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    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    About

    Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from wrapping your head around running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! 

    Each week, our team of editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the hottest new gear and tech, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running!

    Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts!

    For inquiries: hi@marathonhandbook.com

    Hosted By

    Marathon Handbook

    How to Become a More Efficient Runner

    How to Become a More Efficient Runner

    February 20, 2025
    1h 34m

    Athletes Mentioned

    Our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael delve into the concept of running economy, exploring its definition, significance, and the factors that influence it. They explain the role running form plays, and practical tips for improving running economy. 

    They also share six ways you can improve your running economy, emphasizing the importance of strides, strength training, building an aerobic base, incorporating VO2 max workouts, running at goal pace, fine-tuning body composition, and the role super shoes can play on race day.

    We Cover:

    • What is running economy?
    • Steve Prefontaine vs. Frank Shorter: a running economy comparison
    • Elite runners shows that running economy can compensate for lower VO2 max.
    • The role biomechanics and neuromuscular efficiency play in running economy
    • Strength training
    • Heel striking: good or bad?
    • How to test your running economy
    • Tip 1: Run strides and hill sprints
    • Tip 2: Strength training is essential
    • Tip 3: Build an aerobic base
    • Tip 4: Run VO2 max workouts
    • Tip 5: When to run at goal pace
    • Tip 6: Fine-tune your body composition
    • Bonus Tip: The role super shoes can play on race day.

    Then, Alex and Michael are joined by running legend Amby Burfoot to analyze the crazy half marathon world record, which was set by Jacob Kiplimo last weekend in Barcelona.

    ------------------------------------------------------

    Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:

    https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358

    Our free marathon training plans:
    https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

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    Athletes Mentioned

    Ja
    Jacob Kiplimo