Starting a new sport or activity can be exciting, and wildly overwhelming. When it comes to running, it may seem obvious: all you need is a pair of running shoes, right? But then you start looking into available running equipment, only to be bombarded with $180 lightweight sneakers, $200 hydration packs, and $750 GPS watches. But like any sport, there are the "must have necessities" and the Continue reading →
What to Expect at Your First Trail Race
You've registered for your first trail race. You've (hopefully) taken your training off road. Race day is approaching and the unknown differences between road and trail racing have left you feeling nervous. Good news: self proclaimed Church of Trail Running ambassador Coach Heather is here to answer all of your questions! Here's what to expect at your first trail race, as well as other tips to Continue reading →
7 Running Lies You’ve Got to Stop Telling Yourself
Hey you, runner constantly talking down about yourself or pretending you defy the rules of exercise science. Yeah, you. I hear you saying things like: "I'm not fast enough. I'll never be able to do that. That limp is nothing, it'll go away if I run through it." As a coach and fellow runner myself, I'm here to tell you that you're wrong. These are just a few examples of running lies you've got Continue reading →
How to Overcome the Fear of Running in the Dark
The majority of runners I know are early birds: putting in their miles as soon as the sun rises. In fact, most races, from 5K's to marathons and beyond, start first thing in the morning . So it's no surprise that there is an inherent fear of running in the dark and at night among runners: because they simply don't do it. But if you've got an overnight ultramarathon or relay race coming up, the Continue reading →
Grow Old with Running: 6 Ways to Maintain a Lifelong Relationship with Running
I cannot pinpoint the exact moment I transitioned from someone who was running solely as a means of weight loss, to someone who considered herself a runner. I can tell you that it was well over a decade ago...and that today, I cannot imagine my life without running in it. The truth is, I hope I never have to. I want to grow old with running. I hope to be one of those older women you see in Continue reading →
The Beginners Guide to Running: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Hey non runners! This post is for you. Do you wish that could be one of those people effortlessly gliding down the streets or across the trails? Do you want to cross a 5K finish line, or hell let's dream big, maybe earn a 100 mile buckle? But the idea of running to the mailbox currently has you intimidated? Don't worry, Coach Heather is here to not only help you with the basics, but Continue reading →
5 Non-Running Mistakes That May Be Sabotaging Your Running
When it comes to training for a race, runners are often hyper focused on mileage and paces, specifically, making sure they cover the distances at the speed they are supposed to based on a given training plan. For many, hitting those numbers can feel like the ultimate deal breaker for performance. However, there are a number of other, non-running habits that have nothing to do with running at all Continue reading →
Miles and Menstrual Cycles: How Your Period Affects Your Running
As a female runner, there are a few circumstances and considerations we have to take that our male counterparts do not. Like, finding a sports bra that actually works. Running while pregnant, post-partum, or breastfeeding. Or the topic of todays post: how your period affects your running and training. This is the point in this post where many would "warn" their male readers to tune back in Continue reading →
Trail Running in the Fall: What You Need to Know
Crisp air. Brightly colored, falling leaves. Pumpkin spice Clif Bars (it's a real thing!) Trail running in the fall is a welcomed reprieve from the hot, humid, summer months, and a last chance effort to get in miles before the frigid winter arrives. If you live in a similar climate to ours here in Myrtle Beach, you probably think a post about trail running in the fall feels a little Continue reading →
I DNF’d My Race: Now What?
You've spent months preparing for a race. You've sacrificed so much, including time with your family, plans with friends, sleep, sweat, and likely a little bit of blood and tears. You planned for everything. You trained your heart out. You dreamt of what it would be like to finish that race...except when the day finally came, you didn't finish. Instead, you are left Continue reading →
The Runner’s High: What Is It, and How Can I Get One?
"So, when does the runner's high actually kick in?" my friend asked between labored breaths, equal parts hopeful and exasperated. It was an early Saturday morning, but the heat and humidity had already reached brutal levels. My friend was training for her first 5K, and I could tell by her tone and the pained look on her face that she still wasn't fully convinced that running was something any Continue reading →
