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Lauren, I am a NTN ’06 competitor, with a burning passion for Nike. I have already submitted my “Out-of-this-world” cover letter to NikeInc.com, but I was wondering if you would take a look at it? I can send it .pdf via email.
Hi Lauren!
I lost my period last XC season (in June) due to unintentional weight loss, and finally got it back in December. Unfortunately, I have not had one since, and I was hoping you could offer some help in how to maintain a regular cycle during hard training. I am taking iron supplements and try to get enough Calcium, so any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Thanks!
Mo
When you cross train through an injury, how long would you spend on each modality to get the equivalent workout of a 1 hour run? For example, does it take 2 hours of aqujogging to get the benefits of an hour run? 1.5 hours on the elliptical? thx!
Lauren,
What is a good plan to start a kid on running? My son and I have done a kids marathon the last two years, and he really likes it. The first year it was all I could do to get him outside for training. He would run 100 yards or so then complain about anything.The best part was on the day of the final 1.2 miles, he took off like a gazelle when the race started. Last year was kind of the same, only I ready for for his “kick”. I think he likes running, and has a good build for it, but I don’t know how often to get him out there, and how far to go. The big thing is I would love for his physical fitness to get better, but I don’t want to be one of those parents that PUSHES too much. I want him to have fun and get in shape.
Thanks for whatever advice you can give me.
Dad
Hey there,
I am a freshmen running on a D3 team with a very strong distance program. Currently I run in Asics Nimbus. I’m wondering though if there is a preferable shoe for long distance training. I’m running about 50 miles a week, but will be increasing that over the summer.
Also, any tips on keeping up confidence?? Lately I’ve been doubting myself quite a bit.
Thanks!!
Cassie Mae
hey lauren, im a highschool track&field mile runner who runs prob about 5 miles on average for a run. lately ive been feeling kind of fatigued on a regular basis even during easy runs. ive been losing weight and this is hindering my performance and so i think need to eat more. but i just dont know how much and of wat i should be eating. do u know how i can find out how much i should be eating for optimal performance ? thanku
hey lauren, im a highschool track&field mile runner who runs prob about 5 miles on average for a run. lately ive been feeling kind of fatigued on a regular basis even during easy runs. ive been losing weight and this is hindering my performance and so i think need to eat more. but i just dont know how much and of wat i should be eating. do u know how i can find out how much i should be eating for optimal performance ? thanku bunches !!
-sexy&iknowit
I am having soreness around my hip bone on the left side that is due to running. I’m not sure if that is where the it band connects, and if so could it be the it band or something else involving the hip?
Hi Lauren! I’m a 56 yo female, been running about 8 years, completed some half and full marathons…noticing my endurance/distance abilities on the down-swing. I love distance running. do you have any suggestions for how to sustain healthy miles for a mid-age gal like me?
Hi Lauren- I have been running 20-25 miles a week but getting ready to turn up my mileage to 40-45 for SF Marathon training. I developed a pain on the side of my left hip. I can point to the spot where it hurts. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Lauren. I’m a sophomore at Stanford and a student-athlete. I’m writing an essay on women’s running shoes and the biomechanics research that goes into them. I’m also bringing in some discussion on marketing and Nike. Several years ago I saved your “Objectify Me” ad from an issue of Runner’s World and I think that’s what inspired me to write an essay on this topic. I’d love to hear a little bit about your experience with this. Thank you!
Helena Scutt, Stanford ’14
Lauren: I’ve been a serious runner for 47 years (marathons for about 40 of them); I’m now 61. I’ve been having trouble with my knee: Articular cartilage on back of the kneecap is in bad shape. Knee was scoped in fall 2011; doc say cut out the running. I’ve been in the pool water running and riding my bike for about 10 hrs/week: The knee can handle that load. I see that you ride an ElliptiGo. Tell me about it. Do you think an old fart who is in good shape can make it work? Is it as good on joints as the manufacturer claims? Thanks for your help. Enjoy your running!
Bob
Hi Lauren!
I’m a freshman in high school and I run xc and track. Unfortunately we do not have indoor track. My teams are not the best, we could improve but I want to be the best runner I can. I know people say you can do whatever you want or anythings possible! But is it really? Moving is not an option for me so I can’t move to a better school. I guess what I’m asking is is it possible for me to become a runner like you someday?
