The Running Week

03/07/2025

Larry Macon didn’t start running because of a lifelong passion. He started because he didn’t want to admit he spent his weekend working.

At 52, he lied to his coworkers and said he was training for a marathon. The race was three weeks away and he had never run more than 10 miles.

But he showed up. Finished the race in just over five hours. And thought he was done.

He wasn’t.

That one small white lie turned into something extraordinary: a journey across 2,000 marathons. Now 72, Macon has officially become the first American to hit this unbelievable milestone.

And he didn’t do it with a strict training plan or by chasing PRs. He did it simply because he loved showing up and running. Through snowstorms, desert heat, and record-breaking weekends Larry kept running. No stopwatch. No pressure. Just the joy of the journey.

Along the way, he discovered something deeper than miles or medals: connection. He met people from every background, every walk of life. And in his words, running became “a totally democratic effort” that expanded his world more than anything else ever could.

He’s not done yet.

Larry says he’s aiming for another 2,000 marathons and we believe him.

Because sometimes the best things in life come from the lies we tell ourselves… and the truth we find along the way.

03/07/2025

Running shoes have come a long way since the early marathon days. Take a quick glance at the iconic Moon Shoe compared to the latest Nike Vaporfly 4, and the difference in technology and design is staggering. Early marathon shoes like the Moon Shoe were minimalistic light for their time at about 260 grams, with a modest heel height of around 22mm and a simple, thin sole. The idea was straightforward: the lighter and simpler, the better.

Fast-forward to today, and marathon shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 4 are engineered with precision technology to help athletes smash records. Weighing just 184 grams, the Vaporfly 4 is significantly lighter than its historical counterpart, yet it packs advanced features. The shoe’s heel height has increased dramatically to about 35mm, providing maximum cushioning and energy return. A higher drop (6mm) and sophisticated carbon-fiber plates help propel runners forward with every step.

The transition isn’t just in weight and height, but in the philosophy behind the design. Modern marathon shoes focus on optimizing performance through carefully crafted midsoles and high-tech materials, drastically improving running economy and reducing fatigue.

Curious to know how these innovations can boost your own marathon performance? Read first comment.

03/07/2025

Got more free time this summer and thinking about increasing your mileage? That’s awesome... but make sure you read this guide first so you don’t end up injured 👇

03/07/2025

The races will still be electric. The crowd will still rise in unison. The Bowerman Mile will still close out the night in unforgettable fashion. But this year, something essential will be missing from the Prefontaine Classic not just a figure, but a spirit. Bill Dellinger, the guiding force behind one of the most iconic eras in Oregon track history, has passed away just days before the running world reunites at the place he helped define. At 91, Dellinger left this world near Hayward Field the heartbeat of his life’s passion. And while the runners will fly and the fans will roar, there will be an unmistakable quiet underneath it all a reverence for the man who helped mold not only athletes, but the soul of the sport itself.

Dellinger never sought attention. He didn’t command a spotlight, but his influence was undeniable. As an Olympic bronze medalist in the 5000 meters, he knew firsthand what elite competition required. But it was in his coaching that he found true impact measured, dedicated, and quietly brilliant. He took over the fiery Steve Prefontaine from Bill Bowerman and didn’t just coach him he refined him. Their bond was intense and transformative, a merging of talent and wisdom that helped elevate Oregon into a legendary program. Even after Pre’s tragic passing, Dellinger carried the torch not loudly, but with deep respect, as if guarding a sacred memory.

But his legacy stretched well beyond one athlete. Dellinger’s Oregon squads, packed with All-Americans and national champions, spoke to something greater a system, a standard, a culture of excellence. His 1984 team still holds the all-time NCAA scoring record. Yet he never boasted about his success. He simply lived it.

As the Prefontaine Classic unfolds once again, the energy at Hayward Field will remain electric but woven through every cheer will be a sense of remembrance. One of the foundational figures of American distance running has taken his final lap. And while he's no longer watching from the stands, his influence lingers in every stride. A legacy not shouted, but deeply felt. Never gone. Never forgotten.

02/07/2025

"You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." – Michael Phelps

02/07/2025

Discover dosage, timing and safety tips for using sodium bicarbonate before running. Check first comment.

02/07/2025

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02/07/2025

Let’s settle this: is stretching actually worth your time as a runner?

For years, runners have been bombarded with conflicting advice. “Always stretch before you run.” “Never stretch before a run.” “Stretching prevents injury.” “Stretching does nothing.” So, what’s the truth?

The reality is, stretching can be valuable but only if you do it right and at the right time.

Static stretching (those long holds) before a run? Not ideal. It can actually reduce muscle power and make you feel sluggish. But after your run? That’s where the magic happens. Post-run static stretching helps restore length to tired muscles, improves flexibility over time, and may support recovery.

Want to warm up before a session? Focus on dynamic stretching think leg swings, lunges, skips, hip openers. Movements that prep your muscles for what they’re about to do, not lull them into relaxation.

But here’s the secret few runners admit: stretching isn’t just about your muscles. It’s about building a moment of awareness. A pause. A chance to check in with your body. Where’s the tension? Where’s the fatigue hiding?

Those 10 minutes after your run could be the difference between bouncing back tomorrow or fighting stiffness for the next 48 hours.

Stretching won’t solve every running problem. But as part of your routine? It can be a game-changer for mobility, recovery, and longevity.

Check comments for a simple stretch routine you can do after any run ⬇️

02/07/2025

Ayrton Senna’s commitment to physical training played a crucial role in his Formula 1 dominance. He was one of the first drivers in the sport to fully embrace the concept of both physical and mental conditioning as key components of success. Partnering with trainer Nuno Cobra, Senna followed a groundbreaking training regime that would later become a blueprint for future generations of drivers. Their collaboration helped redefine how professional athletes approached preparation and recovery.

In a 1993 interview with Roberto Cabrini, Senna spoke in depth about this innovative approach and the methods introduced by Cobra:

“Nuno is truly a unique person. He’s calm, quiet, and has a distinctive personality that only those who truly get to know him can fully appreciate. He’s also a bit of a dreamer, which I like to joke about, but it’s actually a great quality. He notices beauty in things that most people overlook. What stands out from our years of work together and this is vital for any athlete is that I’ve never suffered an injury. That shows how well he understands each person’s individual limits. He knew exactly how to train me without pushing me past the edge. A lot of athletes get injured during their physical development, but I never did. That speaks volumes about his technique, knowledge, and real-world experience.”

When asked about the role of fitness in his career, Senna was clear:
“Being physically prepared was essential not just for racing, but for life. Good health and strong fitness give you the resilience to handle your day-to-day demands. Especially in a high-stress environment like Formula 1, where politics and pressure are constant, being in peak shape can protect your long-term health. Physical training enhances focus, helps prevent accidents, and increases your chance of success.”

As for how the partnership began, Senna described it as fate:
“A journalist introduced me to Nuno back in 1984. At that time, I lived a very active and healthy lifestyle, and I always loved sports. But I wasn’t physically ready for the extreme demands of Formula 1. I quickly realized that and brought Nuno on board. Since then, our work together has only deepened, year after year.”

02/07/2025

02/07/2025

"I’ve always been competitive, and a part of that is pushing your limits."
– Paula Radcliffe