The Do's and Don'ts of tapering

Bottle of water and good nutrition next to a note pad

The last 2 weeks matter! A well‑planned taper is one of the most important parts of a marathon program. When done properly, it helps you arrive at the start line feeling confident, rested, mentally fresh, physically light, and genuinely excited to race. But a poorly executed taper can leave you feeling flat—fatigued, heavy, bloated, and […]

Master Marathon Pacing - Part 2

woman running with hands in the air and smile

Have you ever felt a pounding headache after a long run, leaving you drained and discouraged? If so, you're not alone. Dehydration headaches are a common ailment among endurance runners, and they can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment of the sport. According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, up to […]

Master Marathon Pacing - Part 1

Woman athlete running with her arms above her head

Let's face it, pacing is a challenge that most marathoners have grappled with at some point. In fact, a 2021 study revealed that 17% of women and 28% of men tend to “hit the wall” during a marathon. This struggle is not limited to specific ability levels or age-groups, making it a common hurdle for […]

Dehydration headaches in women

Dehydration headaches

Have you ever felt a pounding headache after a long run, leaving you drained and discouraged? If so, you're not alone. Dehydration headaches are a common ailment among endurance runners, and they can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment of the sport. According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, up to […]

The Detrimental Effects of Fasting on Metabolism and Performance

detrimental effects on fasting

Fasting before a run may seem like a strategy to enhance fat burning and improve performance, but recent medical research suggests that fasting may also have detrimental effects on metabolism and performance. Fasting before a run can significantly decrease resting metabolic rate (RMR) by up to 10%. A 2021 study reported fasting before exercise depletes […]

Fueling your morning run

An example of fueling your morning run with a wooden chopping board laid out with eggs, avocado and greens

Are you an endurance runner looking to optimise your performance on your next run? One crucial aspect often overlooked is fueling your morning run. What you eat before a run can significantly impact your energy levels, endurance, and overall performance. But how do you know what to eat with so much conflicting information on the […]

Weight Loss Strategies for Endurance Runners

endurance athlete doing sit ups

Have you ever wondered how to look lean without compromising your endurance as a runner? Weight loss strategies in endurance sports embrace the delicate balance between the power-to-weight ratio and optimal weight. Recent Australian statistics reveal that many female athletes actively seek effective weight management strategies to enhance their performance. With 67% of runners expressing […]

Salt tablets and electrolytes

Photo of jars of watermelon and orange in glass jars ogf water with straws.

Most athletes consider the balance of electrolytes when thinking about hydration and recovery, especially over endurance events.  But are salt tablets and electrolytes really necessary? Before we answer this question, let's recap on electrolytes and the role they perform in the body. Sodium is the key electrolyte responsible for controlling extracellular fluid balance while potassium […]

Heat training

Heat training

As we start to experience our hottest months in Australia, some individuals are starting to feel the effects of heat and humidity. This article provides a summation of the latest evidence-based options for heat training and preparation for racing in the warmer months. Most athletes can train in the heat over a normal summer but […]

Relative Energy Deficiency -RED-S

relative energy deficiency

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport – or RED-S as it is known – is caused when there’s a negative balance between dietary energy intake and the energy output needed to promote optimal health, performance, growth and daily life. Up until 2014 RED-S was referred to as the female athlete triad – disordered eating, menstrual disturbances […]