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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🧠 The runner's high rewired: managing ADHD and anxiety
Did you know that runner's high isn't just a feel-good moment; it's a powerful tool for managing ADHD and anxiety? In this email, you'll learn more about this and how running can be transformative for mental health.
We also share advice about the negative split strategy, and some delicious recipes to fuel your run. Plus, Mike reveals a turning point in his running that proves you can still make progress at any age!
With every mile you run, you're not just building a stronger body; you're rewiring your brain for resilience and clarity.
RUNNING TRAINING
Managing ADHD and anxiety through running
You might already be familiar with the concept of a runner’s high: the euphoric, calming sensation that follows a long run or intense workout. But did you know this natural phenomenon can also help alleviate symptoms of ADHD and anxiety? Running can help:
Calm racing thoughts
Reduce restlessness
Improve focus and concentration
Ease anxiety naturally.
Over time, regular running helps the body regulate these stress hormones and reduces the prolonged, heightened state caused by chronic stress.
Your brain's built-in pharmacy might be just a run away. Find out more in our article on this topic.
Whether you're a marathon novice or a seasoned runner, we have a running training plan just for you.
ASK THE COACH
The negative split debate
Head coach Mike was recently asked if he had successfully used a negative split strategy in a race. Peter wanted to know Mike’s experience and if it was something he should try in future races.
In this Ask the Coach article, Mike shared that he never aimed for negative splits; instead, he focused on even effort throughout. His philosophy: "Run a little faster when fresh at the start, maintain that pace with gradually increasing effort to the end."
Modern mass marathons have changed the game with pacemakers and crowded starts, but for most runners, the most efficient approach remains running as evenly as possible. Sometimes the simplest strategy is the best one!
"I started by focusing on weight loss, shedding 20kg, which immediately made me feel lighter on my feet. From there, I steadily increased my weekly mileage to around 70 miles, building a solid aerobic base."
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"I feel glad I've done it as there was always a possibility that I wouldn't but I never look negatively at things, if I set a goal I try to achieve it and if I don't do it the first time I try it again and again and again"
Grace Chambers - age 97 - has become Europe's oldest parkrunner to reach the 250 run milestone
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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