Category Archives: race tips
Let Track Season Bring Out the Gamer in the Runner: Each event, different variables to master
Lately it feels like my brain is running way faster than my legs could ever keep pace. That’s a darn shame, because one would certainly opt for running a new PR rather than mentally shouting, “SHUT UP!” to your brain … Continue reading
The Distance Runner’s Warm-up: Get your body and your mind prepared to run FAST
The runner’s warm-up is a unique time. Before a hard workout, and even more-so for a race, there’s a lot that needs to happen both physically AND mentally. A warm-up tells your legs to ‘wake up’ because they’re about to … Continue reading
Running Mentally Engaged: Keeping your brain in check when the pain sets in
Running is tough. Racing is tougher…downright painful. The brain has a funny little way of dealing with that pain, it gets sneaky and tries to coax us into slowing down. Runner Brain: “I want to run a PR, dang this … Continue reading
Rule Your Running Terrain: Because races aren’t done on a treadmill
Unless you’re racing on a track, there’s SOME kind of terrain you’ll need to be prepared for come gun-time. Even during track season athletes have much to gain from varying the terrain on their workouts. Power and Speed: Hills build … Continue reading
Filed under cross country, hill running, injuries, motivation, race tips, races, running, Uncategorized
Running and ‘Craming’: Race day ready with not as much time as you would have liked
The results for the ‘cramming method’ when it comes to running are a pretty mixed bag. Admittedly there are those lucky few blessed with a fair chunk of talent and with minimal training can whip out a rather remarkable performance … Continue reading
The Race Isn’t Over Until YOU Say It’s Over: How to decisively pass your competitors and come back from being passed
The race isn’t over until the finish line is crossed. Okay, while that sounds like it merits a, “No sh*t, Sherlock,” snarkism…hold off for just a tick and read where I’m going with this. However long the race is you’ve … Continue reading
Filed under motivation, race tips, races, running, tips
5 Ways to Make Sure Your Race Doesn’t Suck
Ah, the thrill of race day is what some runners live for. Take all that adrenaline and exited-nervousness and it’s a schmorgesborg of energy. With race day comes the (hopefully mostly) self-imposed pressure, expectations and hopes to run your best. … Continue reading
One Single Word That is Holding Your Running Back the Most
…is can’t. Before you start rolling your runner eyes and think, “Great, she’s going all annoyingly Hallmark-motivational on us,” stop! Come on, do you not give me more credit than that, have you really not read enough snarky or sarcasm … Continue reading
Filed under goals, motivation, race tips, running, tips
Finish Line Face: A runner’s grimace-smile as they head for home
You’re running toward the finish line, eyes dead ahead and your face is contorted into some kind of grimace-smile. You’re digging for that extra gear, the lactic acid feels about up to your eyeballs but you spot the line, incentive … Continue reading
Running Through the Hazard Zone: Preventing a mental crash in the dead center of your race
The hazard zone of any run, every hard workout, each race is the middle. The excitement and adrenaline has worn off from the first mile and you’re not quite close enough to the finish line to taste it. Here-in lies … Continue reading
Hello! My name is Cait, I'm a freelance writer and artist who is more than a little obsessed with running. The Arty Runnerchick is dedicated to connecting with other runners and those sweat obsessed through words and art!