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The Planted Runner

are you racing this fall?

Published about 1 month ago • 4 min read

Let me ask you a question.

I have spent the last 10 years writing this newsletter every single week. The vast majority of the runners I send it to open it and tell me they look forward to it every Thursday.

I share strategies on running, nutrition, mental strength, and more, and I love being a resource you can trust.

As you might be able to guess by the refreshed look of this page today (how do you like the new colors? 😍), the Planted Runner is going through some much-needed changes and updates to make what I do even better for you.

I'll be asking for your input on lots of topics coming up soon, because like everything I do, I want it to be customized to you.

The first thing I'd like to know is are you racing this fall? This will help me make sure I create content this summer that is geared towards those who really want it.

and besides, I want to cheer you on!

If you are racing this fall, smash the button below.

If you are not racing this fall, but you'd like to share what you would like to see more of from me, my inbox is always open and I'd love to hear from you. Simply hit reply and fire away.

from the team

"I didn't realize how much I needed this!"

When Katie first signed up with me, she wasn't looking for a community. She wanted great coaching. She wanted a smart training plan from someone she trusted.

For over a year, she worked with me one on one. Then she decided to give the PR Team a try.

What surprised her was how quickly the runners on the team became part of her life.

She started cheering for teammates she'd never met in person. She celebrated their PRs. She shared race nerves and training struggles with people who understood exactly what she was going through.

Somewhere along the way, strangers became friends. One PR Teammate lives in her city and now they are running buddies.

When she and her family went abroad for vacation, she made sure to schedule a run with another PR teammate who was local.

How cool is that???

Running can feel lonely sometimes. Finding your people changes everything.

If you're training for a fall race and want expert coaching, a personalized plan, and a community that truly cares, the PR Team might be exactly what you're looking for.

P.S. I built a very cool new quiz that will help you decide which training strategy is best for you! Try it out with one click.

*team names changed for privacy

ask me anything

Q:

I ran a great marathon this spring and my big goal is to do even better in the fall. I've signed up for a 5k this weekend, a half and two more 5ks in July, as well as a 10k. I'd love to do them all, but I'm happy not to if you think they'll negatively affect my November 29 marathon. What do you think??

A: ​

Congrats on your marathon! I hope you are recovering well (be sure to listen to today's podcast! 😉)

For a November 29 marathon, your marathon-specific training will start mid-August to early September.

You certainly can have fun and race whatever you like until then, but I'd recommend being more strategic.

Out of all the races that you've listed, I recommend that you drop the half. The other races can certainly be a part of your training this summer to help make you even faster in the fall.

The first 5k you have this weekend would set you up nicely for a speed cycle, working on your higher-end endurance fitness and stamina. Three months is on the longer side of a speed cycle (I typically recommend 8-10 weeks), but if those are races you enjoy, that's an important part of training too.

The reason I advise you to skip the half next month is because you have just come out of long-distance training. The focus on higher-end speed instead can give you the edge when you get to August.

If you wanted to run the half as an easy run instead of racing it hard, that's an option, but I highly recommend switching up your focus for a few months before marathon training.

With freshly-built 5k speed, you'll enter fall marathon season even fitter than you are now.

Of course, I'd be happy to map that out exactly for your unique situation. Just click the button to start designing your summer.

Have a question? Reply and you could be featured next week.

podcast

Cape Town, South Africa has officially been named as the eighth star Abbott World Marathon Majors series starting in 2027.

Cape Town, South Africa has officially been named as the eighth star Abbott World Marathon Majors series starting in 2027.

It joins Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, London, Chicago, New York, and Sydney as bucket-list marathons around the world.

Today, I’m going to talk to PR Team member Terry Whelan about his experience running the marathon in Cape Town, South Africa in May.

You’ll learn:

  • What the race was like
  • How the experience of the World Age Group Championships went, and
  • How his training is about to change this year

If you’re a runner that’s worried that your age is catching up with you, Terry’s about to give you a little inspiration.

inspo

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage."

—Dale Carnegie

Have a great run today,

Coach Claire

Thank you for being a part of the Planted Runner community!

My mission is to help runners just like you reach goals they never dreamed possible through science-backed training and plant-based nutrition.

Since 2016, I've helped thousands of every day runners become fitter, faster, and stronger with truly customized training and coaching.

I also love to share what I have learned from my own journey starting as a non-runner to a 2:58 marathoner at age 42, as well what I have learned coaching runners, completely FREE. I do that every week in this newsletter and on the Planted Runner Podcast.

Being a part of this email community ensures that you first access to everything we have coming up – from free running and nutrition guides, to events like workshops and retreats, and so much more to help you get results.

I'm so glad you're here and my inbox is always open. Feel free to reply with questions or feedback!

If that's not for you, ​unsubscribe here​, completely guilt-free!

To change your email or preferences ​manage your profile​.

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246

The Planted Runner

Claire Bartholic

Coach Claire has helped hundreds of real runners chase their dreams and conquer what they never thought possible. Her coaching philosophy combines science-based training, plant-based running nutrition, and proven mindset techniques to unlock every runner's true potential. She's a certified vegan running coach, sports nutrition specialist, mom, and borderline obsessive plant lover. As an athlete herself, she went from a 4:02 first marathon all the way to a 2:58 finishing time at the age of 42, entirely plant-based. She coaches vegan, plant-based, and plant-curious runners to achieve the same dramatic success, from those on a walk-run program, general fitness, up to high-level athletes

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