think because my knees would knock if I didn't). Is that something that should be corrected or just go with it?
I am with Vincent on form improvement and also increasing speed. I do not like that my speed makes daily or practice runs take longer than I want them to.
Getting faster in the older age group along with proper nutrition seem to be of importance with our group. I'm in the 60-64 age group so I'm improving my race times, but not through speed per se. I work to increase my stamina/endurance and keep improving my hill running. I've never had any speed, so I can't lose what I never had !
I may not need a running coach for this, but something new is happening with my toes when I run a long distance(for me anyway). I'm training for the Fox Cities half marathon (my 8th) on September 22nd. When I get to about 8 miles, my toes begin to fall asleep and one of my toes on my left foot begins to ache and builds to a hurt so bad it brings me to walk and almost limp. I am otherwise a healthy 62 year old female. What could that be and how can I prevent it?
How to train in between races? For example, you just finished a race and your next race is 6 months out. How do you maintain your fitness level without practicing at race mode constantly?
How do I know I have the right running form? I want to make sure I'm running correctly, landing correctly, have a good cadence, and doing what I can to avoid injury as I'm preparing for half marathons (eventually hopefully a full as well). I've been looking to get a running coach to help with just this. I had major back surgery almost 4 years ago and was told I would never be able to run so having completed a half marathon is a huge accomplishment for me. I still suffer from some back pain after a few miles but I know how to manage through the pain, however, I also can get pain in my abductors/hip flexors,, knee pain and/or shin splints. I've gotten a Garmin watch to monitor my cadence, pace, etc. but I'm mainly concerned about my form and posture and that I'm doing it correctly still being a newer runner (little over a year of experience).
I'm 54 and 7:30 pace feels like 7:00 pace used to feel. I'm not OK with that. I think the cause is reduced mileage which I'm doing to try to extend my running life. Knock on wood I have no hip or knee issues at this point and would like to be able to run til I'm 100. I run 4 miles on a treadmill descending from 7:30 to 6:30 or 6:00 minute pace. then 5 or 6 on Thursday between 7:00 to 7:30 pace. Sunday is longer from 10 to13 miles but usually much slower because I run with my friends. maybe 9 minute pace.Is the Sunday run hurting my fitness or do I need to add a 4th day of running? The goal is to run a 1:30 half.
I am an interval runner. I run 4 minutes and walk 1. How do I get to where I run without stopping? Or do the majority of runners stop for rest breaks? I am also a half marathoner and would like to do at least 1 full marathon in my life, but I sometimes think it may be impossible. I do not know if I have the time to train for a full.
I know I need to change how I run- in terms of foot-strike. I just don't know how to change it after running that way for so long. How do you go about changing your foot-strike and is it better to practice on a treadmill to change it or on the road. And should I start with smaller distances when trying to make the change or just go for my usual run and work on it?
I get really back calf cramps if I don’t take walking breaks. How do I mitigate calf cramps and build up my endurance to run longer distances in between walking?
My naturopath doc has me on a ketogenic diet because my hormones went wacko and I gained weight, postmenopausal. I'm down 25 lbs (20 to go) and I started trail running again a few months ago. I'm training for my first 1/2--not for speed, just to finish. I'm craving carbs and not able to stay on keto. What to do? Can one be a runner AND eat a low-carb diet?
Friday Open Thread: What would you ask a running coach?
Love the idea, Terrell. The question I would submit, similar to what others have asked, is how to get faster when you’re in the 45+ age group.
How do I get faster over a long distance? I have gotten down to a 9:15-9:30 mark in short races, but would like to hold that through a 13.1
I can’t seem to get faster. Even though I’m older, I want to get at least a little faster. I’m doing everything I’m told to do. Stretching, running hills, doing at least 20 miles a week, taking vitamins, everything. I just can’t seem to run faster.
These are all fantastic questions, guys!
Talk to me about breathing. I am a mouth breather and have tried unsuccessfully to be a nose breather. What are your thoughts ?
I’m in my late 40’s. I’m wondering how running will change for me as I age.
When you are running down a hill, do you back off to save something for the hill you know is coming or do you let it pull you down no matter how fast it is?
