does running cause you stress or relieve it?


Running is undoubtably an amazing stress reliever. More often than not, we feel better after a run than when we started.

But running itself is a stressor and when we have other stressors in our life (like we all still do, even in the post-pandemic world), something's got to give.

Learn how running can affect your stress levels and, perhaps more interestingly, vice versa.

TEAM SPONSOR

Liquid IV

Make Liquid I.V. your new hydration ritual this year.

Just one stick + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone. You also get eight vitamins and nutrients, three times the electrolytes of the leading sports drink, and no artificial sweeteners. And it’s non-gmo and of course, vegan.

Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you use code PLANTED at checkout.

ask me anything

Q:

Really enjoyed your recent podcast episode where you made a custom training plan for the 5K. For 5K training, is it necessary to increase mileage every week, or would the speed work progression be enough progression to lead to progress?

A:

Happy to hear that you liked the PR Training Lab series!

(For those who haven't listened yet, I give away a free a custom training plan for one lucky listener and create it live on the show.)

No, it's not necessary to increase mileage every week, especially if you are an experienced marathoner.

In fact, most marathoners will want to decrease their weekly mileage during a 5k phase so that they can focus on intensity.

You already have built endurance. Now we want speed and stamina.

But if you are new to running, new to the 5k, or coming back from a break, you might want to consider increasing mileage each week if you need to build your endurance.

The 5k is still a highly aerobic race, so if you haven't built up a big aerobic engine, that's likely even more important than speed.

The issue that I see a lot with marathoners is that when I finally convince them to focus on 6-8 weeks of 5k training, this is their response:

"Okay, I'll do it, but let's keep the long runs building up. I've got to get ready for my next marathon."

We can do that in most cases, but let's be clear. If you do this, you're not really training properly to get the most out of the 5k.

You're still training like a marathoner so don't be surprised if you don't get the results you expect from the 5k.


podcast

Struggling to motivate yourself to go for a run?

Train your brain to make you actually want to go running, even if you don't feel like it.

On today’s Planted Runner Podcast, you’ll discover 15 simple mind shifts that will motivate you before any run.

You’ll learn:

  • How to tap into your brain’s reward system
  • How reframe runs that make you nervous, and
  • How to shift your perspective so running becomes fun again

Unlike the last collection of Mental Strength Minutes that you use during the run, these techniques can be used immediately to get you out the door.

You will still want to revisit them again and again until it becomes second nature, but sometimes just hearing one of these just one time will work instantly.


inspo

"Only the disciplined ones in life are free."

— Eliud Kipchoge

Have a great run today,

Coach Claire

P.S. Transform your training to transform your results. Get a truly custom training solution with coaching, accountability, and a supportive team of runners just like you. No matter what your goal or ability, PR Team training can help you reach goals you never thought possible on your own. Learn more here.

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.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205

The Planted Runner

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

Read more from The Planted Runner
running pacing

To get better at running, the first thing you need to do is run. Sounds obvious, right? Start with running a little more often, then run a little bit longer. But even when you find the perfect amount of running for you, there are 5 non-running things that are critical to running your best. At any age. read more (6 minutes) TEAM SPONSOR Liquid IV Make Liquid I.V. your new hydration ritual this year. Just one stick + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone. You also get eight vitamins...

There's tired and then there's tiiiiiiiiired. When you are bone-tired after a hard workout, or you are dragging yourself straight to the couch after yet another stressful day of work, you're bound to wonder if it's all worth it. Fatigue isn't fun. But it's a tool and a teacher. Of course, fatigue can be problematic because it's an indicator of all sorts situations we want to avoid (too much stress, overtraining, illness, and more). It's there to tell us to slow down. But, when used wisely in...

Being a human is hard. We all want to do the right things in life (and running), but it can feel like we are our own worst enemy at times. We know we can run faster, but we are held back by doubt. We know that consistent strength training will help with just about everything, but it's so easy to skip it. We know that the tough track workout will be worth the effort, but we end up slowing down or even stopping when the effort rises too high. Fortunately, you can train yourself to overcome...