Training Articles

Providing useful information to make your running program a success. . .

The North Atlanta Running EZ8 Camp articles are a free service delivered every month to our members. Each article we provide has the most recent update information on basic training guidelines, training tips, nutrition, consumer product reviews (reviews on newly released  fitness related products ..i.e. hr monitors, shoes, pedometers, clothing, etc....). We encourage you to submit comments and ideas. Remember, you may cancel your subscription at any time.

Top Ten Ways To Avoid Running Injuries

Running injuries are almost an unavoidable part of running.  It is the rare athlete that can avoid them.  While injuries are nearly unavoidable you can take steps to minimize the occurrence of running injuries. Here are the top ten ways to avoid injuries as much as possible.

Selecting Good Running Shoes

Although running is a simple sport that almost everyone can do, it forces your feet and legs through a fairly complex series of movements.  With so many high-tech running shoes on the market today, picking the right shoe can be challenging.

Running Tips

Everyone runs for different reasons. Some run because it's the only exercise they can fit into their schedules, and others run to let their minds roam free or train for a road race or triathlon. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, here are a few running tips to help improve your running.

The Mental Side of Running

Negative thinking limits performance.  If you turn the thinking around, then suddenly the impossible becomes possible.  If you can train your mind, your body will follow. We are capable of those things that we are capable of believing.  As an athlete, you should always act as if you can. With this positive attitude, you can discover the truth of your athletic abilities by living out the experience.  Far too many of us do the opposite. We decide ahead of time that we cannot. We think we’re too old, too uncoordinated, too heavy, not trained well enough, not tough enough or not blessed with the right genetics.  The list can go on forever.  This becomes negative thinking and negative beliefs. The bottom line is this:  If you think you can’t…you can’t.

Why Do I Need A Heart Rate Monitor?

Using a hr monitor will make you a better runner.  The monitor accurately measures the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Knowing that figure helps you gauge how your body is responding to training.  Hr monitors measure and record your heart rate while giving instant feedback about the work level of your heart.  The fitness of the heart is the key to one’s aerobic endurance. 

Hit The Hills To Improve Running Speed

Hill running should be included in your workouts each week. Hill work is the most productive training you can perform. Hill work builds leg strength and is more stressful on the body so progression is extremely important.  Think of a hill workout as a running specific weight workout. The exaggerated knee lift, driving arms, and pronounced toe-off necessary to run up hills strengthens you every bit as much as hitting the weight room. Hill running also works the cardiovascular system as your heart rate tries to keep pace with the increased energy required to fight gravity. Consequently, hill workouts are taxing and should be done only once or twice a week.

Top Ten Ways To Improve Run Economy