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Podcast #36 | Why Finding Balance is More Important Than Working Hard

Striking the balance between hard work and recovery is essential to improving as a runner. Most athletes struggle to find the right ratio between stress and rest, which often leads them down a path of wasted energy, into plateaus, and towards injury. In this episode, Coach Chris Knighton explains the balance you need to find to become a stronger and faster marathoner.

This is the first episode in a series on the essential concepts of marathon training.

By Coach Chris Knighton, ago

The 4 Best Shoes for Marathon Running

If there is something runners understand well, it’s that not all running shoes are the same. Each pair has to offer a combination of protection, durability, and energy conservation so runners can experience the thrill of achieving high speeds without worrying about the risk of injury.

In order to tackle these problems, different brands have developed different proprietary technologies, creating excellent running shoes for different occasions. Here are a few of my favorite pairs for marathon running and why they’re so special.

By Coach Chris Knighton, ago

31 | Can You Still PR After 16 Marathons?

Have you been running for years but not seeing improvements in your finish times? For many all it requires is taking the mental leap from “casual runner” to “being an athlete,” to make massive improvements. This Fall, I teamed up with two athletes who went on to run their 16th and 18th marathons, yet managed to PR but 10 minutes and 20 minutes each. Even if you’ve been running for years, it’s amazing how rapidly improvements come when you get on a better training path.

By Coach Chris Knighton, ago

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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Run Faster Marathons: The Proven Path to PR