Blog - Running Directions

What to do when your marathon race is cancelled & coronavirus advice for runners

By Coach D

The above video was recorded and published on the 18th March 2020We live in “interesting” times.The situation with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is changing on a daily basis.I will endeavour to add to the notes below and keep them as up-to-date as I can. As I’m aware that the above video may well seem dated […]

Inspirational Running Books

By Coach D

Training the mind is as important as training the body… …this is something I frequently tell my runners – and it is especially true for anyone that is training for an endurance running event. Over the years, I’ve created a habit of selecting an inspirational running book to read, when I’m training for a marathon. A carefully […]

12 Funny Running Memes

By Coach D

The qualities of a funny running meme are subjective. These are some of the memes I find most amusing.Hope you enjoy them too, after all you have to have a sense of humour if you’re an endurance runner…A funny running meme with a cute kitten – what’s not to like? View this post on Instagram […]

What is VO2 Max & does it matter?

By Coach D

In this post I’m going to cover the following aspects of VO2 Max:What it isWhy it matters (& why the actual number is not that important)How it’s measuredWhat the “normal” ranges are & how that compares to Elite level athletesHow to improve yoursWhat does VO2 Max actually mean?The picture at the top of the page […]

London Marathon Countdown Clock

By Coach D

181 Days 20 Hours 20 Minutes 45 Seconds Wondering just how much time until the start of the 2020 London Marathon?… well wonder no more – the count down timer above shows you exactly how much (or how little) time you have left to get in your training.You’re welcome.Will YOU be Ready? The 2020 London […]

Hydration & the Importance of Electrolytes

By Coach D

When you run you will sweat – more so when it’s hot and humid.Everybody knows that – it’s no secret. But not many people understand what’s in your sweat and the importance of maintaining a balance of those vital ingredients in your body.Sweating is our bodies main way of cooling off the heat generated by […]

How often should you change your running shoes?

By Coach D

This is a question I get asked quite a lot and my answer isn’t always appreciated…That’s because it’s one of those “how long is a piece of string?” type of questions. My answer is generally along the lines of: “It’s difficult to give a simple one-size-fits-all type answer, as there are so many variables to consider.” […]

Summer Running…

By Coach D

…is rarely as fast. Your lungs are burning and sweat drips down your ass…(the above words are to be sung out loud to the tune of: “Summer Lovin” from the musical Grease – I dare you!!) Ok my warped sense of humour aside, running in hot/humid conditions can deplete your energy levels faster than unnecessary apps […]

The Importance of Warming Up

By Coach D

The warm-up is a very important part of every workout and run. The warm-up primes your body, and starts getting more blood and oxygen to your muscles for the exercise/running you want it to do afterwards. This is important not only to make the most of your workout/run, but to reduce injury risk too!

Surviving The Silly Season – Alcohol Consumption & Training

By Coach D

As I sit at my PC to write this blog post (it’s the 19th of December), my wife is at her second Christmas Lunch of the festive season and I’m just about recovering from last week’s all-day-boozy-xmas-extravaganza. We also have several other family functions and various parties to attend (including a trip to Edinburgh) between […]

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