Archive by Author
pennington

Patience in Marathoning

Why Patience Plays a Huge Role in Breakthrough Marathon Performances Marathoning is one of the most challenging, rewarding and character-building sports you can participate in. I have never experienced more trials and tests in athletics until I began training for the classic 26.2 mile distance back in 2002. Ironically, the same issue that plagued me [...]

Running with a Partner

Running with a Partner

Running With A Partner image source As solo an endeavor as running can be, there’s no doubt that having a companion to share your miles can help breathe the life back into your training. From sharing a few laughs to pushing your limits, the right running partner will help you grow as a runner. In [...]

The Yoga Effect & It’s Importance for Runners

The Yoga Effect & It’s Importance for Runners

photo credit: Synergy by Jasmine One of the most common questions runners ask is how they can get faster.  While speed is certainly relative, there are many factors that contribute to overall improvement.  Inside Marathon Nation we consider the top three factors to be flexibility, control, and durability aka what Coach Patrick often refers to [...]

Yoga as Cross Training for Runners

Yoga as Cross Training for Runners

photo credit: Robert Bejil Photography   This Off Season, Cross Train with Yoga for Improved Athletic Performance The off season is an ideal time to add yoga and flexibility to your training routine to help you build a stronger, more limber and balanced body, recover faster, and reduce your chances of injury all while increasing [...]

derrek

Afghanistan “Shadow” Marathon Race Report

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 [...]

The Fundamentals of Running Shoes: Stay Injury Free

The Fundamentals of Running Shoes: Stay Injury Free

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 [...]

Ask The Coach: Marathon Cramping on Race Day

Ask The Coach: Marathon Cramping on Race Day

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.

Year End Sale — 50% Off All Training Guides!

Year End Sale — 50% Off All Training Guides!

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 [...]

Mark’s Marine Corps Marathon

Mark’s Marine Corps Marathon

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 [...]

Pre Run Yoga Warm Up

Pre Run Yoga Warm Up

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 [...]

Marine Corps Marathon: Member Podcasts

Marine Corps Marathon: Member Podcasts

I was fortunate enough to interview two of our members after they completed the Marine Corps Marathon.

Philly Marathon: The Race 411 In One Paragraph

Philly Marathon: The Race 411 In One Paragraph

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 [...]

Mastering Post-Marathon Recovery: How to Repair and Rebuild

Mastering Post-Marathon Recovery: How to Repair and Rebuild

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 [...]

Mind over Marathon: Overcoming Self Imposed Limits

Mind over Marathon: Overcoming Self Imposed Limits

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 [...]

Coach P Running

UNOFFICIAL Marine Corps Marathon Race Webinar

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 [...]

The Ultimate Marine Corps Marathon Pacing Plan

The Ultimate Marine Corps Marathon Pacing Plan

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!

Improve Your Life, Go The myEASY Way™