Distance Running Challenge

Why a running challenge can help kick start your Autumn running

Oct 16, 2020

Hello, there friend! It’s me again and I’m here for another installment.

This week I’m taking an entire week away from running. I really didn’t want to, but after my VO2 test last week, my calf and soleus (the muscle under the calf) were fed up and tired. I tried running hard on Sunday, but after 400 meters, I knew something was about to rip, so I stopped.

Since then, it’s been rest, massage, and trying to heal a calf that ALWAYS gives me issues. I don’t think I’m out of the woods yet, but I do feel better. I am going to rest for 3-5 more days and if there still isn’t any progress, I’ll be reaching out to a sports therapist for some active release and manipulation.

All this to say, that I think it’s time for a running challenge. An online friend is doing a 14-day TikTok challenge - which I was doing well on for a few days - but I want to do one focusing on running.

If you haven’t seen Des Linden’s challenge, you should count your lucky stars we aren’t doing that one! Oct 1st - 1 mile of running. October 31st - 31 miles of running…

If you are interested, you will want to follow along in my Facebook group: Ask the Running Coach. We are starting on Monday and each day I will post the daily challenge along with providing you with prompts to be successful.

If you aren’t on Facebook, in next week’s newsletter I will post the first set of days and then the following newsletter, I’ll post the remaining days.

Friday’s Action Plan:

After an extended period off from running, follow these tips to come back quicker and stronger than ever:

1. Start slow and easy

2. Listen to your body

3. Be patient

Big Events Coming Up:

TrainwithMarc/Ask the Running Coach 14-day Challenge

What’s Got My Attention:

Article: Why Strengthening Your Glutes Is Important for Faster Running

Article: Lights on the track are helping runners shatter world records

Popular Newsletter Sessions:

Easy Like Sunday Morning - Oct ‘19

Tips to Help Ya Bounce Back - May 2020

Quote of the Day:

“Focus on the journey, not the destination.”

List of the Week:

Connect with me:

I’m on Instagram

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I'm on TikTok

Here’s my blog

Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com

If this resonates with you, I would love it if you could share it.

Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.

TrainwithMarc