Distance Running Foot Care

Foot care is a subject all distance runners should know about, preferably before they suffer from foot problems!   No matter how well you’ve prepared and conditioned your feet prior to your run, you can’t predict what’s going to happen when you’re out on the trails.   During distance running events, many competitors have foot … Read more

Hydration and Salt Levels For Runners – Explained

Reviewed by Thomas Watson, RRCA-certified running coach & Marathon Handbook founder. Key Takeaways Hydration and salt levels for runners are tied — water without sodium can cause more harm than under-drinking. The current guideline is to drink to thirst during runs, replace 50-75% of sweat losses afterward, and aim for 500-1000mg of sodium per liter … Read more

Global Limits Bhutan – The Last Secret – 200km Race Report

The Global Limits ‘Last Secret’ race is a six-stage 200km race through the unique kingdom of Bhutan.   Here, Colin Harper shares his epic account of the race in the Land of Happiness . . . (Warning:  ultra-length post ahead!) The Global Limits series of stage races are a well-established set of adventure running through … Read more

How to Train for a Stage Race: Multi-Day Running Guide

Stage races (also called multi-stage races) are completely different animals from regular, one-day races.  Be it the Marathon des Sables, a 4 Deserts race or any of the other stage races popping up, you have to be able to run well over several days – which takes a lot of training and conditioning.   Here, … Read more

Cross Training For Runners

For runners, cross training means doing any type of exercise which compliments your running training.  Almost any form of work out or exercise will complement your running fitness, though some are better than others.  Here, I explore the different options runners have when it comes to cross training – and which ones will have a … Read more

How To Prepare For Running At Altitude

Running at altitude comes with it’s own set of rules.  Altitude affects runners in different ways – shortness of breath is common, and dizziness or nausea are possible.  Older runners tend to get affected easier than younger.    Some runners are interested in training to run races at high altitude, while others use altitude training … Read more

How Nike Almost Broke The Two Hour Marathon

Nike’s audacious #Breaking2 campaign – attempting to run a marathon in under 2 hours – came up 25 seconds short on Saturday.  Despite not succeeding in breaking the 2hr mark, it set a new record. And Nike and it’s athletes are proving that challenging perceived limits can lead to breakthroughs. 

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Marathon Des Sables – An Honest Account From An Under-Prepared Runner

The Marathon Des Sables is a 250km self-supported race across the Sahara desert.

Now with over 1200 entrants each year, the event is the biggest of it’s kind on the planet.

Participants usually train for months to condition their bodies and prepare for the race – but often other commitments and time limitations mean many runners turn up at the start line under-prepared.  James Bowkett gives his first hand account of participating in the Marathon Des Sables, his first ever ultra-marathon, with less preparation than he would’ve liked . . .

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The Way Of Legends – Race Report

In September 2016 I ran the inaugural edition of the ‘ The Way of Legends ‘ stage race through Northern Spain.  Steeped in local history, culture and gastronomy, this fantastically-supported event is a first-class example of boutique ultra-running, and is set to become a regular race on the must-do multi-day lists.

By Thomas Watson

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