Why I don't run ultras with a pre existing injury

Today's athlete question deals with the wisdom of running an ultra with a pre-existing injury.

Although I haven't had a running injury in 30 years, I explain exactly what I would do. What would you do?

Choosing a bike for cross training

Today I have an athlete question about choosing the right bike for cross training.

In this video I explain the important factors to remember when buying yourself a bike for cross training - whether new or used.

Running is a Pyramid Scheme

Today I have an athlete question about how to build up the physical and mental endurance to cope with the demands of a 50 mile ultra marathon.

In this video I show how the optimum progression system works so that you can reach your distance goals and remain injury free.

Zero calories in a 50k race What will happen

Sometimes I get an athlete question that has me scratching my head and saying... WTF!! Today is such a day.

We have an athlete that seems to be a new convert to fat adapted running / ketosis / banting diet and lifestyle. He wants to know what will happen if he runs and entire 50k race - at race pace - while in ketosis and not take in an ounce of nutrition the entire way.

This video explains what I believe will happen when you race competitively in a state of ketosis.

Supplement options for painful joints

Today I have an athlete question about nutritional supplements and more specifically something that can be taken for painful joints.

This video gives my opinion and suggestions about what I would do from a nutrition perspective for painful joints.

How to prevent fading mid race during a marathon or ultra

Today's athlete question is about a mid race fade. Start strong and finish strong - but somewhere in the middle things go off the rails a bit...

This video is my opinion about why it happens and what to do to prevent it happening again.

Running with a cold in the rain

With the seasons changing through autumn, this athlete question was bound to arise sooner or later... Can you run in the rain when you have a cold? Well, of course you can, but is it a good idea?

This video is my brutal opinion about running in the rain with a cold.

Why paved roads hurts you more than trails

I have a question from a surprised athlete as to why his legs hurt SO much after a road run while trails leave him pain free.

This is a subject you and I can relate to, and in this video I cover the WHY.

Best snacks for LONG trail runs

Today's athlete question is all about mid run nutrition. And it gives me the chance to share with you my personal BEST choices for snacks along LONG trail runs.

What do you snack on during your long runs?

Tapering for a Trail Marathon

The subtle art of the trail marathon taper - That is the subject under discussion thanks to today's athlete question.

Here I explain what I do.

Coping with three marathon or ultra events in four weeks

Today I have a question from an athlete about how to handle a block of back to back racing.

Unlike training blocks, racing blocks are all about managing accumulated fatigue - especially if you are travelling between events. To do this you need to balance the key pillars of recovery. This video explains how I do that.

First 50k just six weeks after first Ironman: What to do?

Today I have another of my most commonly asked questions - recovery. How to rejuvenate your legs for a 50k ultra marathon.

The most effective strategy is also wickedly simple. You just have to do what needs to be done...

Potato Head Running Fuel

Today I have a question about the benefits or not of potatoes as  running fuel.

These are my opinions about refueling with potato.

My wierdest athlete question ever: What do I suggest for pain free high heels at office

I've just been asked for some tips that I have for wearing heels to office without getting painful feet and legs.

At first I thought it might be a really late April Fools prank - or maybe I was getting trolled.

But the more women I spoke to, the more I came to realize that this is a very real challenge for many of you...

So after a mile or three of contemplation, here are my high heel wearing tips for runners and triathletes...

THIS is my favorite speedwork session

Today I have an athlete question about speed work. More specifically what is MY favorite speed work training session - both as a coach and as a runner.

I use the opportunity to explain the relative advantages of different types of speed work session before getting to my favorite favorite...

Best Half Marathon Training Plan

Today is another athlete question asking for a best half marathon training plan. Hardly a week goes by without a question asking what is the best (insert distance) training plan available on the internet. Last week I was asked about 50 miler, the week before was about marathon distance. Maybe next week will be 100 mile training plans.

This video explains how to choose which will be the best training plan option for YOU personally.

How I developed as a Runner with Zero Running Injuries in almost 30 years

Just the other day I got asked how it is possible that I have managed to stay injury free for close to 30 years of running? What is my BIG secret to stay injury free for the long term.

In this video I share that BIG secret so that you, too can enjoy years of pain free running.

Cure for Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

I've received a question from an athlete suffering from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome following an ultra.

Here is the strategy that I would use if I had Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. What would you do?

