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Run Faster Marathons: The Proven Path to PR

The Power of Recovery Weeks when Marathon Training

Published by Coach Chris Knighton on

Coach Chris at USATF East Masters Indoor Championships


When was the last time you challenged yourself in a new way?

On Sunday, I tried something I never did before.

I ran in my first ever 3000m race at the USATF Masters East Region Championships!

As a high school coach, my teenage athletes compete over 3K regularly from December to May. But as adult athletes, this is a distance we almost never get the chance to run in.

So when the opportunity arose, I knew I had to take it.

I ran my usual style of race that has been working for me all winter…

I started off conservatively, then moved up from 4th to 1st place over the first 1000m. After that, I had to hold onto the 1st place position for the final 2K.

My friend James gave me a scare in the final 200m with a massive kick from behind me. I had to look back three times and really pick it up, but I managed to hold onto my position and cross the finish line in 1st place with a time of 9:47.

I won a gold medal and am now the USATF Masters Region Champion for 3000m!

Note: I’m only 35, but masters starts much younger for indoor track than it does for other sports. I hope to still be competing like this though when I’m 40, 50, and 60+. It’s so inspiring seeing all the senior athletes competing and the attention they give to “doing all the little things right.”

Today, I have new podcast to share with you about the power of recovery weeks.

Adopting the tactics I explain in this podcast will help keep you healthy and enjoying running as you steadily improve from season to season.

Check it out below!

– Coach Chris

Marathon Running Podcast with Letty and Ryan cover art.



– Episode 193 –
The Marathon Running Podcast
The Power of the 3-Week Build, 1 Week Recovery Cycle
with Coach Chris Knighton

Tune in to unlock the secrets behind the “3-Week Build, 1-Week Recovery Cycle” in marathon training with Coach Chris Knighton — a packed episode with practical insights for elevating your marathon training experience.

Topics we discuss include:
Understanding Periodization
Importance of Recovery Weeks
Personalizing Recovery Weeks
Body Adaptations and Injury Prevention
Optimizing Mileage Reduction
Comprehensive Approach to Recovery
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Plans

Click Here to Listen on Apple Podcasts

Click Here to Listen on Spotify

Categories: Uncategorized

Coach Chris Knighton

Chris Knighton helps passionate athletes run faster marathons. He is the founder and head coach of Knighton Runs Marathon Coaching and has been featured in Runner's World and Women's Running. His first book, "Run Faster Marathons: The Proven Path to PR" is available now on Amazon. Chris lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his family.



Recommended Running Products

Running Shoes - Brooks Launch Running Shoes - I have been wearing these running shoes for years. I've easily worn through over a dozen pairs. They are light, fast, well-cushioned, and very affordable. They are perfect for easy days, long runs, and marathon-training workouts.

GPS Running Watch - Garmin Forerunner 45 - I love Garmin watches. If you do not yet own a GPS running watch, buy one now. This model is small and lightweight, making it perfect for running fast and racing. GPS watches are one of the best tools you have to monitor and improve your running. Getting my first Garmin helped get me hooked on this sport.

Identification Safety Bracelet - Road ID Silicone Wristband - I never leave home without my Road ID. It's engraved with My Name, Year of Birth, Allergies, City of Residence, and Emergency Contact Info for my wife and dad. Wearing my Road ID allows me to leave my driver's license at home when I run and have peace of mind.

Energy Gels - GU Energy "Tastefully Nude" Flavor - GU Energy Gels are my go-to fuel for marathon training. I suggest taking one every 30 to 45 minutes during long runs, half marathons, and marathons. The "tastefully nude" flavor is easy to get down and has a mild sweet taste.

Protein Powder - Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder - It's critically important to refuel after a workout or long run within 30-minutes of completion. Making a smoothie or shake with Momentous Protein Powder is an easy and healthy way to jump start your recovery process. Their chocolate flavor is delicious even when mixed with just water.

Anti-Chafe Balm - Body Glide Original Balm - Better safe than sorry! I rub Body Glide balm all over my feet and "sensitive" areas before any important race, workout, or long run. Save yourself from nasty blisters, chafing, or bleeding with a little lubricant.

Recovery Tool - ProStretch Calf Stretcher - This one is a curve ball! My wife introduced me to this tool after I developed tight calves from running. The ProStrech Calf Stretcher can help you get a deeper and more effective stretch than conventional methods. This improved flexibility and range of motion may help relieve, rehab and alleviate plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tight calves and achilles tendonitis, as well as enhance overall performance.

The links above are affiliate links, meaning if you click through on a link and buy a product I may earn a small commission. This has not influenced the products I listed here at all, but buying through these links is a nice small way for you to support what I do.




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