Sleep is like a secret weapon for runners. While most athletes focus on training plans, nutrition, and gear, the most powerful performance enhancer might be the one we often overlook: a good night's rest.
Consider Sara Hall, one of America's most accomplished marathoners.
With a 2:20 personal recordâthat's running at a blistering 5:20 pace per mile for 26.2 milesâshe represents the pinnacle of distance running achievement. Her journey began in ...
Almost every serious distance runner will end the track season saying, âI know I could have run faster.â Even if the season ended with multiple PRs and great races in the final two weeks, serious runners always want to make the next jump in performance, which is why summer training has always been so important for distance runners.Â
But before athletes start training for cross country, they need to fully recover from the track season.
Obviousl...
The first 4-6 weeks of training following the end of the cross-country season is a crucial time for serious high school runners. The reason is two-fold.  Â
First, athletes need to fully recover from a long race season. They need time off if they had a minor injury or a âniggle.â And they need to give their bodies time to recover and regenerate. Â
Coaches have always (rightly) insisted on some amount of time off after the season for the simple ...
