January 11, 2012
Categories: Race Report
by Patrick
Race: Operation Jack Marathon (www.ojmarathon.com). Shadow Race in Kabul, Afghanistan, December 26th, 2011, 1200 noon. Weather: 48 degrees, calm winds (less than 5 MPH) Altitude: 5,800 (first marathon at altitude) Finish time: 3:46:30; goal time was 3:35-3:45 This was my 8th marathon and my second fastest. Marathon #7 was my PR at 3:28. Therefore, I’m [...]
January 11, 2012
Categories: Guest Post Series
by Patrick
photo credit: RVWithTito As runners, our shoes are the most important piece of equipment we utilize. Accordingly, one of the most important decisions we can make is choosing the right shoes for our foot/running style type. Our shoes absorb the impact of running, help properly align our legs, hips, and spine through stabilization, and keep [...]
December 26, 2011
Categories: Ask The Coach
by Patrick
I just ran my first full marathon at age 42. I’ve been running consistently for about 8+ years. I’ve trained religiously and done many half marathons and many 18-22 mile long runs in the past while training without ever cramping in my calves or quads, or anywhere for that matter.
December 20, 2011
Categories: Book
by Patrick
Save 50% On All My Training Guides! It’s the end of another big year, with this one seeing me set PRs at distances from the 5k to Ironman, culminating in a personal best finish at Ironman Hawaii of 9:52 (photo on left). In addition to all the racing stuff, we moved the family to Rhode [...]
November 30, 2011
Categories: Guest Post Series
by Patrick
photo credit: Noel Feans Mark Tominaga Marine Corps Marathon, Washington DC, 10/30/2011 Race Website: http://www.marinemarathon.com/ Overall Time: 4:02:20 PR Goal Time: 3:56:00 Background: My running (jogging) began in Jan 2010 after I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 51. I learned that aerobic activity combined with a low carbohydrate diet helped me reverse my [...]
November 23, 2011
Categories: Guest Post Series
by Patrick
photo credit: BozDoz Often when we think of yoga, images of stretching, meditating, or even awkward gumby-like poses come to mind. As a runner, we thrive on forward motion and the thought of sitting still to stretch with a bunch of “flexible people” is not so appealing. And besides that, it’s unrealistic for many runners [...]
November 21, 2011
Categories: Race Report
by Patrick
I was fortunate enough to interview two of our members after they completed the Marine Corps Marathon.
November 18, 2011
Categories: Race Execution
by Patrick
photo credit: teddyb Good luck to everyone racing the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend. I went 3:07 there in 2004 for my first Boston Qualification, and remember a few key things about the race that may/may not help you out. Here’s what I can recall: The first half is slower than second, so if you are [...]
November 9, 2011
Categories: Guest Post Series
by Patrick
photo credit: electric.porcupine [bmazz.tumblr.com] Marathons are becoming more and more popular. In fact, 8.6% more people participated in marathons in 2010 than in 2009! As they become more accessible, it’s important to remember that a marathon isn’t like any other race. It’s much more. Because of its distance, the marathon will inflict more damage to [...]
October 25, 2011
Categories: Guest Post Series
by Patrick
photo credit: IABoomerFlickr From a very early age I was taught the power of visualization and have used it in many areas of my life, including running. So it was no surprise to me that many elite athletes use this tool to help them achieve their training and racing goals. If you haven’t heard of [...]
October 20, 2011
Categories: Race Execution
by Patrick
Please Note: 40 spots already taken as of 12 noon Friday! Coach Patrick from Marathon Nation is prepared to give a one-hour presentation on preparing to have Your Best Marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in just over a week! The only catch is he needs to know you want to hear what he has [...]
October 19, 2011
Categories: Event, Race Execution
by Patrick
The Marine Corps Marathon is the fall highlight for thousands of runners every year. The timing is perfect for conditions, the course is predominantly flat and the on-course motivation is quite high. Despite this, thousands of runners fail to meet their pre-race goals…and we want to fix that!
October 4, 2011
Categories: Event, Race Execution
by Patrick
This weekend marks the 2010 edition of the Chicago Marathon, the unofficial start of the fall marathon classics. Chicago is one of the more popular US events with close to 45,000 athletes participating each year. Whether you are looking to finish or have your hopes pinned on a qualifying time for Boston, getting the inside scoop on the course will ensure you are able to race to your potential. Let’s get started!
September 28, 2011
Categories: Race Report
by Patrick
Race report for Top of Utah Marathon. Last night I listened to the wind and rain as I tried to tame my nerves and get some sleep. I wondered what the course would be like…how wet it would be. The early morning started with a bus ride up to Blacksmith Fork canyon. I hadn’t been [...]
September 7, 2011
Categories: Guest Post Series, Long Run
by Patrick
photo credit: maryames Note: This is another installment in the Marathon Nation Guest Post Series. I hope you enjoy the fresh perspective! For many years, I avoided the marathon because of its distance. I couldn’t fathom how I would train for the 26.2 miles, let alone race it. And so I bought a book on [...]
September 2, 2011
Categories: Challenge
by Patrick
Folks, it’s time for another challenge…in fact we are long overdue! September is the first ever Marathon Nation “Monthly Marathon Challenge”. By playing along, you’ll complete four individual 6.55 mile runs over the course of four consecutive weekends…the cumulative time for all four runs is your “monthly marathon” score.