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Running is a wicked environment… at least as David Epstein defines the term in his 2019 work Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. In today’s episode, we’ll take a look at WHY running is a wicked environment and what we might want to do about that. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

If I see one more time a headline about how everyone sets new year’s goals and quits by February, I’m going to quit the internet! And yet, I was chatting with another runner recently, a wise and accomplished man, and he casually mentioned a habit of his that rocked my thinking. Best part? This week, we’re bringing that idea to you–the unbreakable rule! Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

We’re going to get practical and talk about the key difference between running hard and running easy and when we should be doing both. You’ve heard about the 80/20 rule, you know about Lydiard and Jack Daniels and double threshold… but do you know what all of that means for YOU and this week’s training? That’s where we are taking you in today’s discussion. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

When the pressure is high and expectations abound, performance can suffer. But it doesn’t have to. Even for runners who feel like race-day pressures are insurmountable, certain deliberate strategies and the right practice of those strategies can change everything! Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

In a recent conversation with other runners, we fell to discussing the challenges of digging deep or pushing harder or hurting a little more. Given the close connection to our recent discussion about mindset and the mind-body connection, we dive deeper into pain, both what it is and what we can do as runners to overcome it better. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

Just how important are mindset and expectations on physiological experiences? Research has suggested that the connection is so significant that a person can literally create a physiological response to something that is not at all present. We kick off the 7th year of AtoZrunning by taking a closer look at the connection between the mind and body and what that means for runners. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

In a world constantly battering us with the new–new ideas or technologies, new workouts or training approaches–it becomes that much more important for us to seriously consider what things we need to STOP. In this final episode of rules to realize your dreams, we share the last three rules: stop taking shortcuts, stop compromising, and stop negativity. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

What is the most important thing every runner needs to know to realize our dreams? As we continue our series on rules to realize your dreams, we tackle #6: Get Knowledge. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com

One of the most valuable things we can do for ourselves as runners is define a clear vision for why we run and what we are hoping to achieve by this crazy endeavor. For many, that’s a very arbitrary and unclear idea at best, so on our quest to share the 9 rules for realizing your dreams, we are next tackling vision. Learn more about our coaching services at atozrunning.com For a complete breakdown of the running purpose process, visit atozrunning.com/get-vision

This week on AtoZrunning: Headstrong and self-reliant runners the world over will recoil at the revelation of our fourth rule for realizing your dreams: Get Help! The question today is what do we mean by “help” and how does that actually make a difference for runners?  If you’re looking to make a change in your own running efforts, check out our coaching services at https://atozrunning.com/coaching

This week on AtoZrunning: Runners are often–accurately in my opinion–described as disciplined and dedicated individuals. In some ways, consistency is baked in. In other ways, it is very difficult. Success requires consistency and balance, so we’re tackling that subject next. For more about our coaching services, visit atozrunning.com/coaching

This week on AtoZrunning: Have you ever been especially frustrated about something only to have a well-meaning friend suggest that you “be patient?” It’s probably not the most helpful advice. At least, not at that moment. But when it comes to making our dreams come true as runners, there’s reason to suggest it is both the first and most important advice to receive. For more, visit atozrunning.com

We are living in the age of legends in distance running, and I hope you aren’t missing it! Faith Kipyegon may not be close to breaking 4 in the mile yet, but she is still setting World Records year after year. Add to that countrywoman Beatrice Chebet and you’ve got an amalgamation of excellence that is still only scratching the surface! And we’re only talking about this weekend’s results. To learn more about our Coaching Services for runners, visit atozrunning.com/coaching

This is yet one more reason why one should never assume that just because a race isn’t the headline event, it won’t be electric! That’s exactly what the men’s 1500m at the Paris Diamond League was! ELECTRIC! And even though there were 4 national records, 13 personal bests, and a new world leading performance, it was the teenager in 2nd place who you should really be watching. We’ll tell you why next on AtoZrunning.  To learn more about our coaching services for runners, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching

The most interesting thing about the NCAA championships is how unpredictable it can be! NCAA record-holders don’t make finals and past champs go home devastated. And just as often, champs defend titles and new records are set… it’s some of the most exciting track and field around, and we’re breaking it down for you here. For more about our coaching services for runners, visit https://atozrunning.com/coaching