-Megan
To Megan the freshman in high school from a previous post:
If you are still reading, please cheer up! I am a junior in a small private high school and my team is not the best. But I have learned that you can still be a great athlete on a not-so-great team. The key is taking running seriously even when your teammates could care less. You can still have fun with your team, but when it’s time to focus, you gotta focus. Have you heard of Molly Huddle? The American record-holder in 5k? In high school her school had no team, her dad coached her to greatness. You can still be an awesome runner. And indoor track isn’t necessary, in fact sometimes runners get burned-out. Two seasons is plenty, just keep up some mileage and speedwork in the winter. You will be fine! Good luck to you Megan!
Hi Lauren!
I live in a small town without indoor track so I only run for two seasons. I’m a freshman and looking to become successful in the running world. But I want to know if that is even possible considering I live in a small town with an okay program. What can I do to succeed, can I even?
-Megan
How can I start pushing myself harder eating healthier and and start working on flexibility? Any advice? I’m a freshman in highschool and want to be a pro runner like you someday! I know it is up to me but it would be great if you could help me!
Hi Lauren!
How I have been getting cramps or stitches lately and it’s like down in my hip flexers! It’s very painful do you have any idea how to cope with it?
Lauren,
I am due to have my first child in early June and had to defer my Disney Marathon registration till after the baby which means January 2013. Any advice on how I should approach training after having a baby and possibly still nursing? Prior to finding out I was pregnant, I was already up to 13-14 mile long runs for my marathon training. I don’t want to go out too hard when I pick up training again, but I also want to know I pushed myself so I feel prepared on race day. Thank you!
I am dealing with hip pain during running. It almost feel like a weakness rather than an injury. I have been stretching my hamstrings and calves to help with the injury. I have also tried strengthing my core and legs, am I making it worse? I went to the doctor’s office. All they did is xray and say stop running if it hurts.
I have had an ITB issue since my 1/2 in October, so I know how you feel. Hang in there!
Hi Lauren,
I have had a virus for a week with a huge fever, because of this i have lost about 10 pounds and am really weak. I stopped my training because of the sickness, I am all better now and tried to do an easy 20 mins today, my knees were killing me during and long after the run, is this because of me being weakened from the sickness, or linked to the weight loss?
Thanks,
Luke
Hey Lauren,
I have 2 questions: I can’t seem to get stretching right. I really focus on it after a hard workout but I still feel tight the next day. Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing the right stretches. Any advice?
2) I have been hanging around a time in the 800 for a while and I can’t seem to break through. I’m a lot stronger this year but I’m still having trouble. Im thinking I might just need some tweaking in my training but do you know of any workouts or things I can do to help break the plateau? Thanks
Amanda
Hey Lauren,
I haven’t been able to get stretching right. I really focus on it after a hard workout but I still feel tight the next day. Any stretches that might help? Also, I feel like I just can’t seem to break through my plateau in the 800. I think I just might need some tweaking in workouts. Do you have any workouts or things I can do to help break it?
Hey Lauren,
Do you have any stretching advice? I stretch like I’m supposed to but I still feel tight the next day.
Thanks
Amanda
Hi Lauren,
I read that you broke a bone in your foot, and was wondering how that started? Right now I am having pain in the top of my foot. It kind of hurts to touch, but I can still run on it, although it hurts when I’m done running. I’m just not sure if this is something that will go away. Or if it could be turning into a stress fracture. I have a hard time not running. Plus I am training for 2 half’s and my first Marathon.
Hi Lauren:
Have you been able to resume active training yet? Can you maintain your aerobic fitness on a stationary bike or other machine? What about swimming? We are all pulling for you.
Congrats to Jesse for his great showing in Costa Rica.
Jim
Hey Lauren,
I, similar to you, take a lot of ice baths in the river right by my apartment (I live in western montana where it’s pretty chilly this time of year). I find that they help my legs quite a bit, but the water is pretty close to freezing – between 33 and 36 degrees for a few months of the year – is that too cold to go “balls deep” in? Not sure if it’s helping or hurting my system. What would the optimal temp be for ice baths?
Hello. During a long race – what thoughts do you have? Are you thinking about form/pace/other runners/or is your mind empty? Thank you.
Hey Lauren,
I’ve been having constant shin splint problems… I do my stretches, ice, i have orthotics, all kinds of stuff…. do you have any tips for the best ways to deal with my shin splints?? I’m a high school cross country runner, and I love running! It’s killing me not being able to run with all of my teammates as much as I used to…
Thanks
Hi Lauren!
It is mid-track season for college and suddenly this pain has come up in my right foot that completely diminishes the cycle of my overall running stride.
At first it felt like it was bruised underneath on the ball of my foot on the outer side. Now (after a few days of limited running) it feels like it is extremely weak (also painful) when trying to push off.