Hi Terrell. I started running when I was 53. Right now I am 57 years old. I become a runner by medical recommendation and I guess it was the best advice because I feel well and all diseases has gone. In a few days I will participate in Buenos Aires Marathon and I has been following a App's trainning plan. I hope to finish and getting my PB. My question is about foods, vitamins and hydration metods for elder runners for example using electrolytes and minerals. Thanks
I have about 70lbs to lose. How should I start out? I used to be a runner but never had to restart at being this over weight.
Is it really possible for me to run a marathon, and how do I get there? Right now my long run each week is 10 miles, and I just ran my first half marathon. I loved it, but a marathon seems kind of impossible to imagine... of course a half was too once.
For me since I'm gearing up for a marathon, how and when do you incorporate speed work into your weekly mileage.
Wow Terrell you have your work cut out for you now! My question would be: how can I mix in trail running while I am training for a road race - half marathon?
Great idea. My question would be about treatment and recovery time from sports hernia. What is the treatment and how long is recovery?
I saw the response posted to the question - How do I get faster. The response from the running coach you interviewed made no sense. If you want to run faster times at races you need to incorporate speed work in your training. Every coach will tell you that. Of course you have to be thoughtful about your approach to speed work. But without a doubt to get faster you should do tempo, interval and fartlek runs.
Thank you Bill, Ed, and Dave.
What an awesome idea - I don't even know where to start with questions - but I'm loving all the ones I'm seeing and look forward to learning from what the coaches say! Thanks Terrell!
If I am a vegetarian, what diet plan should I follow to prep for long distance running?
I'm a new nurse working 12 nights and can't figure out a new running schedule to fit into these eshausting shifts. Should I run when I get home at 8:30 am after the 12 hr shift or try and run before I go back into work? Either way, I'm only getting 4-5 hrs. of sleep. I use to run 5 days a week and now I'm lucky to get 2 days:(
What is your opinion of the Galloway method of running?
How do you train for a hilly marathon when you dont have access to hills? Florida here
I’d love to know more about how to start running! I have completed several half marathons using a combination of running and walking, but I still struggle with running a mile without stopping. I’ve tried slowing down, but then I feel more like I’m bouncing in place and that it would be faster to walk (it is, I measured). I’d love some suggestions!
I understand you are not a Doctor(and all Doctors also have a different opinion). In your experience as a running coach Have you had anyone run with bulging or herniated discs in their back? If so, were they able to keep running?
I would ask "what can I do to improve my running form?"
I'd love to learn more about how to fuel on rest days in order to maximize recovery & muscle building.
How do I get my wife out of bed at 4 am to take me to the start without complaining? (just kidding).
Nutrition- What is important before, during, and after a race ? What if you have a sensitive stomach? I have not had success with any supplements during a race except for oranges and bananas. Gu's , Honey Stingers, and Gatorade drops make me nauseous.
As I've gotten older, the height of my stride is shallower, though my pace is about the same. I know I can lengthen my stride by pushing off more on the backside, what helps recover some of the knee height?
I would like to know what is recommended for refueling as you are running longer distances. I’m overwhelmed by the internet suggestions on nutrition for runners. I am struggling with getting past about 8 miles without feeling completely drained. I brought a protein bar on my last long run, but it made me nauseous. And I’m in South Louisiana where it’s in the 90’s even at 7:30 am...the sweat is unbelievable.
What should be the pace for long run relative to marathon goal pace? Most articles say 1-2 min slower but there are some programs that have runners run long runs at marathon pace to get used to that pace.
I am new to running and don't even know what proper running form is. I'm sure there is a whole lot to it, but what advice would you give to a beginner? Thanks
Training techniques to improve my time - up a hill, when motivation flags, different pacing at different times during the race, etc.
How to strength train and run in the same week? For example I never know how much I should be lifting when doing leg presses? Should I lift until I am fatigued? If so is it ok to run the next day? At this rate I would not have any recovery time
How important is it to do speed training and how often I do a lot of hills
I would ask for advice on improving my running posture and also about breathing techniques.
