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Join 35,000+ runners getting beginner-friendly plans and weekly coaching from me, Coach Mark β as seen in The New York Times, Runner's World & CBC. Never run before, or coming back after a break? You belong here. We'll progress slower than you think you need to.
Hey Reader, My family and I just spent July at a cottage north of Toronto. It was such a great month and a reminder of how much I like being outdoors! Lots of fishing with my boys, swimming, playing board games and some running :) I hope you're having a great summer (or winter if you're south of the equator). On the blog: Why beginners should run for time, not distance Heather's mantra (see below) gets at something we come back to a lot: when you run for time instead of distance, your pace...
Hey Reader, Beginners ask me all the time what to eat before a run, and whether carbs are even allowed. So I got a nutritionist to answer it properly! Our new post is written by Juliet O'Sullivan, a certified nutritionist and the founder of Life & Fork Nutrition. Her short version: Carbs are your friend; a small snack like toast with honey or a banana 30 to 60 minutes beforehand is usually all you need, and you can skip gels and sports drinks until your runs pass an hour. It's a practical...
Hey Reader, "How slow should I run?" Going slow is the skill. The honest answer: don't chase a pace on your watch or decide that you need to be totally gassed for a workout to count. Run by effort. Pace doesn't know you slept poorly or that it's 100 degrees and humid out. Most new runners go too fast β slow down more than you think you need to. Easiest check β the talk test: if you can hold a conversation, you're in the right zone. Only getting a few words out? Back off to a walk. Walking...