Did you know there is a sixth sense?

And no, I'm not talking about seeing dead people. I'm talking about the sense we all have beyond taste, touch, hearing, sight, and smell.

It's balance.

When I say it, it sounds so obvious, right?

We all have a sense of balance that can be strengthed with practice. It can also be lost with neglect.

Not only is loss of balance a major factor in debilitating falls as we age, but for runners, it's a big factor in a loss of performance.

After all, running is just hopping from one foot to the other, completely in balance.

To improve your balance, it doesn't take much. But it does take consistency.

Read more (5 minutes)

If you'd like a simple, follow-along balance routine for runners, check out mine on YouTube.​

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ask me anything

Q:

After my marathon this spring, I know I'll need a few weeks to recover before gearing up for my November race. What should I be doing before fall marathon training really starts?

A:

Just like a runner, you're thinking ahead!

Here's a general layout that works for most marathoners:

The three weeks after your race should be all about taking some time off and gradually easing back into running.

You'll want to count backwards from your fall race date 12-14 weeks for fall marathon-specific training and what you have left is the amount of time you have to train for something different.

Let's say you have 6-8 weeks. I love to put marathoners into a 5k specific cycle where you focus solely on getting better at racing 3.1 miles.

The 5k is still an endurance-heavy distance, but you'll need to develop a lot more speed than you would need for the marathon.

(Bonus: this is usually perfect in the summer when it's just too hot to run 2-3 hours in the sun!)

Another route is what I call "kitchen-sink" training. This is where I'll throw a bunch of seemingly-random workouts at you that hit every kind of energy system you can imagine (think sprints, hills, VO2 max and more).

You'll build strength and power and become a more well-rounded runner.

Either way, you'll be able to work on elements that you can't really focus on when you are zeroing in on the marathon.

And you'll enter fall marathon training even faster and fitter than you are now.

Want me to make a custom off-season plan just for you?

yes, please!

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podcast

What does the word “mastery” mean to you?

In some sense, it’s when you’ve reached the top of the mountain. You’ve learned everything there is to know, and the only thing left to do is retire or teach.

But what if nothing can truly be mastered? Is it still worth the chase?

In running, for example, can you ever truly master the marathon?

In this encore run with runner, coach, and writer, Matt Fitzgerald, we talk about:

• The concept of mastery in running and how it can help you improve at any age,
• Why some runners never reach their potential, and
• How you can get closer to achieving your running dreams, if you really want to.

This is the fourth time I've interviewed Matt over the years and our conversations never disappoint!

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inspo

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."

— Haruki Murakami

Have a great run today, Coach Claire

P.S. Stressed about your upcoming spring race? There's still time to get your Race Week Companion! Build your confidence and make sure the most important week of training is smooth and stress-free. Get yours 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.

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