The first rule of running is anyone can do it. If you can run and if you do run, you are a runner and no one can take that away from you. The best thing about it, is that in order to be a runner you don’t have to apply for a license, pass a…
Running is one of the best forms of exercise there is. It pushes your cardiovascular system to work harder (making your heart muscle stronger and more efficient), it works your body’s ability to use oxygen with every breath you take (your VO2 max), it even helps improve a little on your aerobic capacity (which is…
Sprinting requires three things: strong muscles in your legs and arms. A good cardiovascular system to help transport oxygen to the muscle groups that are doing all the work and some endurance so your muscles don’t cut out after that first, initial burst. When you work at your maximum speed (which is what sprinting is)…
Every time you pick up a new physical activity that requires you to move in an unfamiliar way it’s hard in the beginning but after a while your body optimizes itself to manage the load and the activity itself, becomes easier. Being an adaptive bio-machine the body is designed to recognize patterns so it catches…
The moment the outside temperature drops a few degrees all the tempting voices that tell us we should be warm, comfortable and inside become louder and our training begins to look increasingly patchy. Add all these feelings of discomfort to the persistent myth than training in cold weather makes you more likely to catch a…
When it comes to developing functional strength, power, coordination and aerobic capability almost nothing beats running. So, what happens when it’s taken out of the equation? If for whatever reason we can’t run there are still things we can do to get the same benefits as running. Now however we will need to devote a…
Most people go through their physical training life thinking that running and big muscles are completely incompatible. The popular images that support this misconception come from media reports that show musclebound bodybuilders only engage in lifting heavy weights and seemingly bone-thin marathon runners doing nothing but run long distances in incredibly fast times. Science however…
When it comes to running on a treadmill the one question that really matters is: how close is it to running outside? Hardcore runners who don’t ever go near a treadmill have maintained that there is a distinct difference which makes treadmill running not “real” running. Most times they base their assessment on the obvious…
