Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans, with expert advice from London Marathon winner Mike Gratton. Join our mailing list to receive running tips, event details, discount codes, and more every two weeks...
We hope you are well and enjoying the start of the season's festivities. This week, we're diving into game-changing topics to transform your running (with perhaps a few extra ideas to add to your Christmas list!)
Discover how adaptogenic mushrooms are revolutionising endurance performance. And learn why every runner needs a spiky ball in their recovery toolkit. We also explore the life-changing benefits of marathon running that extend far beyond the finish line, and share our handy glossary for newbie runners.
Merry Christmas to you all, keep showing up πͺ The hardest step is the first one out of your front door! π
GEAR
The best running shoes to add to your Christmas wish list 2025
Adaptogens are exploding in endurance running for good reason. β They can help:
Combat stress and fatigue
Boost the immune system
Speed up recovery
Provide natural performance enhancement.
Who doesn't need that at this time of year?!
This isn't just a TikTok trend; it's ancient medicine meets modern training. Your next breakthrough might be fungal!
Lionβs mane, in particular, is celebrated for supporting brain health, improving focus, and enhancing cognitive function. Theyβve been shown to boost energy, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function, making them especially popular among runners and athletes.
Spiky balls effectively target trigger points and provide relief from myofascial pain. This helps runners address nagging aches and pains that can impede performance.
RUNNING TRAINING
Top benefits of running a marathon
If a marathon is in your plan for 2026, you're all set to discover how marathon running can enhance your life in so many ways, including:
β Enhancing physical health by improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones, and boosting the immune system
β Reducing stress, improving mood, and building self-esteem
β Fostering social connections, offering opportunities to make friends and feel a sense of belonging within a running community.
The mental health benefits of running marathons are just as impressive as the physical ones. Marathon training can alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, contributing to overall mental well-being. Running acts like meditation, helping the brain focus inward and find calm, which can mitigate stress.
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Discover more about the benefits of training for those 26.2 miles here...
"As a very broad rule of thumb, for 5km to 10km, I double the 5km time and add 60 to 90 sec, and for the half marathon, I half the marathon time and take off 5 to 10 minutes. It gives a broad range of paces.
Coach Mike Gratton - Ask the coach: Finding your workout pace - Read moreβ
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Bye for now
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Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans, with expert advice from London Marathon winner Mike Gratton. Join our mailing list to receive running tips, event details, discount codes, and more every two weeks...
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