MEG J FITNESS
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My ramblings about


Strength


​ Training &


​Mindset for Runners

What's your biggest rock?

3/28/2026

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​***My intern told me it's time to put out some new programs...
so coming soon:
  • 6 Week Pre-Marathon (Lock In) Strength training
  • 6-8 Week Post- Marathon (Rebuild & Repair) Strength Training
  • 6 Week Strength Training for a Speedy Summer (Quick Feet & High Power)

Onward!
What's your biggest rock?
The one you can throw that would cause the biggest splash and create the most ripples?
  • Getting more sleep
  • Pre-planning runs & snacks
  • Daily 5 mins of mobility & PT drills
  • 2 x 25 mins of strength training each week
  • More food in general
  • More strides
  • More easy miles
  • An amazing play list
As runners, we tend to want to improve and optimize EVERYTHING.
But it can be draining and confusing.
If you could crush one thing, like an epic playlist... will that inspire more easy miles? Or motivation to do strides? Or make mobility work bearable?

What is your biggest rock?


And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Want to make your plank more challenging/improve form? Don't just hang out in it, create a ton of tension.
When in position, drag your elbows towards your toes.
And your toes towards your elbows.
Enjoy.
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March 21st, 2026

3/21/2026

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If you're in Denver, the final ​"Race Ready Strength" ​ is on March 26 (focusing on hips & low back).

Onward!


I was talking to a client about the challenge of building a routine.
Knowing when to be dedicated & stick through the process.
... Because we know consistency is the key to progress.
And know when to be flexible and adjust when a plan or exercise is not longer serving us.
... Because we don't want to keep digger ourselves deeper into a hole.
If you read my mindset email (comment if you want to get it), you'll know I don't have a full-proof answer for that.
But my suggestion?
If something isn't feeling right and you're unsure about whether to commit or bail on a plan/exercise/race...
Sit with your "WHY?"
Ask yourself (up to 5 times) why you want to go ahead with this plan/exercise/race.
For me?
I've been training to break my mile PR before I turn 40 because I want to be fast and strong, without the time consuming training of some longer races.
I picked the time and countdown because I thought it was fun and needed some fire to actually get my tempo runs in.
But really, I just needed a goal I was excited about.
I'm still excited about the mile, but now... I feel ok to bail on the timeline.


And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Still struggling with push ups?
​Grab a foam roller and try this... 
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How to run up that hill

3/12/2026

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If you're in Denver, the final "Race Ready Strength" is on March 26 (focusing on hips & low back).

Onward!
Hills are like a cheat code for running. What do I give my clients specifically?
  • 10 x 45 sec uphill hard & jog down-
Simple. Short enough to push the pace, long enough to improve strength endurance and stamina
​
  • 2 x 2 min (jog down) 4 x 1 min (jog down), 6 x 40 sec (jog down)-
More of a grind, think closer to threshold workout. Then adding some spicy speed on the end
​
  • 3 x (30 sec up/jog down/60 sec up/jog down/90 sec up/jog down-
Mix of speed & stamina to really test different limits
​
  • 15-20 x 30 sec hard min with jog down
If hill repeats were a lifting workout... this would be 10 x 3 reps. Tough, looking to improve some top end power.
ALSO
I recommend hard runs on rolling hills and hard downhills to also improve turnover and quad resilience.​
​
And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!


Push Up Form
Think making your body into an arrow vs a T or a I.
It's better for your shoulders.
Also, spreading your fingers can help.
​
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Running up that hill...

3/8/2026

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Spent the week in aggressive recovery mode.


Just a reminder to recover as hard as you train.


I saw a massage therapist (told me I had tight hammies & hip flexors), body worker (working on my breathing patterns and low back fascia), did a ​sauna and cold plunge evening​, and then I'll see my PT on Tuesday.


If you're in Denver, the next ​"Race Ready Strength" ​ is on March 12 (focusing on knees) & March 26 (focusing on hips & low back).

Onward!


Hills are like a cheat code for running. How?


They built more strength than running on flat ground...
  • Engages glutes, hamstrings, and calves more intensely than flat ground
  • Develops lower-body power (almost like a mini-gym workout)
  • Improves running economy and stride efficiency


They improve your heart fitness...
  • Pushes your heart rate into higher training zones with less speed
  • Improves VO2 max and aerobic capacity faster than flat workouts
  • Builds endurance that translates directly to race performance


They are (usually) easier on the body...
  • Naturally shortens stride, reducing impact on joints
  • Encourages a forefoot strike and better running form
  • Strengthens stabilizing muscles that protect knees and ankles


And almost most importantly, improves mental toughness...
And next week I'll cover some specific hill workouts I give my clients...
And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Calf Raise Tip...
There are two major muscles in the calves.
If you do raises with straight legs, you focus on one of them.
If you do raises with more than slightly bent knees, you focus on the other one.
So... do both.
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