The Lone Runner Series: Downhill Training for Marathon Runners

Downhill Training for Marathon Runners by Ben Connelly   If you plan to run a marathon with any serious downhill sections, you need to practice running downhill during your training. Runners training for San Francisco, or Boston, should run fast downhill workouts. The goal of downhill training is twofold. Condition your legs ... More

The Lone Runner Series: Hill Training for Marathon Runners

Hill Training for Marathon Runners By Ben Connelly Hill workouts should have a role in training for any race, even track events. But they should play an even larger role in preparing for a hilly marathon, especially the San Francisco Marathon. Hill training does not mean hilly easy runs or long runs with hills. By all means, run hilly ... More

Battle Buddy Series – A Prayer for the Weary, Part 1

A Prayer for the Weary, Part 1 by Darian McIntosh   Let’s talk about the word indomitable for a minute. When I think of you, the runner, it is always the first word that comes to mind. A quick Google search says it means impossible to subdue or defeat. If you are training for a race and this pandemic hasn’t put an end to your ... More

The Lone Runner Series: Interval Training for Marathon Runners

Interval Training for Marathon Runners by Ben Connelly In a previous post, I introduced the topic of speedwork for marathon runners. I explained that, contrary to common belief, marathoners should not run all their runs at an easy pace. Beginners focused solely on completing the marathon can get away with skipping speedwork (although ... More

Battle Buddy Series – A Prayer for the Lonely

A Prayer for the Lonely by Darian McIntosh Dear runners, as we continue on this journey together, I have not been so misguided as to forget that we are in a pandemic. Here I am spouting on about the benefits of having a battle buddy by your side while protocol dictates we keep 6 feet away from each other at all times. Easier said than ... More

The Lone Runner Blog Series: Even Marathoners Need Speedwork

Even Marathoners Need Speedwork by Ben Connelly In this article, I’d like to introduce a topic I plan to explore over multiple articles. Today, I will explain why even runners training for marathons should run fast workouts. In later articles, I will provide specific workout suggestions and go deeper into the science behind them. M... More

Battle Buddy Series: A Prayer for the Complacent

A Prayer for the Complacent by Darian McIntosh   Welcome to part 2 in the continuing saga of my journey, starting with my personal experiences in the world of marathon running. I will be exploring in part what it takes to physically prepare for such a draining endeavor, which can be expected from a blog about marathons. More in ... More

The Lone Runner Series: Pacing a Virtual Marathon

Pacing a Virtual Marathon by Ben Connelly I wanted to follow up last week’s interview with my friend Jordan about his virtual marathon, with my own thoughts about the race. This week, I want to talk more generally and give some advice, both to racers, and to their friends who will be pacing and supporting them. Background: My ... More

Battle Buddy Series: A Prayer for the Unpracticed

Battle Buddy Series: A Prayer for the Unpracticed by Darian McIntosh Recently,  I had a conversation with the son of a very good friend of mine. This dedicated young man decided at an early age to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and join the Army to serve the country that he loves. In preparation for his departure for boot camp next ... More

The Lone Runner Series: Running a Virtual Marathon

Running a Virtual Marathon by Ben Connelly Recently, I helped pace my friend Jordan through the first 16 miles of a virtual marathon. I interviewed him about the experience, in the hopes that his perspective might prove valuable to runners who have not yet run one. We talk about some aspects of his experience specific to the virtual race. I ... More