Athletico Health Resources

Standing at the start line of your first half-marathon healthy, and ready to perform your best, takes months of consistent training and listening to your body. To successfully train for a half marathon, you must prioritize consistent running, increase mileage gradually, incorporate strength training and cross-training, and pay attention to nutrition and hydration. Here are some tips for mastering the essentials of training for your first half-marathon and some pitfalls for new runners.

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Struggling with running-related aches and pains? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been logging miles for years, injuries are common among runners. In fact, studies show that more than half of recreational runners and up to 90% of marathoners experience an injury each year. And where does it hurt the most? The knee, in about half of all cases.

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Spring is here, and the running season has begun! Chances are, if you or somebody you know is a runner, you have heard of a 5K. A 5K stands for five kilometers, which is a race just over three miles (3.1 to be precise). Many communities host a 5K, or even multiple 5K races throughout the year. In fact, 5K is the most popular distance for road races in the United States, with 17,000 recorded 5K’s in the USA in 2016. Each runner completing one of these 5K’s undoubtedly wants to have an enjoyable and successful race.

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It is much easier to get out the door on that mid-week run on a sunny, mild spring day, but winter running is not as simple. How many layers should I wear? Should I wear gloves or mittens? How do I protect my head and face? Will it be dark before I’m done? What type of shoes should I wear? Have they plowed my route? How do I warm up? What’s a safe temperature? Do I need to take hydration with me? Here’s how I try to answer these questions while preparing to run outside in the winter.

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Marathon training is a months-long, demanding endeavor. Early morning runs, careful attention to our food and water intake, and dealing with fatigued legs dominate our training season. Once the marathon ends, we deserve a well-earned rest: physical and mental. However, proper recovery from running a marathon should prepare us for our next physical pursuit, not just promote relaxation. From minutes to weeks after racing, our post-marathon timeline has different considerations to help our bodies recover. Want to know what each stage of recovery from a marathon should include? Read below to plan your first steps of recovery at the finish line.

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Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you seeking to try your first 5k or marathon? Take the quiz below to see if you are ready to tackle your next endurance challenge!

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Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common ailment experienced by athletes, runners, and individuals who engage in high-impact activities. Symptoms include pain along the shinbone (tibia), which often results from repetitive stress on the bone and the connective tissues surrounding it. Shin splints are preventable with the right strategies and habits. Let’s look at some prevention tips and when it’s time to seek out the professionals.

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You have spent hours planning, training, laundering your workout clothes, and organizing your schedule to ensure you are trained, hydrated, well-fed, ready, and rested for your upcoming event. Below are some tips to help you prepare for a successful race day.

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