under-the-radar way to get faster


When I was twenty-six, I went through a bad break-up.

I found myself alone in the house I had rented together with my ex with a lot of extra time, hurt feelings, and a very energetic dog.

So I started to run.

I didn't know anything about running or training at the time. I just ran until I wanted to stop and then walked back home.

My runs got longer and longer. And so did my walks home.

In a single summer, I went from couch to half marathon. And my run/walks were getting so long that I needed to leave my worn-out dog at home.

What I didn't know at the time is that my walking was probably helping my fitness perhaps just as much as the running.

That's because walking is perhaps the most underrated tool to getting fitter for both running and life.

But there are smarter ways of adding walking into your training then my run-out-walk-back approach, if you don't have hours to spend...

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ask me anything

Q:

I've really gotten into running this year and love all your content! I'm thinking I might be ready to sign up for some races and maybe even (gasp!) a marathon in the next year. Should I just keep building up my base? Or do I need a plan? I feel like I'm still a beginner so getting coaching seems like jumping the gun.

A:

Is it jumping the gun? Or is it skipping ahead?

(I wonder what would have happened if I had gotten help from an expert in the story I shared above.)

Yes, there is nothing wrong with building the running habit and getting some base miles in. But it sounds like you are ready to go to the next level, which is amazing!

You can take the slow route by researching everything on your own and making all the rookie mistakes.

Or you take the fast track. The journey is better with a guide who's already been there and has taught thousands of runners how to do the same thing.

It's kind of like teaching yourself how to bake. Wouldn't you rather learn from a chef from the start?

In running, beginners often have the biggest gains. But they are also the most often injured from too much too soon.

It's never too early to get a plan to reach your dreams and I'd love to be a part of the process!

For all the ways that I can help, from beginner to running veteran, click here.


podcast

Welcome back to the PR Training Lab! Go behind the scenes with me as I create a custom training plan for one lucky runner.

Do you need a plan BEFORE your marathon training plan starts? One that gets you fitter and faster than before? I got you.

In this episode of the Planted Runner Podcast, we feature Laura:

🏃🏽‍♀️47 years old

🏃🏿needs a plan for the 2 months before marathon training

🏃🏼‍♀️wants to get stronger and faster

Learn how I create a custom pre-marathon training plan for Laura.

If you would like to win a free custom training plan and be featured in a future episode, first write a review of the show on Apple Podcasts and then enter here.

The PR Training Lab shows have been the most-downloaded shows of this year so far. Find out why!


inspo

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

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!

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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

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