I would love to know best practices for strength training. There's so much different information out there, and I know that working on strength helps with speed and fending off injury, but I don't know which way to go with it. I was working with a personal trainer who was not a runner, and ended up injured. So I would love to know how I strength train with the goal of supporting and improving my running.
Any suggestions on how to train to increase endurance? I’m 66, completed 4 1/2 marathons and am training for my first marathon.
Thanks!
In my prime I ran 7:30s pretty easily but now (age 63) I struggle to run 10 minute miles. What can I do to improve my speed; and my right foot turns out a bit (I think because my knees would knock if I didn't). Is that something that should be corrected or just go with it?
I am with Vincent on form improvement and also increasing speed. I do not like that my speed makes daily or practice runs take longer than I want them to.
Getting faster in the older age group along with proper nutrition seem to be of importance with our group. I'm in the 60-64 age group so I'm improving my race times, but not through speed per se. I work to increase my stamina/endurance and keep improving my hill running. I've never had any speed, so I can't lose what I never had !
I may not need a running coach for this, but something new is happening with my toes when I run a long distance(for me anyway). I'm training for the Fox Cities half marathon (my 8th) on September 22nd. When I get to about 8 miles, my toes begin to fall asleep and one of my toes on my left foot begins to ache and builds to a hurt so bad it brings me to walk and almost limp. I am otherwise a healthy 62 year old female. What could that be and how can I prevent it?
How to train in between races? For example, you just finished a race and your next race is 6 months out. How do you maintain your fitness level without practicing at race mode constantly?
How do I know I have the right running form? I want to make sure I'm running correctly, landing correctly, have a good cadence, and doing what I can to avoid injury as I'm preparing for half marathons (eventually hopefully a full as well). I've been looking to get a running coach to help with just this. I had major back surgery almost 4 years ago and was told I would never be able to run so having completed a half marathon is a huge accomplishment for me. I still suffer from some back pain after a few miles but I know how to manage through the pain, however, I also can get pain in my abductors/hip flexors,, knee pain and/or shin splints. I've gotten a Garmin watch to monitor my cadence, pace, etc. but I'm mainly concerned about my form and posture and that I'm doing it correctly still being a newer runner (little over a year of experience).
What a fantastic idea! Fueling. Fueling. Fueling. I just haven’t found the secret bullet for me yet.
I would ask, how to keep my breathing under control. I go out of breath & this causes me to slow down and walk. TIA
I'm 54 and 7:30 pace feels like 7:00 pace used to feel. I'm not OK with that. I think the cause is reduced mileage which I'm doing to try to extend my running life. Knock on wood I have no hip or knee issues at this point and would like to be able to run til I'm 100. I run 4 miles on a treadmill descending from 7:30 to 6:30 or 6:00 minute pace. then 5 or 6 on Thursday between 7:00 to 7:30 pace. Sunday is longer from 10 to13 miles but usually much slower because I run with my friends. maybe 9 minute pace.Is the Sunday run hurting my fitness or do I need to add a 4th day of running? The goal is to run a 1:30 half.
I am an interval runner. I run 4 minutes and walk 1. How do I get to where I run without stopping? Or do the majority of runners stop for rest breaks? I am also a half marathoner and would like to do at least 1 full marathon in my life, but I sometimes think it may be impossible. I do not know if I have the time to train for a full.
I know I need to change how I run- in terms of foot-strike. I just don't know how to change it after running that way for so long. How do you go about changing your foot-strike and is it better to practice on a treadmill to change it or on the road. And should I start with smaller distances when trying to make the change or just go for my usual run and work on it?
How do I manage my piriformis issues? Am I running "wrong"? Not stretching enough? What gives?
I get really back calf cramps if I don’t take walking breaks. How do I mitigate calf cramps and build up my endurance to run longer distances in between walking?
My naturopath doc has me on a ketogenic diet because my hormones went wacko and I gained weight, postmenopausal. I'm down 25 lbs (20 to go) and I started trail running again a few months ago. I'm training for my first 1/2--not for speed, just to finish. I'm craving carbs and not able to stay on keto. What to do? Can one be a runner AND eat a low-carb diet?