Swimming the channel is an arduous activity that involves crossing more than 20 miles of cold water and battling against strong tides clad in nothing more than trunks and cap. In the initial planning stages an aspirant must register …

Human experiences in the daily life inner capacities, qualities of the soul

monotony in the training ability to visualize, imagination strength
continuous repetition of a single technique concentration

laziness, tiredness, boredom inspiration, joy, enthusiasm
frustration

ambition, wishfulness aspiration

insecurity, lack of discipline straight forwardness, determination, discipline
…

Did you ever meet on your running trips somebody running backwards? To tell the truth, me neither. Nevertheless back running is gaining popularity.

Retro running as this sport is also called, was already at the beginning of the 20th century a part of the training schedule of some …

Marc Hoogakker vom Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Holland gewann den 6-Stundenlauf von Amsterdam im November letzten Jahres (2006), und das, obschon er eigentlich gar kein Ultralaufspezialist ist.

In einem Interview verriet er uns sein Geheimnis: „Ich war selbst überrascht, wie gut ich …

Any sporting achievement requires good preparation and the right kind of training but winning margins are often very small. The difference between winning and losing can often be the matter of a few seconds. To make sure we …

Time Trialling for Beginners

 

In the UK there are many time trials over fixed distances such as 10,25,50 and 100 miles. A 10 mile time trial is a good introduction and should take a reasonably fit cyclist less than 30 minutes.

Warm Up.

You …

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FELL RUNNING

This article is a short introduction to fell running in the UK for the total beginner.

What is Fell Running?

The hills, moors and mountains of the British Isles are collectively known as "fells", and running in these uplands is …

Seven inspirational quotes for runners.

We all need help with our motivation at times, whether we are training for the Olympics or beginning a jogging program to lose weight. Running has long been seen as a sport where inspiration is the key to both the enjoyment of the …

Adrian Stott, one of Scotland's most experienced ultra-distance runners and Manager of specialist running shop, Run and Become (http://www.runandbecome.com), offers some ideas on training with a twist!

TRAINING WITH A TWIST

Training for any distance, whether it is a leg of the Hairy Haggis Relay …

Adrian Stott (aka Tarit), one of Scotland's most experienced ultra-distance runners and Manager of specialist running shop, Run and Become, offers some ideas on training. These articles were originally written specifically for entrants in races in Scotland - the Edinburgh Marathon and Loch Ness Marathon - but the sound …

PREPARING FOR YOUR RACE

Adrian Stott manager at Run and Become, Edinburgh's Specialist Running Shop,offers a few simple tips on getting the right shoes and clothing to help you make the most of your training. He is one of Scotland's most experienced ultra-marathon runners, a former British 24hour …

With two weeks to go to Race Day all your hard training should be over.

Whichever schedule you have been following you should be maintaining a reduced mileage up to 24 September. The final week should be minimal mileage and you should feel rested. Don't be tempted to …

SPEED VERSUS ENDURANCE

Eight weeks to go to ‘M' Day and by now you should have several weeks of consistent mileage behind you and your long run is gradually increasing. Although you will be tired at times you should be getting the benefit of feeling stronger.

To …

With 12 weeks to go to"M Day" now is the time to steadily start increasing the volume of training.

If you are following one of the training schedules on the Loch Ness web site http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/info/preparation.php you will see that whatever your standard, consistency of training and gradually increasing …

LOCH NESS MARATHON JUNE 2006

Despite rumours to the contrary it is now summertime and occasionally it does get warm. Runners in last weekend's Edinburgh Marathon were treated to temperatures of mid-high 70s.

It's a timely reminder that any endurance running schedule for 10k or marathon will …

With 16-20 weeks to"M-Day" now is the time to start planning ahead. Long spring and summer days are really inspiring to get out and build up your mileage. There are schedules for all standards available on the Loch Ness Marathon website, which are simple to follow and are proven …

Drinking - on long runs …

1. Prepare your race day items in advance (see check list below).
2. Never wear new shoes on the day to avoid unecessary blisters.
3. Eat well, with plenty of …

Carbohydrates provide the main …

You MUST check things as you pack them in you bag, and you must be very methodical about it, plus you must explain to your feeder/helper, and the crew where everything is, it is important, to explain to the crew, as often your …

The two most important things you can do to prepare for the channel are swimming in cold water (less than 60 degrees) for long periods, and eating like a pig. While this may sound totally wrong (the eating like a …

2 weeks prior to a race:

· Avoid caffeine, diet sodas and alcohol.

· Maintain an adequate balance of electrolytes by taking in sports drinks as well as plain water for hydration.

· Increase fluid intake. Be sure that your urine is a light yellow.

…

The keys to successfully preparing for your first ultra-marathon are:

1. Long Runs. Time on your feet. You need to adapt to spending long periods of time on your feet and moving forward. Longer runs (>4 hrs.) can be broken up with walking breaks. In fact, learning to …

You build muscle during the Strength Building phase. During this phase you increase the number of muscle fibers in your leg muscles, as well as the mitochondria and enzymes needed to breakdown lactates during exercise. The Strength Building phase focuses on your ability to produce energy. It also raises …

Only experienced ultra-marathoners should try a Speed Building phase. Even experienced ultra-marathoners that aren't attempting to "race" an ultra-marathon, including those that are looking to improve their time, would do well to skip the Speed building phase.

If you do use this phase, maintain your long runs, reduce …

During Base Building you develop cardiovascular and pulmonary function. This phase focuses on improving your ability to transport oxygen. The workouts during this phase are characterized by increasing the amount of time / distance you're running. Gradually increase your weekly mileage, and increase the distance of your long run. …

Just about anyone can finish a marathon. Finishing an ultra-marathon isn't as certain. Besides the planning, training and commitment, you must be physically and mentally strong enough to complete both the training and the race itself. You'll also need to adapt …