I do supinate (under pronate), and this pain occurred gradually over time after my first 5k on the track wearing spikes…that was a mistake haha!
I am hoping it is not something serious but if it is, i’ll be ready to move on and fix the problem in order to be a better runner.
Sorry this is a bit long! But I just need an opinion from a “runner who’s been through it all”!
Hey Lauren,
First of all, I think you’re pretty awesome. Congrats on everything you have come through! And thank you for being willing to answer questions!
I know you might have good advice for an issue I am working through.
I am a competitive high school runner who often gets way too nervous before races. A few races have left me passed out in the grass, but this summer we figured out that I have a heart condition and since then I have been on medication for it. I have felt much better on the medication, and I am really enjoying running now. But still, when it comes to races, my body just freaks out with anxiety. I find myself puking up my pre-race breakfast or using the bathroom every 10 minutes. I get so scared. Afterwards I’ll usually feel great about a race and tell myself never to get nervous again, but I always do. I know that I should be more confident now that I am feeling better, but sometimes I still worry that I’ll disappoint myself or my coach with my performance, or that I won’t be able to handle the pain.
Do you get nervous before big races? How do you mentally prepare for races?
Thanks,
Laura T.
Hey Lauren,
BTW, I live in Saugus CA. So…go SCV!!!
My question is that I have lost 70 lbs so far with diet and exercise. I just completed my 2nd half marathon in 2:04. My problem is that because I have screws and plates in my spine, I can’t really train outdoors on concrete. It’s pretty much all treadmills for me. What can I do, if anything, to help with the in-race pain I seem to get in my hips and upper thighs. It’s worse when the course is hilly. I don’t have this kind of pain on the treadmill. Thanks so much!!!
Hey Lauren,
So I’m a college athlete (sophomore) and not really prone to injuries. I haven’t run since January because of a pain in my foot, which i found out 5 weeks ago is a navicular stress fracture. I know they’re pretty rare, but saw in your running times article that you had one as well. How did you deal with it? mentally and physically?
Hi Lauren,
I am so proud of my autistic son who recently started track. In his second meet finished last in the 400 m. He was 75 m behind the pack. I am looking for was I can help him. I believe your you tube drills video will be a great resource. Do you have any other instructional material. You would have been so impressed by all support he received from the spectators and coaches. He is only 6 and he got a standing ovation from over 500 people in the rain. I really think we made a good choice with track. He will probably never finish in first, but if he just move up a little he’ll be champ – he all ready a champ for trying so hard. Go Santa Clarita Storm!
I am a dedicated runner who wants to run fast. My best time for a 5k was 24:51. But that’s not real fast. I know speed is a relative thing. What is the best workout for speed development. And how often should I be doing it. Thanks! You’re awesome!
What is your warm-up routine for a 5K? I’m always stuck between feeling I haven’t warmed up enough and worrying I’ll tire myself out before the race. What do “the pros” do?
I have recently been experiencing lower back pain. I have been doing stretches, but it does seem like the pain gets slightly worse or is brought on when I’m running. What would you suggest. I went to the doctor’s but they pretty much told me to do what I’ve been doing; stretching.
Thanks,
Kristin Kelly
First of all, I love your site and am anxious to try your Picky Bars.
My question is about sex the night before competition. We hear often about boxers abstaining from sex for weeks before. I can’t do that nor can my girlfriend. She claims there is no scientific evidence for or against having sex the night before a race. I’m not so sure. She’s even willing to “do other things” instead of intercourse thinking that the actual act is the tiresome activity.
Any thoughts? Should I keep the snake in the pants the night before and wait until after the race to give it to her?
Hi Lauren,
How does a high school girl go about losing 5-10 lbs. while running 40-45 miles per week in a healthy way without getting an eating disorder, getting sick, or getting injured? And how far ahead of the state meet should I pause my attempts? There is so much information online, but everyone says that high school female athletes shouldn’t lose weight. I’ve been a bigger runner for a few years, and now I fell that the next step is just slimming down a little bit. I’m not fat at all (5’9, 135), but obviously it would help me somewhat to carry less weight around. There is nobody to advise me. HELP!
Hi Lauren,
I’m sure you get thousands of messages a day, but I wanted to say that I really enjoyed your feature in running times a month or so ago. I think its wonderful when professional athletes are also balancing careers, families, and/or businesses. I, like you, need more than running in my life to operate. I am a mom, I work full-time, and I run competitively. Seeing true elites balance so much in their life while running fast just makes me believe that all things are still possible as long as you put the work in. Thank you for your contributions to the sport. Good luck in your future training.
