Updated: Hit the hills to boost your running economy and protect your knees
Hill running can result in improved power (rapid generation of force) for all runners. But most road races don’t have any decent hills and marathoners don’t “sprint” unless they’re within 100m of the...
View ArticleMarathon in a Box Update
Keen to know how our disciples are travelling? Pete gives you all the goss on the 2014 round up and the outlook/goals that have been set in 2015. Scary goals. That’s what we like. Happy New Year from...
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Understanding different running surfaces
It’s an age-old wisdom: want to run on a softer surface? Run on grass. It’s softer than concrete so there’s less impact, right? If only it was that simple. But understanding the reasons why softer...
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Stability for Runners – Part 3: Fixing stability issues
Identifying the deficit in the stability system is only part of the equation; the bigger challenge lies in learning how to fix the problem. The seemingly obvious fix, strength exercises, often fail as...
View ArticleStability for Runners – Part 2: Stabilising muscles
Stabilising muscles are the silent heroes in the pursuit of running. Working hard, without acknowledgement, to make sure the rest of the system can do its job. But how often do you work on your...
View ArticleStability for Runners – Part 1: Understanding Stability
Stability in running is one of those funny things. Like the foundations of a large building, it enables the rest of the construction to work effective. But no-one has ever stood at the front of a...
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Training for ultras with reduced time
Getting through an ultramarathon with reduced training time is one of the challenges facing many runners, including this working father of three. So much training info is available on the web but much...
View ArticleTen myth-busting facts about running
Running myths are everywhere and cover everything, from training techniques to nutrition and hydration. But don’t fall for these classics; educated yourself to avoid these myths killing your training...
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GNW100 2014 – DNF, a tough teacher in a spectacular classroom
Back in 2012, I was lucky enough to race and complete the Great North Walk 100 mile race (GNW100). As one of the toughest ultras in Australia, the race’s rugged single track, navigation challenges and...
View ArticleMotivation corner #1
John Stephen Akhwari: The Greatest Last Place Finish in the Olympic History The story goes back to October 1968 when the first Olympic Games were being staged in Latin America. It was one of the...
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Treadmill running explained
Treadmills can play a part in many runners’ training plan. Some use it for rainy days, others use it to run after a gym session while some just prefer the safety of the treadmill over the outdoors. We...
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Common concepts that rely on ignorance, gullibility or utter stupidity
Yes, this is a rant, complete with harsh words and name-calling. But it’s long overdue. Too many commonly used phrases are ridiculous, showing a lack of understanding and our willingness to believe....
View ArticleChoosing the right shoe for the job
Following on from our article on Is it time for new shoes? What can a shoe do for you? 1. Support. It’s the most commonly required feature in a running shoe, but what is it? It’s not for “flat feet” or...
View ArticleIs it time for new shoes?
For a simple sport, we tend to find a way of overcomplicating things. This is true for training techniques and it’s definitely true for running shoes. Without any firm “rules” for shoe selection, it’s...
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Gait analysis: Arm swing
As runners, we don’t often pay attention to what our arms are doing. Sometimes we notice the arm swings of others, especially if they look like a Thunderbird, but often we just let our arms do their...
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GNW100 175km trail race 2013 –“The Perfect Storm” Part 3
CP4 (103.7kms): I was a smidgen ahead of schedule and had just run my fastest 100 kms: 17hrs 46mins. My goal when I set out was to finish on empty and to enjoy the ride. At this stage I was definitely...
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GNW100 175km trail race 2013 –“The Perfect Storm” Part 2
Now that’s a diet! At this rate, I’d be a shuffling skeleton by CP3. Looking back now I realise I’d lost close to 7% of my body weight. I wasn’t panicked at the time, but I’ve since learned that the...
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GNW100 175km trail race 2013 –“The Perfect Storm” Part 1
I was luxuriating in the warm and fuzzy afterglow of my first ever ultra buckle at TNF100. It’s that window of time when the mind is receptive to exotic ideas. And he knew it. That’s when the offer...
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The Runner’s Core
“Core” exercises: very popular and very, very misunderstood. Of all the runners we see in our Manly physio clinic, about half of them have a strength program to augment their running. Most have...
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