Advertise on podcast: Blue Ox Running Podcast | Eau Claire, WI

We're kicking off a new mini-series leading up to Grandma's Marathon! This ten part series will tackle the basics of the marathon cycle as Adam gets ready for June and share's his top training tips to keep things simple, keep things doable, and have the marathon work for those trying to get the most of of their 18-24 week build ups!

A big personal update which adds even more purpose and drive to this marathon block! Adam talks through resetting his mindset, being flexible with training especially when non-running life gets crazy, and a few key "unofficial" / mini / half / non-workouts during base phase. We're 12 weeks down (BASE!) and 12 weeks to go!!!

We're diving into HOW do we put the mileage, rest, and workouts into our schedule? Macro cycles are large cycles of stress & rest (base, speed, marathon, taper phases) whereas micro cycles are the smaller daily and weekly rhythms we put the stress & rest. Adam talks through "what is a cycle?" and how we protect and schedule our priority workouts in each phase. Speed phase is ramping up and he shares how he layers in "fartlek workout" on feel & time which will soon become more rigid timed workouts. We're about 14.5 weeks down, 9.5 to go! Is a half marathon tune-up race smart this time of year? Stay tuned as Adam explores the options.

Running a tune up / B-race is a great way to build fitness, confidence, and know exactly where you're at in your training cycle, but there are some draw backs and things to consider. We talk about the pros, cons, and tips to have a successful tune up race mid-cycle and why you shouldn't get TOO excited or TOO discouraged when you decide to do one. It's not really a race, it's not really a workout, it's a tune-up!!

Today's episode is getting into the real heart of marathong training - we're exploring what specific workouts and pacing wil be used as we trudge through the most difficult and taxing 5 weeks of our entire buildup - THE MARATHON PHASE! Personally, life continues to move forward with some small setbacks (bike crash!) and the weather is getting warmer (and more humid!) ... we must take it all into consideration as we push the ball forward with only 5-6 weeks remaining in training! Running Calculator Link - http://vdoto2.com/

What is the long run and how do we use it as the most important day of the week (usually)? The long run sounds simple and it is, but it can be used differently through different phases of training. It's also the best way to simulate long fatiguing efforts and a good day to practice with your nutrition and equipment. Adam gives his top five tips and benefits to have a successful long run feed your training well!

What are the essential NON-running elements to the marathon? Today we'll tackle a handful of tips that are a bit more personal, but can have guidelines that are helpful. Everyday nutrtion, race day nutrition, and gear / shoes are the topics at hand before we race NEXT WEEK! The bottom line ... see what works for you and practice!

It's race week!!! We have a few tips for the taper, training during race week, and also getting the mind right. There is something about taper time that's easier AND harder at the same time. It's getting down to go time and we want to dot the I's and cross the T's ... physically and mentally!

The race has been run! Take a journey through how it went with Adam as he recalls not just the race itself, but the full weekend. A 2:41:xx for 4th place Masters 40-45 with a wild ride and tough finish, but of course the PEOPLE were front and center over any PERFORMANCE.

It's winter .... kind of. What a strange off-season this year, let's talk about it! Today's episode we talk with special guest Brent Wathke (one of our coaches!) about structuring the year, off season activities, cross training, "running age", but also ... hockey, mananees, and getting jacked!

We talked with Eau Claire Marathon about ..... Eau Claire Marathon! What a great time catching up talking about what it takes to put on a big time event, what's hard, what could be misunderstood, the weather, and what makes it all worth it year in and year out!

We're back in 2023 talking all things NEW YEAR and WINTER RUNNING! How do you structure training in the off season? What's actually helpful about #WinterRunning? Embracing the slower / colder #running (and cross training!) and wrapping up with a discussion about tracking all of our data - spreadsheets, Strava, Garmin, notebooks - what's helpful and what's not? LINKS: Training Links: https://www.blueoxrunning.com/training All Podcast Episodes: https://www.blueoxrunning.com/podcast/  

We're talking all things shoes!!! It goes without saying ... we sell (and help!) with shoes. It can be so overwhelming with how the industry and models have changed over the years. We're here to help be a guide for your particular fit and use of active shoes ... running, walking, standing, hiking, all of the above.

We talk about growing older, long days, short years, braces, Bucks, learning a new city (or country!) through running, cultural differences and our rockstar guest Aude! . We're back with another guest ... one that takes us everywhere! Aude B is adventurous as she is happy. A constant smile at every group run in the area Aude isn't afraid to make Eau Claire her home since the 2020 lockdowns coming from Europe!

We're talking all about how running, walking, and even just moving supports & contributes to our mental health. What is the "icing" and what is "the cake"? How are healthy (and unhealthy) patterns developed and what does it mean to look at our process more than our goals? What does mental toughness mean and how do you endure hard things on the run (or in life)? These are all questions and themes we're asking and talking about this month as we close out Mental Health May!