Marathon training and half marathon training
Marathon training: Whether you are a veteran at marathon running or at the beginning of your marathon training, the articles below are for you. Running marathons is not a light-hearted undertaking, so take your marathon training seriously… To browse our library of free sports training articles, browse using the categories on the left or use the search box.
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Articles
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Improve your distance-running performance
Explosive type strength training enhances distance-running performance
Allergy Information for Marathon Athletes
Probiotics don’t help reduce pollen allergy in marathon runners
Body Fat and Running Performance
Optimum Running Performance and Body Fat Levels
Time Efficient Running - run less to run faster?
Running efficiency training ideas
Allergic rhinitis in endurance athletes
High Sodium Drinks: Sodium, plasma and performance
Slow Training: Why long, slow training runs may be best after all
Caffeine dehydration : Caffeine and alcohol - just how dehydrating are they?
Hydration : How to calculate your personal fluid needs
Gastric Emptying : How variable-intensity exercise slows gastric emptying
Muscle Cramps : No link between hydration and cramps
Pressure: Choking under pressure
Marathon world record: The day of the two-hour marathon
Glycerol - can it help athletes stay hydrated?
Distance running veterans - Is ageing inevitable - or simply the result of 'detraining'?
scientific training | marathon training
Scientific training: How one former couch potato found a talent and then called on the appliance of science to become an elite performer
Marathon runners: Metabolic markers of peak performance
Carbohydrate drinks: Carbohydrates and perceived exertion
London marathon: Lies, damned lies and statistics: what we know about the incidence of injury, illness and death in the London Marathon
A marathon training schedule for the non-specialist, which has been tested in the lab and on the roads
Marathon injuries: Injury risks for marathon 'virgins'
Choline: Supplements of this essential compound have helped swimmers, basketball players and distance runners
Beyond the marathon
Running Economy 2: A brief history of the strengthening of the economy, and why it matters
Swimmers' immune systems tumble in response to competition; glutamine doesn't help, but sugar does.
Sports science of the future - Here's an exclusive report on a world-record attempt made in (or about) the year 2025
PMT and performance
Exercise And Immunity: How your diet affects your immune system when you train
The True Effects of Various Workouts - and How to Answer that Key Question: What Do I Do on Monday?
Half Marathon Training: The key to improving your half-marathon times is in your 10K running.
Dehydration And Performance: We've said it before and we'll say it again: even on cool days, dehydration can seriously damage your performance. Here's a guide to avoiding it
Haile Gebrselassie | London Marathon | Sports Drinks
Haile Gebrselassie - How Fast Might Geb Have Run the London Marathon with the Help of a Good Sports Drink?
marathon training schedules and workouts
Marathon Training Schedules - If you're planning to run a marathon, here's what to do in the crucial four weeks before it
abdominal muscle exercises, lower back pain exercises and injury prevention
Whether you aim to run a marathon, perform step aerobics, scrummage for Harlequins, or cycle the London to Brighton, you shouldn't neglect a proper conditioning routine as part of your training if you want to achieve muscular balance and avoid injury.
stretching and the risk of injury 2
Stretching And The Risk Of Injury 2: Okay, but does stretching really lower the risk of injury? Here's what science says
800 Metres: Coaches and runners are confused about how to train optimally for 800-metre racing, and with good reason. After all, there's a wealth of scientific information about training for 400 metres, 5000 metres, 10,000 metres, and the marathon, but almost no research has been done concerning 800-metre training. As a result, thoughts about 800 preparations tend to be long on philosophy and anecdote -and short on fact
Marathon Carbohydrates: Which works best before and during a marathon: carbs in liquid or solid form?
Distance Events: The risks of going long: when the super-fit endurance athlete turns into the heart attack victim
periodisation training techniques
Periodisation Training Techniques 2: If you want to improve your performances, you can't train the same way all the time
Fluid Replacement: Regular topping-up is far more than a matter of just quenching thirst.
Respiratory Training
hamstring exercises | hamstring stretches
Hamstring exercises: How to keep your hamstrings in tune and singing sweetly
Bodybuilders: myths about nutrition
Bodybuilders: Myths About Nutrition: How do bodybuilders keep going on this diet of myths and contradictions?
brain | vital organs | exercise fatigue 2
The governor: how the brain protects your vital organs by inducing exercise fatigue
Training Volume: Long workouts and fast twitch muscles - a nice combination
Overspeed Training: Does making your legs work faster than normal actually make you a quicker athlete?
