Balancing Running + Climbing
In this episode, Chelsea of Lady Beta Coaching interviewed me about the parallels between running and climbing, training for a 50k, the importance of food & rest, and much more. Enjoy!
By Kelly Lutz
By Kelly Lutz
Training for an Ultra
I recently saw a post about how to know if you're ready to train for specific distances and got FIRED UP. This post insinuated that you had to be able to run a certain distance in order to train for another distance. Specifically, this post said you should ""definitely run a marathon first"" before running an ultra.
Let's talk about the issues with this advice and how to actually know if you're ready to train for a 50k.
By Kelly Lutz
Let's talk about the issues with this advice and how to actually know if you're ready to train for a 50k.
By Kelly Lutz
Should beginners run on trails?
This podcast episode is inspired by my newest program READY TO RUN and some questions that my friend Wendy had while reviewing the content!
Wendy was wondering if it's okay for newer runners to run on trails from the start, if trails are considered more advanced, when I would recommend running on trail vs road, how to know if a trail is technical, and the difference between surfaces for running.
By Kelly Lutz
Wendy was wondering if it's okay for newer runners to run on trails from the start, if trails are considered more advanced, when I would recommend running on trail vs road, how to know if a trail is technical, and the difference between surfaces for running.
By Kelly Lutz
Tips for traveling to a race
If you’re flying to your race, like me, here are some tips for navigating traveling to a race destination!
1. Pack anything essential in your carry on.
You can see everything I’m wearing and carrying on race day in this picture, and all of this is coming with me in my backpack, not my checked bag. Have you ever had your luggage lost while flying? You don’t want to risk not having your tried and true gear at the race, so carry anything essential with you.
2. Make a packing list.
Packing for a trip in general can be tough, but packing for a race adds an extra layer of nerves. Make a list of all the things you need to bring so that you don’t forget anything.
3. Check the race website.
Make sure you know what time your race starts, where to go, when to pick up your bib, which aid stations your crew/spectators can access, etc. Going over this information in advance will help you feel more prepared and less scattered on race day.
Racing usually brings about anxiety, but hopefully these tips help alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with traveling to your race!
1. Pack anything essential in your carry on.
You can see everything I’m wearing and carrying on race day in this picture, and all of this is coming with me in my backpack, not my checked bag. Have you ever had your luggage lost while flying? You don’t want to risk not having your tried and true gear at the race, so carry anything essential with you.
2. Make a packing list.
Packing for a trip in general can be tough, but packing for a race adds an extra layer of nerves. Make a list of all the things you need to bring so that you don’t forget anything.
3. Check the race website.
Make sure you know what time your race starts, where to go, when to pick up your bib, which aid stations your crew/spectators can access, etc. Going over this information in advance will help you feel more prepared and less scattered on race day.
Racing usually brings about anxiety, but hopefully these tips help alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with traveling to your race!
Transition from Road Running to Trail Running
1. Find a good trail.
I love using Trail Run Project (which I go into in depth in the live) or Facebook groups to find new trails. You can find how hard the trail is, the terrain to expect, and see some pictures to get an idea of what it looks like. I also always recommend researching the local wildlife just in case.
2. Leave your ego at home
You’ll probably be slower on trails than you are on roads, and that can get into a lot of runner’s heads. Go into a trail run without an expectation of pace or time, and you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more.
3. Walk when you need to.
There is no shame in walking!! EVER! Sometimes it’s more efficient to power hike. Sometimes you just can’t or don’t want to run. And that’s totally okay and NORMAL.
By Kelly Lutz
I love using Trail Run Project (which I go into in depth in the live) or Facebook groups to find new trails. You can find how hard the trail is, the terrain to expect, and see some pictures to get an idea of what it looks like. I also always recommend researching the local wildlife just in case.
2. Leave your ego at home
You’ll probably be slower on trails than you are on roads, and that can get into a lot of runner’s heads. Go into a trail run without an expectation of pace or time, and you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more.
3. Walk when you need to.
There is no shame in walking!! EVER! Sometimes it’s more efficient to power hike. Sometimes you just can’t or don’t want to run. And that’s totally okay and NORMAL.
By Kelly Lutz
The label of "runner"
Do you consider yourself a runner?
Today I talk about what the label of "runner" means to me based on a discussion I had with one of my athletes about whether or not she's a "runner" and at which point that switch happens. This can also apply to any other sport that you do!
Today I talk about what the label of "runner" means to me based on a discussion I had with one of my athletes about whether or not she's a "runner" and at which point that switch happens. This can also apply to any other sport that you do!
Base Building for Running
Listen to this podcast to learn what base building is, how to do it, how to know if your easy runs are easy enough.
Mental Hurdles in Training
This week Kelly talks about some mental hurdles in running based on some questions she's gotten.
The two main questions she addresses are how to mentally get yourself to keep running instead of stopping and how to deal with the mental hurdle of getting back into a routine when you're no longer at your peak.
By Kelly Lutz
The two main questions she addresses are how to mentally get yourself to keep running instead of stopping and how to deal with the mental hurdle of getting back into a routine when you're no longer at your peak.
By Kelly Lutz
Warm Up Routine for Runners
Most of us know to warm up when we're lifting, but that doesn't always carry over to our runs. If you're in need of some ideas for how to warm up dynamically for your run, check out this playlist of some of my favorites!
4 Tips for Taper Tantrums
If you're not familiar with this term, the taper tantrums are what many runners use to describe how they feel during tapering - antsy and anxious from lower volume and more rest, itching to do more. Here are 4 tips to survive it:
1. Embrace rest.
When else during training do you have the time to sleep more and take it easy? Resting more than usual can be HARD, but it's allowing your body to recover so you can crush race day.
2. Enjoy the down time.
Training takes up a large chunk of your time each week, and with other responsibilities (work, family, etc), it can be hard to fit it some of your other hobbies or interests. Take advantage of this during taper!
3. Eat well and enough.
I know it's tempting to eat less since you're doing less during taper, especially for those of us who have struggled with food before, but your body needs that extra fuel for recovery. Also keep in mind that you're about to do something big on race day and eat intentionally to fuel for that.
4. Get psyched for your race!!
You're probably feeling anxious about the upcoming race, but now is also a time to get excited! Figure out race day details, get your race day gear and nutrition organized, envision how you're going to do on race day, etc.
1. Embrace rest.
When else during training do you have the time to sleep more and take it easy? Resting more than usual can be HARD, but it's allowing your body to recover so you can crush race day.
2. Enjoy the down time.
Training takes up a large chunk of your time each week, and with other responsibilities (work, family, etc), it can be hard to fit it some of your other hobbies or interests. Take advantage of this during taper!
3. Eat well and enough.
I know it's tempting to eat less since you're doing less during taper, especially for those of us who have struggled with food before, but your body needs that extra fuel for recovery. Also keep in mind that you're about to do something big on race day and eat intentionally to fuel for that.
4. Get psyched for your race!!
You're probably feeling anxious about the upcoming race, but now is also a time to get excited! Figure out race day details, get your race day gear and nutrition organized, envision how you're going to do on race day, etc.