Leg Rehab and Recovery Tips after 50k Road Run

Today's athlete question is from a trail runner getting a surprise at the level of soreness after completing his first ultra on the road.

This video lays out my simple strategy to maximize leg recovery following the higher impact of the road run.

Junk Miles and How To Avoid Them

Today I have an athlete question about junk miles and how to avoid them.

This video examines my system of ensuring that each training session has a specific goal and thereby prevents me from falling back into the comfortable trap of banging out junk miles day after day.

Add an extra training day to your week with no injury risk like THIS

Today I have a question from a newbie runner about how to add a fourth day of running into your weekly schedule.

The process is very simple and is what I did each time I added an extra run day or run workout to my training program.

This video explains the process and my opinions.

Knee Pain during Long Runs Solutions Without Surgery

Today's athlete question deals with knee pain during long runs and how to treat the root cause rather than the symptom.

This video explains what works for me and keeps me injury free for the long term.

What I do in the week before an ultra marathon

Today I have a question from an athlete asking what I do in the week before an ultra marathon.

This video lists my personal choices and opinions regarding making the best use I can of race week.

Do THIS to prevent your hydration pack chafing

Today's athlete question is about how to prevent chafing from your hydration pack.

I give some options based on what worked for me in similar circumstances.

Why body fat is a great energy source and how to train before breakfast

Today's athlete question is from an athlete who trains before breakfast in the belief that it makes him better adapted to using fat as a primary energy source.

This video gives my opinion on this topical subject.

Why you and I still sweat after showering following a long run

Today's athlete question touches on the subjects of core temperature and hydration levels among others.

Why is it that when you get back from your run and get through the shower you are often still sweating after you have had your shower.

This question answers why this happens to me and is my opinion why this happens to you too.

Best weight loss supplement in the world

You will be amazed how often I get asked for a recommendation of what is the best weight loss supplement available today.

Over the years I have tried many - and some worked better than others. But time after time I would come back to one specific product.

The one and only product that has worked for me every time. One product that if used safely can cause sustained fat burning for the long term and give you a toned butt as well...

GoPro Handle Bar Mount DIY for UNDER 50 Cents

When my camera mount snapped in spectacular fashion deep in rural Spain and far from quick and easy replacement parts, I needed a DIY solution to the problem.

The resulting solution gave me a new camera mounting that was MUCH more stable than the original and made from materials that cost me LESS THAN 50c!!

This is how I did it and so can you. Quick, easy and CHEAP!

What's more, you can make a cheap "tripod" exactly the same way... Just add an old soda bottle filled with sand as the base.

If I can hit my maximum heart rate running on flat ground then so can you with THIS method

Today's athlete question deals with how to go about hitting your maximum heart rate and whether this is only possible on hills.

Watch the video and see what my personal experience and opinion is on the matter.

Breaking through your walls

Today's athlete question deals with breaking through your personal barriers that you have put up yourself. Those barriers that make taking on a new longer distance in training or racing such a challenge.

This video outlines my strategy for breaking down mental walls and get the new longer distance run done and in the bag.

Depleting all your glycogen in a 5 mile run with THIS pace

Today I have an athlete question from an aspirant fat adapted runner.

The question deals with the specific minutes per mile pace that is needed to completely deplete all body glycogen within a 5 mile run.

This video outlines my suggestions and opinion.

What food to pack for a 30 mile self supported trail race in the mountains

Today's athlete question deals with the challenges of packing food for a trail race where athletes need to be self supported in terms of nutrition.

In answering this question I'm drawing on my experience doing solo unsupported runs in the mountains.

Bouncing Back from Burnout

Today's athlete question deals with feelings of burnout at the end of a long season combined with punishing self talk stemming from results that fell short of expectations.

These are feelings that I have had personally back over the years and I share my experience and opinion in this video.

Replace the craving for soda with THIS easy solution

Today I have a question from an athlete that wants to cut down their intake of processed sugar like so many of us. His problem is this manic craving for soda immediately after a run. He is asking for healthy alternatives to slamming in soda after a run.

This video outlines what I do as an alternative to soda and what I suggest to athletes that I coach.

My advice to Athletes that beat themselves up for not running the whole way in an ultramarathon

Today I have an athlete question from an athlete wanting to know if it is OK to walk some sections of an ultra marathon course and still call yourself an ultra runner.

This video is my opinion on walking within an ultra.

