Runners World interviewed our very own Coach Karen this summer about how to run smarter, finish faster and have more fun at your next race.
Her first tip: Winding Roads
“If you’re gunning for a PR identify areas where roads twist and turn, and plan to run the shortest route – the tangents – for our fastest possible finish time, said coach Karen Meadows. When a course is measured, it’s done so using a straight line from the beginning to the end of a curve. Deviating from that tangent line increases the ground you cover.
Another tip: Dead Zones
“Look for stretches without entertainment or easy spectator access – and be ready to tackle them with mental games,” said coach. “Plan to think about reeling in the person ahead of you or repeat a mantra to yourself.”
Check out more of Runners World for these and other tips from Coach Karen.
Happy Trails!