Sport-specific Training: The ultimate training programme: an indispensable year plan for runners
Marathon Drinking: How many drinks stations can you afford to miss in a marathon?
Nutrition for soccer players: How soccer players can overcome the second-half slump.
400m workouts | marathon workouts
These are the 'golden' workouts for the key distances from 400m to the marathon
Stored Elastic Energy: Imagine the athletes' muscles are like the rubbery part of a catapult...
Here's an exclusive report on a world-record attempt made in (or about) the year 2025
Tapering - pre-competition training
endurance athletes immune systems
Endurance Athletes Immune Systems: Endurance athletes who swill a carbohydrate drink are not only helping their muscles but also their immune systems.
High speed running tests | marathon
High-speed running tests are excellent predictors of marathon finishing time
Running Economy 1: Here are some of the things your mum forgot to tell you about putting one foot in front of the other
Pre-workout Stretching: Does stretching before a workout increase the risk of injury?
half-marathon workouts | 5K workouts | training
Half-marathon and 5K workouts - These are the 'golden workouts' for success in the 5K and the half-marathon
If you suspect your immune system is getting flabby, toughen it up with nutrients.
Sports Supplements: Experts determine what's really in bee pollen - but does the stuff actually work?
athletes' lungs | training | asthma | lung diseases
How training takes its toll on athletes' lungs
Veteran Runners: improve your foot speed
Endurance Athletes Workouts: You may (mistakenly) think this training method is old hat, but it is brilliant for endurance athletes. Here are a couple of suggested workouts
Race Pacing
Marathon workouts - If you're planning to run a marathon, here's what to do in the crucial four weeks before it
Caffeine: Endurance cyclists, triathletes, skiers, and runners still take caffeine before their long-distance efforts, even though no study has ever linked the nerve-jangling chemical with heightened competitive performances over marathon-type distances.
Marathon training mistakes - Here are some of the most common marathon mistakes, and how to avoid them
Preparing for your first marathon
Preparing For Your First Marathon: If you're planning to run your first marathon this year, as more and more people are, what should you do to prepare for it properly? Experts disagree on the exact details, but it's safe to say that the "more is better" philosophy is currently holding sway.
Creatine Effects: A man who is showing athletes how to use advances in sports nutrition to produce dramatic improvements in their performances.
Metabolism: You do have a 'fat-burning zone', but do you really want to go there to burn off fat?
Endurance Running: The slippery problem of taking in sustenance when you're on the move.
Marathon Winner: The remarkable schedule of the girl who won the New York Marathon.
Sports Psychology - Thought Control
Sports Psychology - Thought Control
Speed workouts | speed exercises
Speed Work and speed exercises: Speed work does not mean drudgery on the track, and it should never be "rubbish speed"!
Endurance athletes illnesses: Anti oxidants may lower risk of respiratory tract infections in endurance athletes.
Running Efficiency
Nutrition for Football Players | Football Diet
Diet and nutrition for football players: How soccer players can overcome the second-half slump.
endurance training | hill training
Endurance training: hill training for endurance
Rehydration and fluid balance: are athletes in danger of going too far?
Questions
What is a good training program for a 48 hour, 100km walk?
I'm looking at undertaking a 100km walk, which must be completed in 48 hours,in about 10 months time. My aim is to complete the walk in about 30 hours.
How do I recover from illiotibial syndrome?
I do stretching and I've been training pretty hard, so I think I got the itlb from overtraining.
I need to put on 2lb (it's a long story) but am in the middle of trying to tone my stomach by the time i go on holiday in 8 1/2 weeks time.
What are good supersets for improving races of 800, 1500, and 3000m.
I've never done supersets before but I hear it is awesome and I want to imrpove dramatically.
What do you think of the Peak Performance Premium area? (!)
As the main provider of information in this area, I'd like to find out what you think about the videos and the articles in particular.
I don't take creatine. I'm a marathoner, ironman finisher, endurance athlete. Last couple of physicals I have had, my blood work shows my creatine (kinase?) level as being high.
What would be the best long distance training routine for me?
I am 41 yrs old and have been running 3-6 miles 3-4 time a week for years.
1st Marathon, need help training
Any advice on training for your first marathon
I have just done the SHAPE half marathon (Sat 12 Apr) and had a fairly good run, it took me 1 hr 35 mins and came 16th out of 300 runners.
What does "Whey Protein" do for you?
I know people who out it in fruit smoothies or energy drinks, but wat is it and what does it do?
