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Running Too Much Too Soon: Signs You're Overreaching
I can usually tell when a runner is overreaching before they can tell me themselves. It's not magic. After nearly two decades of coaching, from Olympic medalists to first-time 5K runners, the pattern is unmistakable. A runner shows up to their Monday session feeling heavier than they should. They mention their easy runs don't feel easy anymore. Their resting heart rate creeps up a few beats per minute. These are the breadcrumbs that tell me everything I need to know. Most run
coachponsonby
2 days ago6 min read
How to Taper for a Marathon Without Losing Fitness
Three weeks out from the biggest race of the year, and suddenly you feel slow. Your legs are heavy. Your pace feels sluggish. You're anxious. You start wondering if you've peaked too early, if you've lost something in the last 18 weeks of training. Here's what I've learned coaching runners at every level: that feeling is normal, it's temporary, and it's not what you think it is. You haven't lost your fitness. What you're experiencing is taper syndrome, and it's where most run
coachponsonby
6 days ago5 min read


Effort-Based Running: Why the Best Coaches Don't Obsess Over Pace
I’ve coached runners for nearly twenty years. The runners who improve the most aren’t blindly chasing pace every day. They understand how to use effort. Not instead of pace. Alongside it.
coachponsonby
Apr 13 min read


How Important Is Recovery for Runners? (More Than You Think)
Recovery is where fitness actually happens. I know that sounds backwards. The workout is just the signal. Your body does the real work when you're resting, sleeping, and moving easy.
coachponsonby
Apr 15 min read


Is a Running Coach Worth It?
I've been coaching runners for nearly two decades. Olympic medalists, first-time marathoners, folks coming back from years off the sport. I've seen coaching help runners break through plateaus they'd been stuck on for years. But I've also seen people sign up and not get much out of it. The difference almost always comes down to one thing: are you ready to be coached?
coachponsonby
Apr 13 min read


How to Properly Warm Up for Race Day
Warming up properly can be the difference between a strong race and one that falls short. Whether you're running your first 10K or chasing a

Coach Ponsonby
Mar 4, 20253 min read


The Power of Routine: Why Consistency is Key to Achieving Your Training Goals
Achieve your race goals with the power of routine. Discover how consistency transforms training & keeps you on track for race day success!

Coach Ponsonby
Oct 4, 20243 min read


Training Built for You: Inside My Approach to Personalized Coaching
Discover my personalized, phase-by-phase coaching approach that builds fitness, avoids burnout, and helps runners reach peak performance on

Coach Ponsonby
Sep 10, 20243 min read


It Just Takes One.
One run. That’s all it takes to spark the confidence you need to push forward.

Coach Ponsonby
Aug 29, 20242 min read


Fast Times Ahead
Distance running is on fire these days; top athletes around the world are continually pushing the envelope and setting new records more freq

Coach Ponsonby
Aug 16, 20244 min read


"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
Your goals are set. You have your training plan. Now it's up to you to make it happen!

Coach Ponsonby
Jul 8, 20242 min read


Your Journal Is The Best Workout
A running journal helps you spot patterns in your training. By regularly recording your workouts, you can see what worked and what didn’t.

TheRunPlan
May 23, 20242 min read


UPDATE* Set Big Goals. Do Hard Stuff. John Arnold's Mission to Take on the World at Age 40
John stopped running for almost 20years. Now he has his sites set on the 2024 Masters World Championships.

Coach Ponsonby
May 15, 20243 min read


Overcoming Adversity: An Unforgettable Journey to the 2009 World Championships Podium
At the 2009 World Championships, Shannon Rowbury knew she was ready for a podium finish.

Coach Ponsonby
May 9, 20243 min read


The Formula For Success: Training, Strength Work, and Recovery
Running at a high level isn't just about the daily grind of pounding the pavement. It's about finding the balance between pushing our limits

TheRunPlan
May 2, 20242 min read


Where The Rubber Meets The Road
When training for your first 5k or marathon, having a goal and a solid plan is just the starting point. The real challenge, where true...

TheRunPlan
Apr 16, 20242 min read


The Importance of General Strength Training for Distance Runners
Success in running truly boils down to two factors: consistency in training and maintaining good health. The first aspect, consistency in...

Coach Ponsonby
Apr 11, 20242 min read


Do you have an effective warm-up routine?
The goal of a warm-up is to prepare your body for a hard effort and prevent injuries. All runners should have a consistent warm-up...

Coach Ponsonby
Apr 4, 20242 min read


Why I Started The Run Plan
Getting my first coaching job was like a dream come true. Ever since my Dad coached me in little league soccer, I wanted to be a coach....

Coach Ponsonby
Apr 2, 20244 min read
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