As we wrap up spring race season and head into summer, I'm reminded of one of my favorite mantras:
Blissfully unsatisfied
I read in ​Brad Stulberg's book on excellence​ that the "human brain did not evolve to be satisfied, but to strive" (I might be paraphrasing here, that book is still packed away).
That goal is to keep trying (no finish line mentality), but also stay grounded and celebrate every win you can.


And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
One of the most underrated exercise cues is to feel your feet.
Whether you're struggling with balance (really think about big toe, then the heel and pinky)
Or want more core and/or power (think about the middle of the food)
Unless you're in the air or on your back/stomach... you should be thinking about your feet/foot. ​

​Don't major in the minors.
(paraphrasing John Rohn)
What does that mean for running?

• Most runs should be easy (zone 1-2, sometimes 3)
• Strength training to reduce the risk of injury
• Hills and strides for building speed & power
• Recovery as hard as you train
• Add in tempos for toughness

​
And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
If your knees cave when you do squats, add a band just below or above your knees.
Counterintuitive (why try to make the problem worse??), but the extra tension will actually cause your body to automatically push against it.

But first...
For the rest of the week (til 5/16/26), enjoy 10% off of my
​8 week Post-Race Rebuild program​
Code: TEN

"Intensity and drive are double-edged swords"
-Brad Stulberg
My client just ran Boston.
Kind of a big deal.
And now it's time to head into the next training block. So what do I recommend?
With someone driven enough to tackle Boston, the issue is rarely motivation... but instead, how do you balance all of that intensity so that it increases performance without causing burnout?
So how can you still keep the foot on the gas this summer without hitting a brick wall?

• Prioritize mobility. Maybe it's yoga outside when you wake up. Stretching while your doggo sniffs a special spot on your walk. Or finally, squeezing in band work as you sit around a fire pit.
• Enjoy outdoor cross training: biking, swimming, even hiking (esp if you're doing longer races like me)
• If you want to soak up as much time outside running... Hit the trails. Heading to nature will be a great way to reduce the pounding on your legs.
• Try an outdoor boot camp or bring your weights outside for some strength work
• If you really want to ramp up running volume, aim to ramp up naptimes and snacks at the same rate.

Summer can be one of the best times to run & exercise outside.
Days are longer, mornings & evenings can have mild weather, and seasonal depression isn't wearing you down.
But if you have big spring or fall races, you need to make sure you don't burnout out (have too much drive or intensity) when it might be more advantageous to be in recovery & rebuild mode.
Use that drive & intensity to pour into activities that will help you adapt from your spring races and set a foundation for your fall races.

And now an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
I was listening to a podcast that was comparing the benefits of strides vs plyos.
The coaches were all about strides (I love them, too).
But were more cautious about plyos.
Then I heard the study includes 10 SETS of plyos (with 3-6 reps I believe).
If your goal is to improve running economy or resilience running downhills, I don't recommend more than 2-3 sets of 3-6 reps.
More than that can really beat up the body. ​