3 Reasons Why You Need A Run Coach

Whether you’re a brand new runner or a devoted km warrior there are plenty of ways working with a running coach will improve your running and up your 2019 race game to the next level. As a Tribe this has been something we’ve considered doing for a while and I am so excited for us to team up with Michael Liberzon of X3 Training to help you become a stronger runner and chase down those goals.

Not sure whether a running coach is for you? Here are a few reason why it is – and more details on our Tribe Performance Race Team below.

1. Determine Your Proper Volume.One of the toughest things for any runner (new or old) is determining the proper amount of volume. Too much can have you injured and sidelined before you even hit the start line and too little can have you under prepared and regretting your life choices come race day. Many variables go into this equation (e.g., your goal, experience running, history of injury/health) and your coach will help you decipher them all and on an ongoing basis too.

2. Push Your Pace (or Don’t). Are your tempo runs to slow? Are your long runs to fast? Do you even know what I’m talking about? Well your run coach will take the guess work out of your workout paces and get you ready for race day based on your current level of fitness and goals for your race. Your pace is always evolving and your coach is here for you, helping you take your workouts to the next level – in a safe and controlled way.

3. It’s More Than Just Running.Running to race is more than just tying on your shoes and heading out the door. We approach running from a holistic perspective, so not only will your coach help your running performance, but they are here to answer invaluable advice on strength training, your mental game, workout nutrition, and pre- and post- race day procedures, as well as anything else you might need to toe the start line when it comes to running and race day procedures.

Introducing the Tribe Performance Race Team

The Tribe Performance Race Team is an in person coached group training program suitable for both beginners and experienced runners looking to chase down goals from 5km to marathon distances. The program is group coaching designed to help you get faster and
learn proper training techniques from our certified coaches. All paces and experience levels are invited. Basic Membership Plan option includes:

  • Two weekly Tribe Performance Race Team coached team workouts at 7pm every Tuesday starting at Tribe and Thursday at Monarch Park at 7pm (additional track fees apply).
  • General team training plan for either beginner, 5km/10km, Half Marathon, Marathon.
  • 3 classes of runner’s choice monthly at Tribe to support training. Classes cannot be accumulated and will expire at end of month if not used.
  • Membership is minimum of 3 months commitment.
  • Members receive 10% of Tribe gear and accessories.
  • Access to a private Facebook messaging group.

4 Bay-sic Hill Training Tips

With the Around the Bay Road Race  happening this weekend in Hamilton, I spent Tuesday morning with the team from CH Morning Live chatting the race and sharing tips to rock the Valley Inn Rd hill. Watch it here and read my 4 tips to conquer the hill below.

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Four tips to dominate your next hill workout.

1. Keep your chest up and open. The most common advice you might have received is to “lean into the hill”. Unfortunately, this causes many runners to hunch at the waist to lean forward. This constricts your airway and makes it harder to breathe deeply. You do need to lean forward, but make sure you lean at the hips, not the waist.

2. Keep your head and eyes up. Dropping your head  leads to a slouch in your form and restricts how much oxygen you can take in. So  instead, drive your arms straight forward and back using them like pistons. Keep your elbows bent in a 90-degree angle, and swing them straight back and forth, and not across your body.

3. Drive your knees up off the hill and not into the hill – think of this as your knee drive. Work on landing on the ball of your foot to spring up the hill.

4. Bend your ankle. Think of yourself exploding off your ankle and using that last bit of power to propel you up the hill with minimal energy expenditure. Focusing on plantar flexion can save you a lot of energy and really help you get up the hill faster and with less energy.

What are some tips and tricks you use to power up a hill?

Waterfront 10 Runners Yoga

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Are you racing Toronto’s newest 10km next weekend?

Join me at the Toronto Waterfront 10 Expo for a pre-race yoga class which will have you stretched out and ready for race day.

Calm your mind and relax your body with a 30-minute yoga session, then pick up your race kit and browse the expo.

With Canada Running Series, Tribe Fitness, and New Balance Canada we are offering 4 free classes over Wednesday June 22 and Thursday June 23. Mats available to borrow thanks to New Balance Canada.

Space is limited, so please sign up via this link.