Monika Gebarzewska

National Volunteer Week: Meet Monika Gebarzewska, Our Volunteer Manager | Meet the Team

Welcome to the very first post from our new blog series, "Meet the Team." Since it's National Volunteer Week, we're excited to introduce to you our Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Manager Monika Gebarzewska, who's also a passionate athlete herself. Monika Gebarzewska the Collegiate Athlete Running has been a part of Monika's life ... More
An older man and a middle-aged woman hive-five during a strength training session

Strength Training: Keep Your Body Strong at Any Age!

When training for a race, whether it’s our first 5K or 15th marathon, we hyper-focus on the miles. But what about strength training? How can we use it to support not only our running but overall health no matter our age? Strength and power are inextricably entwined. Today, let's discuss this connection and find the best exercises for you. ... More

Sustainability in Running: What We in the Running Community Can Do to Be More Environmentally Friendly During Races and Training

When you go out on a run, sustainability probably isn't the number one thing you think about. The only time it might come to your mind is when you see litter along your route and make sure that your gel wrapper is safely tucked in your pocket, waiting to be disposed of at home. If you're one of us occasionally completing our (cross-) training ... More
Alexi Pappas guides Lisa Thompson at the 2024 Boston Marathon. Photo Credit: the Boston Marathon

How Olympian Alexi Pappas Guided Visually Impaired Runner Lisa Thompson to Her Own Boston Victory | Live QnA Highlights

Fresh from her remarkable experience at the Boston Marathon, where she served as a guide for a visually impaired athlete, Alexi Pappas joined us to share her experience. She talked about the endeavor that transcended the typical marathon experience as a physical challenge and a deeply emotional journey. This year, Alexi helped her visually ... More
Scott Benbow runs during the RUN365 series. Scott uses rucking to prevent injuries and train for marathons.

Rucking Your Way to a Better Marathon (And Fewer Injuries) | Scott Benbow Guest Post

Rucking, which is walking with a weighted vest or backpack, is ideal cross-training for endurance runners. It's a great addition to any marathon training plan as it provides significantly less impact stress than running and can, therefore, help prevent running-related injuries. I found out the hard way. Written by San Francisco Marathon ... More
Parisa Arab leads the group at a race

Parisa Arab: A Record-Breaking Athlete You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of | Runner Spotlight Series

"I am an Iranian runner holding 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000-meter national records yet hardly anyone knows me due to public media policies hiding women's achievements in Iran," wrote Parisa Arab in her reply to the SFM Runner Spotlight Series questionnaire. Now, it's time for the world to get to know this multi-record-breaking Iranian athlete.... More
A diverse couple on their short run.

How Short Runs & Exerkines (No, It’s Not a Typo) Boost Your Health and Training

Ahhh, the long run… The cornerstone of every training plan. Many of us build our weekends around them, experiencing the progression of our mental and physical endurance as our goal races approach. But what about those short runs that are peppered throughout our programming? As one athlete that I coach pointedly asked, “What’s the ... More
An athletic woman in a pink top eats a bar mid-run; what GMOs can be in the bar? What are the GMO facts and fiction?

GMOs: Separating Fact From Fiction

You've probably seen the term GMO nearly everywhere from internet debates to the news to grocery stores. It stands for "genetically modified organism." It is generally understood to be an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA (genetic material) has been altered using specific genetic engineering techniques. (This is how I will use the term in ... More
A construction worker happily skips, training with a physical job

How to Reconcile Training with a Physically Demanding Job

I’ve been joining a friend of mine at the gym for a few months now; they’ve been training hard and I had decided to join them for some extra motivation. Working out with friends increases accountability, and that had been the case for me, too. However, a few weeks ago, my friend started a new job where they’re on their feet all the ... More
Sanyika Shakur, this Runner Spotlight athlete, runs with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

How Sanyika Shakur Went from His Block to the San Francisco Marathon | Runner Spotlight Series

Sanyika Shakur is a Houston runner who started to run as a gift to himself for his 31st birthday. Eventually, he moved on from the streets of his childhood, completing three marathons within a year. This is his Runner Spotlight story. Written and edited by Pavlína Marek Sanyika Shakur came from Los Angeles. Now, he lives in Houston, ... More