During a training cycle Easy runs can make up roughly 70%+/- of a runner's weekly schedule. It seems counterintuitive that in order to get faster, you have to spend so much time running easy, and that's probably why so many runners make the mistake of overtraining on Easy runs. When you understand the purpose and [...]
https://youtube.com/shorts/PhF0JXMWuns?si=54gNHsxrZgDGPTiR Dr. Jack Daniels likes to refer to racing as "simply an expression of all your hard work." Coaches will often use "the hay is in the barn," at the end of a long training block to let their runners know the work is done and they're ready to race. These are great ways to [...]
We often say consistency is the most important word when it comes to training, but the key to being consistent is how you balance stress & recovery. In our latest video we emphasize some key points and elaborate on them below. https://youtube.com/shorts/ozhggRMbH2g?si=VUoFk9zc4pr75jJM Next, everyone should understand a few principles of training: How your body gets [...]
https://youtube.com/shorts/X8ZZenMhb3U?si=Tu-HXFoWo8NIswSE Mental strength shows up when the plan doesn’t. Failing doesn’t mean you’re not improving, it means you’re still in it. Every runner has missed a goal, fallen behind, or faced a setback, but every one of those moments holds something valuable. Sometimes your mind gets you through what your body can’t. Real growth comes [...]
The VDOT Calculator (embedded below) acts as a running pace calculator in three keys ways to help runners of all levels improve: Race Pace Calculator: get race paces to help with race preparation or analysis of a performance Training Pace Calculator: get personalized training paces to train more effectively Equivalent Race Pace Calculator: get equivalent [...]
By Dr. Jack Daniels 180 Steps Per Minute When I am teaching a new group of runners the first thing I have them do is count their stride frequencies while running around the track. I can’t remember ever having one of these beginners who turned over as fast as 180 steps per minute. However, when […]
By Dr. Jack Daniels Having lived in 16 states and several foreign countries along with my years of competing in three World Championships, two Olympics, and visiting 30 foreign countries, I’ve come up with five ingredients of success. A lot of my opinions are based upon over 50-years of coaching Olympians, collegians and individuals of […]
By Dr. Jack Daniels I strongly believe that breathing rhythm for runners is closely associated with stride rate, and this association is not exclusive to runners. In fact, in some sports the act of breathing is determined very clearly by the rate at which the legs and/or arms are moving. Take the example of swimmers; […]
Michael Cavalli: What is the most important aspect(s) of marathon training to help the runner maintain pace/efficiency in the latter, more difficult miles of the marathon? Dr. Jack Daniels: A very important approach to maintaining pace and efficiency in the latter miles of a marathon race is to not go out too fast. Run the […]
We’d like to thank all of our followers on social media for submitting these great questions. We hope Jack’s tips are helpful when considering your future training/racing. Ken G: In the weeks leading up to the start of a marathon training program what are some things an athlete can do to help prepare? JD: Try […]