I stepped outside for my run yesterday into what I can only assume is hot soup masquerading as air. This time of year, one of the most constant coaching refrains is: "it's not you; it's the heat." But it's one thing to say it (and know it to be true), but it's another thing to BELIEVE it when, like me, you find yourself stuck in Slog Jog™ mode.
But weirdly… I kind of love it. There's something deeply character-building (and also slightly unhinged) about willingly running through a humidity rating that feels like you're breathing through a damp washcloth, where sweat drips from your elbows every few steps.
It's not flashy and it’s not fast. But it works. This is the season where effort matters more than pace, where showing up and getting through it counts as a win, and where your fall fitness is quietly simmering underneath all that swampy struggle. So if you're out there Slog Jogging™ right now, congrats: you're doing it right.
In this issue of The Weekly Stride, we look at how training with a group can help you, want to know when YOU stop your runs, share a new podcast episode with the Your Diet Sucks duo, look at new research helping you know if you should run first or lift first? & more!
Ready to take your stride to the next level? Let’s dive in!
-Coach Elisabeth
Founder, Running Explained
1. You asked…
"Can running with a group or team really help me get better? And where’s the best place to find one?"
Running is often seen as a solo sport, and over the years, you'll certainly log plenty of miles alone. But there's a huge advantage to being part of a group, team, or having running partners. I know we've spent countless hours in our heads during runs, battling our own barriers, but being part of a group made those barriers feel much easier to overcome.
Teamwork is often praised, and running is no different. If you're facing a tough workout, just having a friend or teammate nearby - whether they’re doing the same workout or their own - can give your performance a big boost. Mentally, you feel like you're working together. On long runs, the miles can fly by much faster when you’re chatting with a friend or group, rather than focusing on the ticking clock. Hitting your biggest goals becomes easier with support from others, which is why we often perform better in races than in solo time trials.
So, how do you find a team to experience this group effect? Start by looking in your local community. Running stores often host group runs where you can meet others. At races or running events, you’ll find information about local running groups that meet regularly. There are also many local clubs that host races and are always welcoming runners who want to work together. A local run club near me has been hosting The Bagel Run every Saturday morning for over 25 years, rain or shine! These groups can help you go further and faster while connecting with passionate runners.
Even online communities can boost performance, as runners share workouts and support each other. Especially when athletes are training for similar races or distances, having a group to cheer you on can help you push through barriers and grow as a runner.
So, while running is certainly a solo sport at the end of the day, don’t underestimate the power of a group. The support from others can have a huge impact on your performance. The running community has been one of the best parts of my life, and I’m not sure I’d still be running 29 years later without the people in my corner who I’ve shared miles, workouts, and races with. Next time you're looking to level up your running, look no further than a group to support and challenge you!
Are you making food choices based on science… or on social media? I'm joined by Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn, the duo behind the podcast Your Diet Sucks, to unpack the complicated, often confusing world of diet culture in endurance sports. With Zoë’s background in journalism and Kylee’s clinical expertise as a sports dietitian, they team up to challenge the nutrition narratives athletes are constantly fed—from TikTok trends to supplement fads!
If you’re a runner who also does strength training (*ahem*, meaning all of us), you’ve probably wondered: should I run first or lift first? Maybe you like hitting the weights after their run so your legs are fresh for your run, while others prefer to lift first and then run on tired legs. Many of us juggle busy schedules and end up shifting workouts out of necessity. But does the order actually impact your endurance performance in the long run? (lol)
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