Effect of gender stereotypes on sporting goals/achievements?
any thoughts towards this topic? do you know of any articles i can read up on? thanks so much for your time
I have been training twice a day 5 days a week alternating from core/bodyweight routines and running (mix of track and long) in preperation for a 1/2 marathon April 12th.
Does pushing into the ground harder toss you higher or forward faster
One technique being taught is to toe off. Everyone toes off, so it is not clear what they mean by toe off to run faster.
Gait and long distance running
I've watched a few marathons and see that some runners have great form towards the end while others have terrible form and are all hunched over with their upper bodies basically falling forward.
I supinate a lot and now that I'm training for a marathon, I'm noticing more and more that my sneakers really aren't a good fit or model for me.
What should I do to run Athen's Marathon this year in 3 hours?
I used to be a middle distance runner for 7 years,my 800m PB=1:56min,my 1500m PB=4:00min,and my 3000m steple PB=9:15min, I quit 5 years ago and at the same time i start smoking, I quit smoking 2 month
As a teenager would they affect your hormones?
How much time do you think is required to train effectively for an Ironman? A first one, that is. I also work full-time. Anyone ever done one?
What is the latest training Fad and does it actually work. Im really interested in the ones that do.
I have started using a sauna in an effort to get that acclimatization effect which includes and improved sweat response and increased blood volume.
The literature states that as you sleep you release growth hormone which repairs and restores your body. This occurs after roughly 60min of sleep. If you have interrupted sleep i.e.
How do I improve my fitness fast?
I need to improve my fitness asap......
Have you ever had a bad experience with Caffeine? My HR goes through the roof at relatively low doses, why is this?
How can I train to prevent Achilles tendinites - training programme;
I am 48 year old woman; has one several marathons and ultra marathons. Run *- 3H40 marathon. HAve been physically active my whole life- cannot live without sport / adventure.
I have dificulty shaping the lower part of my stomach. What exercise can I do to reach that area.
Hi all, I have been taught that drinking cool water will actually lowers one's hard trained stamina. Which means, to maximize your stamina training, it is recommended to stop drinking anything cool.
How do you tell if you have shin splints. I have a pain in my left leg above my ankle, but I don't know what it is.
Chafing for more than one hour run.
Hi, whenever I run more than one hour, my right armpit will start to pain due to chafing. If I run longer than 1 and a half hour, my left armpit chafing will starts.
Is there anything as good as the old Ralgex stick?
Long ago, when I was a teenager, I was continually getting little injuries until I discovered the Ralgex stick and that then used to miraculously keep my muscles in working order.
Any insight into Collagen supplementation and joint support?
I've heard that collagen is a good choice for joint support/maintenance. Some argue better that glucosamine/chondroitin. Any advice???
Are the eas myplex drinks good?
is eas myoplex good for your body does it have any side effects any one tried it yet?
How do I control my breathing?
Im a first time marathon runner, taking part in this years London Marathon. My training is going ok, slow but Im getting there.
Whats everyones views on the use of ice baths?
Does anyone here use them regularly? If so how long for?
Does tilting your upper body forward add to your running speed
I can tilt my upper body forward and stand still or run backward.
Does pushing into the ground harder toss you higher or forward faster?
When I stand still (balanced) and push hard into the ground I jump high not forward. I can't push back at the ground while balanced to start running.
Formula for determining HRmax - Does it apply to all fitness levels?
Does the standard formula for determining HRmax (220 minus age in years) hold true for all levels of fitness? Is it not based on "sedentary" individuals?
Des resting heart rate affect your performance?
i am a 22 year old male having played soccer my whole life, my resting heart rate is about 68 beats per minute, this is quite high compared to other elite athletes, would this affect my performance, c
Will I lose fitness by cross training?
I'm a mrathon runner - Since The beginning of December I have done purely cross training (rowing, stepper, spinning, circuit training plus others) and only run a distance of 9 to 10 miles in one go (i
What training can I undertake to run a marathon as well as the 1000 metres in 2.20 to 2.25?
Supplementation to prevent upper respiratory infections?
After any type of exercise (running or weight training), I wind up getting sick (upper respiratory) within a day or two. 50 year old male.
Opinion. If you could only do one aerobic exercise, which would it be?
Facts are lovely. Which one provides the best overall benefits?
Comparison charts for 1 minute of sit ups, push ups and press-ups?
Does anyone have charts for adults performing 1 minute of sit-ups, push-ups and press-ups?
I know this is a difficult one to answer because their seems to be thousands on the market!