Lets talk recovery and why a marathon recovery can take longer than a 30 mile training run

Today's athlete question deals with recovery times and why it is that you recover faster from a 30 mile training run than you did from a marathon that you raced.

In order to adequately answer this question it becomes necessary to analyze the different energy delivery systems in the athlete's body.

This video is my interpretation of athlete data analysis regarding recovery times.

Sunscreen for my Bald Head: Here is my Solution for Burning Eyes

Today's athlete question is about eye burning irritation when the mixture of sunscreen and sweat from a bald head washes down into your eyes.

For those of you who have seen my videos thus far will know that I have extensive personal knowledge with matters pertaining to a balding head...

This video explains my opinion about what can be done, based on my personal experiences.

Qutitting Caffeine One Week before a 100 mile Ultra Marathon

It is amazing how many athletes choose the week before their first ultra or their first 100 miler to make big changes to either diet or lifestyle - and often these changes are for a healthier way of life.

Likewise, today's athlete question deals with the prospect of giving up caffeine one week before your first 100 mile ultra.

This gives my brutal opinion about this and other similar dietary choices.

Most Effective Ever 50k Training Program

You will be amazed how often I get asked by athletes where they can download the best possible training program for events longer than marathon distance.

Today's question focuses on the 50k distance.

So, if you or a friend are looking to download a 50k training program, make sure that you watch this video first for my opinion on the best downloadable program for you.

How many Calories per Hour are needed for Ultra Distance Running

Today's athlete question is about calories per hour needed for utra distance running.

I will be looking at calorie burn rate versus calorie absorption rate. What to do about the calorie shortfall and how to tap secondary energy sources.

These are my opinions and what works for me and the athletes that I coach.

Best Calorie Balance for Losing Weight and Marathon Training

Today's athlete question deals with the best calorie balance between macro nutrients for both weight loss and marathon training.

This video shares my opinion on the matter.

Is it better to run up or down single track paths

Today's athlete question deals with how to choose a direction for a circular trail.

In the scenario when you have a hill with smooth forest roads on the one side and gnarly technical single track on the other.... Do you use the technical single track for the uphill or downhill part of your run?

This video gives my opinion on which is the best choice to make.

You an Ultra Runner if...

Today's athlete question deals with what needs to happen before you can define yourself as an ultra runner?

With Apps like STRAVA these days, is it necessary to complete an organized event that is longer than a marathon - or is it simply a case of doing a run that is further than marathon distance... That is the question...

This video is my opinion on the matter.

Cutting the sugar content of training and race fuel

There has been so much written about how sugar is evil, how you need to cut sugar from each and every thing that you ingest.

Have you ever given any thought to why it is that athlete race fuel seems to be the biggest culprit when it comes to sugar content.

This video covers my opinion on the matter and offer alternatives to sugary gels and sports drinks.

What I do for Cross Training

Today's athlete question deals with the importance of cross training for distance runners.

Running is a higher impact activity and choosing your cross training activities carefully will allow you to continue building fitness by having more workouts and active recovery sessions than you would be able to manage just from running.

This is what I do for cross training.

Fat adapted running

Today's athlete question is on the theme of questions that I see in my inbox weekly.

Fat adapted running. What are the benefits for the average you and I? Will it make us faster or healthier?

This video covers my opinions on the matter.

Keeping Steroids out of Trail Running

Today's athlete question deals with PED's - Performance Enhancing Drugs. Do they exist in trail and ultra running? And are there any performance benefits for trail and ultra runners?

It seems as if steroid use in trail running is less than swimming, athletics, cycling, baseball, etc. So the question arises how will widespread steroid use be kept out of tail running?

This video gives my opinion about what needs to be done.

Jump start your healthy eating for athletic performance

Today's video deals with optimum eating / nutrition in order to get your best possible athletic performance.

We all intrinsically know what are the best nutrition choices that we need to make. However, the question always remains "how to" make the jump start to better health.

This video outlines my strategy on how to jump start your health.

Hydration pack sloshing solution

Today's athlete question deals with a big frustration of using a hydration pack - how to stop that awful sloshing around noise while you run. The solution is simpler than you might think.

This video shares the solution that I use to solve the problem.

How much Fluid do I carry and why

This athlete question deals with how much fluid to carry on long runs and organized races.

This is my take on the delicate balance between the weight of your hydration pack, the elevation gain, time lost refilling your hydration pack and not running dry mid run or mid way between aid stations.