Running

Do You Have to Run Far?

I have a confession. I’ve never run a marathon… or even a half-marathon for that matter. In fact, the longest race I’ve ever run was a 10-miler. In the eyes of many, this means that I’m not a ‘real’ runner. And as the founder of UESCA, this is likely inexcusable! I have a Facebook friend … Read more

Default to the Experts

If there is one that I’ve learned starting and growing UESCA is that I’m no expert. I know a little bit about a lot of endurance sports-related things but an expert in any one area? Heck no! When I started UESCA, I spent hours each day reading scientific journals to get the most up-to-date information … Read more

3 Reasons Trail Running Makes You a Faster Road Racer

Trail running is a valuable training tool for any runner to keep in their tool chest to help them improve. Even if your goals are exclusively limited to road races, you’ll give yourself a big competitive advantage by strategically training on trails. In other words, run trails to become a faster road racer. Getting off-road … Read more

Don’t Make Changes All At Once

I suck at golf. Ask any of my friends who have had the unfortunate experience of witnessing my worm burners and tree pruning skills. Despite my best efforts on the driving range to remedy this golf-related malady, there was seemingly no hope. So, I bit the bullet and hired a golf pro to help my … Read more

What is Base Training? Hint: It’s Not What You Think

What is Base Training? Among endurance athletes, base training is synonymous with early-season training at a low intensity that increases in volume with the purpose of building one’s aerobic fitness. While this is often the correct programming strategy, in many cases, it may not be the right strategy. But why? What’s In The Name? As … Read more

Overtraining Syndrome

This blog post is largely taken from our certification content and is contributed by UESCA advisor, physiologist and overtraining syndrome expert Alexandra Coates. While everyone has heard of the terms “Overtraining” and “Overtraining Syndrome”, there is a lot of confusion as to what overtraining really is. In this section we will define the components of … Read more

Environmental Physiology and Training Considerations

There are a lot of unique things about endurance sports. However, perhaps one the most unique aspects is the influence of the environment on athletes. As an example, the Bob Cook Memorial Hill Climb (Mt. Evans) ascends 6,630 feet and tops out at a dizzying 14,130 feet! Whether it’s altitude, heat, humidity or cold weather; … Read more

GUIDE: Strength Training for Endurance Athletes

The History Ahh yes, strength training – the nemesis of any endurance athlete… or at least that is what we are often led to believe. For starters, despite being debunked many many years ago, the myth that lifting a weight or doing a lunge will automatically add pounds of muscle still persists to this day. … Read more

Be Careful Who You Listen To

“A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.” I’m sure that many of you have heard this quote before and from my experience, it’s 100% spot on. Now, while not everyone that gains a little bit of knowledge in a particular area will try to come across as Einstein, there are certainly quite a … Read more

The Most Boring (and Important) Factor of Success

Buy those carbon plated shoes and you’ll hit a PR. Do this specific workout that I’m selling and you’ll increase your lactate threshold. If you use this gel, you won’t hit the wall. There are endless training methods and tips that promise everything from marginal to huge gains. This is also true in the world … Read more