I have had type 1 diabetes for 25 years (current age is 54) and have completed numerous races including marathons and ultras.
Can you help me to make an aerobic program?
hi there, im intrested to know more about aerobic exercises and a program for that because im a trainer and need to know more about it and new exercises. Thanks.
How can I reduce chronic hard muscle after exercise?
I am 43 year old male, 150lbs, and 5'11".
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Slow motion video & changing faulty running form to treat an injury
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Symmetry – Asymmetry: Problem Solving a Repetitive Use Injury
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Prevention of Running Injuries: What is the evidence?
Prevention of Running Injuries: What is the evidence?
Powerful Treatment for Running Injury
A Powerful Treatment for a Running Injury
Have shoulder pains? You came to the right place.
I have been doing exercises for my abs but they are just now showing what can I do? I even have little fat.
I started training two months ago and I have really noticed a boost in my fitness,all you need is time and dedication.
“The 7 Deadly Sins of Lifting” this is another installment from A. Jay of a series of motivational articles.
Training for distance running (and Injury)
I am 71 years of age and trying to return to running after more than twenty years of inactivity.
Most people would agree the hardest muscle to get into shape is the one 'between the ears.'
next NLP Sports Practitioner Course that we run here at Mindtree Ltd.
How to warm up before training and event
TRAINING ADVICE Warm ups Warming up prior to exercise, helps lower your risk of injuries and the aches and pains that come with exercise.
Drug testing what's out there a physiotherapists view point
Testing Athletes for Drug Use Why do some “athletes” try to enhance their performances on the track and field by taking drugs?
Here is the first and not the last instalment of Nick Mitchell’s long awaited All Strength Q&A.
Are you making these mistakes as an Athlete?
Don’t get me wrong nobody’s perfect, especially me, many of these ideas came from my “Stupidity”, a rollercoaster of discovery, injuries and re-injury, does that sound about right?
Sports Medicine Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation
This article was a long time coming. After writing and then scraping and re-writing it is a good way to describe this.
INTRODUCTION TO SHIN SPLINTS
The Insider’s Secrets to a Flat Stomach
Hey regular blog readers myself and Nick sat down and and had a conversation, long story short this article was born.
You can't take one step forward to walk or run while you remain centered over your feet/foot. You must fall and lift to start and continue. This according to Jack Nirenstein
Rotational Carbohydrates "RO-CHO" ?
Rotational Carbohydrates "RO-CHO" Article by Steve Blades. It is all about carbohydrate rotation for ultimate performance.
Another great read by Steve Blades aka "Marmite". If you are not making gains in the gym or the track this will change everything completely.
You are a Beginner, READ THIS!
A great,long article about everything on general bodybuilding ,training, nutrition and supplementation as a beginner.
A great new update to hit Rawgrip.com, a great article for all of the new found health freaks this year.
Squat Rx Video Creator Interview
If you are a serious lifter you must have heard of the “Squat Rx” video series all over the net. The Videos are available on YouTube.
How Focused Are You at the Gym?
Sean discusses The Top 10 Reasons why you are slacking in the Gym and How to prevent this. He exposes some great Tips how to make your training sessions more productive for better end results.
Finally an article created for all you serious weight shifters. C Pikey discuses the truth about A massive Bench Press and gives some tips How To Improve your Weak Bench.
Glycemic Index in Athletes and Weight management
An article about the glycemic index of carbohydrates pertains directly to athletes and their performance.
A new article by Michael Nystrom discussing the protein intake amounts in athletes. Athlete Protein intake article
America's growing health crisis.
A good article about fish oils and the recommended intake in an athlete, a great read. Fish oil article Or
I finally finished a nutrition article which will help any athlete to peak performance. It covers everything from protein intake for an athlete and how to loose some extra pounds.
Training Methods for the Development of Power
The other day I came across a presentation a friend and I did at university. Thought I'd share it with you all.
It's a very exciting day for us today, because we've had our first major relaunch in 7 years.
When we set up the new PP Online site, one of our biggest aims was to create a place where anyone with a passion for sport could share their opinions and experiences.
Who drinks red bull or other caffeine beverages before they compete?
Steroids are banned, dangerous drugs. DON’T TAKE THEM.
HOW RUNNING KILLS OFF SMOKING - STAGE TWO
New readers start here, to mug up on the essence of Stage One, which was covered in my last Blog. There's only one surefire way of quitting – become a runner.
Distance Running in the Safari
My dear old Bloggies
