Prepping for Your First (or Tenth) Marathon

Last month, we explored the origin and history of the mother of all races: the marathon. Today I’d like to share some tidbits that every aspiring marathon runner should know, whether this will be your first time at the starting line or a seasoned marathon veteran.

Race Director Corner - Volume 1, Issue 2

When I started Athlete Guild in 2010, my goal was to help non-profits raise money through road races.  In 2010, there were a handful of races throughout the year and only a few companies servicing them.  The problem I was experiencing was that the companies providing service were in my estimation gouging the market.  They were charging outrageous rates and not really providing much in the way of services to the events.  As I was directing several local events for non-profits, it was a constant source of frustration to me.  I would either hire out and take a huge hit

26.2 or Bust!

A History of the Modern Marathon

We’ve all seen the ubiquitous “26.2” oval bumper stickers plastered on cars around town. Most of us understand that the digits represent the number of miles in the modern marathon. A handful of our stalwart readers are probably marathon veterans themselves. But what gives? Where does that seemingly random distance come from? Who tacked that killer final quarter of a mile (am I right, marathoners?) on to the end of a nice roundish number?

It All Started with the Greeks

5 Ways to Have a Better Treadmill Experience

Climate, convenience, rehab — no matter WHY you choose treadmill time, the fact remains that stationary running can become tedious in a hurry. Here’s a quick list of ways to improve your treadmill experience.

1. Entertain Yourself

Treadmill workout time doesn’t have to mean just staring blankly at the gym wall. Keep your mind engaged or distracted to help pass the time and prevent (or lessen) boredom. Some facilities position their stationary equipment with a view out the front windows. This makes for great people watching!

Leader of the Pack

If you’re like me (and millions of other Americans), you love running almost as much as you love dogs. Having your canine companion as a wingman is a great way for you both to get fresh air, exercise and loads of quality time together. However, dog bodies need to warm up to running the same as human bodies do. So take it easy on your pup at the start.

Follow these simple tips to enjoy a happy and healthy run with your dog.

Consult Your Physician

Running with Asthma

Asthma doesn't have to keep you from enjoying a daily run, sports or even a marathon. With proper medication and some common sense precautions, runners who have asthma — whether chronic asthma or exercise-induced asthma (EIA) — can keep stride with the rest of the pack.

Medical Guidance for Asthma

Good Game: 5 Habits for Healthy Running

Whether you’re an expert road runner or just starting out, it pays to build good habits. The following list of five healthy running habits will help you succeed at any level. But remember, they only become habits through repetition!

1. Set Goals

2nd 5k in the Works

In March of 2016, I made a life-altering decision.  I made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery that July, in between the school years, so that I could have a healthier life.

 

In June of 2017, I celebrated the year anniversary of that decision, when, at almost 200 pounds lighter, I signed up for my first 5k.  I had been running up to that point, and had gotten my 5k time down under an hour.  I was excited to actually put that result on paper.  My official time:  52:18.  I was so ecstatic that I was so validated.

5 Tips to Get Your Co-Workers Running

Let’s face it. Many of us have jobs which require us to sit for hours on end, with little opportunity for exercise. This is the perfect reason to get yourself — and your co-workers — out of the cubicles and on to the road!

These 5 tips will show you how to start and maintain a running club with your co-workers. Of course, these same principles can be applied to people at church, school, or anywhere else large groups of peers gather to sit for long periods.

 

Make Small Steps to a Better You

As we cross the finish line of another year, it’s important to look ahead at the new year to come and to set some goals — whether that means improvements in your personal life, professional development, or even just hitting new marks in your training and endurance.

I personally put a lot of stock in what leadership guru Robin Sharma has to say about the matter: “Greatness begins beyond your comfort zone.”