How do you find the will to keep going through all of your injuries? i am a college athlete and nowhere near as talented as you but actually may have had more injuries over the past six years than you have if that’s even possible. For most of my running career I wondered what would happen if I could just stay healthy long enough to reach my full potential. And my sophomore year of college I felt I almost did, after redshirting my whole freshmen year I PRed by over 2 minutes and broke the school record(albeit weak) and felt on top of the world until becoming injured again. I sat out outdoor track and came back for cross country but found myself injured again at the beginning of indoor and missed all of indoor and may miss outdoor too. I know I really want to run and be the best I can be but I feel the emotional and physical pain I’ve already been through may no longer be worth it. How can I evaluate if running is really still what is best for me and how can I better find the will to follow through in this sport when all odds seem against me?
Hey Lauren:
Recently a reader of yours contacted us about more information regarding Bioletics assessments. We had performed evaluations on Stephanie and many of the McMillan Elite runners a few years ago. After three years of assessments, we have been able to see very clear patterns of nutritional imbalances that repeatedly appear with runners.(Iron, vitamin D, omega 3, essential amino acids and whole food micronutrients). Based on this data, we have developed new protocols that athletes find easy to follow and still very effective. I
seem to have lost Stephanie’s email. I would be happy to share this information with you. You reach a lot of runners and I am share many of them could benefit from this information. Best, Rick
w
Is 25 too old to become an athlete?
Let me back up a bit: while semi-athletic as a child, snowboarding with equal enthusiasm as soccer playing and dancing, my activity in high school and most of college was moderate to high, but limited to transporting myself and recreation. Then an eating disorder hit, during which excessive movement and activity became routine, but carried out without mindfulness or educated discipline. In recovery, however, altering my relationship with fitness assisted me in forming a self-conception of internal and external strength, tenacity, and illimitable possibility.
Now, physically recovered, a yoga instructor, beginner cyclist (mostly for transportation, but with such glee), enthusiastic hiker, and long walker, I’m itching to tackle more. Namely, running, when I have absolutely Never been a runner, and perhaps triathlons (!). But is it too late, my body having never been exposed to rigorous training? Have there been athletes- successful or not, professional or not, who have picked up their chosen activity anew at this point in their life? Where does one begin?
Where can we buy your healthy bars that you make from your home?
Would you consider upper body work (push ups, ect.) to be an important part of a training plan?
Hi Lauren,
My name is Brigitte Mania and I am a collegiate runner at UCONN in my Junior yar. My teammate, Allison, reads your blog all the time and suggested that I contact you or read your blog about your ups and downs with injuries. She also received a letter from you after sending you her Runner’s World Magazine, which was truly inspiring to see a professional runner take the time to write out a letter like that! My team was awed and truly excited after receiving it during cross country
I figured I’d shoot you a letter and see if you could help me out!
See, I’ve been having a stellar year (not trying to be cocky here), but actually I’ve been running the best I’ve ever run in my life! I was on a first team all american DMR team indoors, I got an olympic trials provisional mark in the 800 on my season opener outdoor, I PRed in the 800 and the 1500 posting some of the top times collegiately in the nation in my season opener, and I’ve won every 800 that I’ve run. I hope this doesn’t sound cocky as I usually never voice these accomplishments, but it’s important to know where I’m at.
Anyway, all of my success was just ripped out right from under me this week. I’d been having some trouble with the top of my foot on the 4th metatarsal, but it wasn’t too painful. I could easily get through runs and workouts without compensating, but I saw the doctor after the pain wouldn’t subside after a week just to make sure nothing was really wrong. After ordering an MRI to rule out a stress fracture, I got a confirmation that it was. But, the doctor found something interesting with my navicular bone. It was a lighter color than my other bones, suggesting edema in the bone. Now, get this- there’s no pain there! He poked and prodded and wiggled my foot and absolutely no pain emerged from the area. Just to be safe due to the fact it was my navicular, he sent me to get a CT scan. He was shocked to find a fracture in the navicular bone 11.5 mm into the bone, especially because I am not symptomatic at all. I was devastated, yet I should get the season back as a medical redshirt which made me feel a little better.
So, now for my question (I’m sorry if that was super long and drawn out), how do I recover well off of this? I know you’ve had a history of a navicular fracture and my teammate said that you had some tips for strengthening your foot with a navicular fracture, so more stress fractures didn’t show up later on.
I realize you’re busy and might not get to this, but it’s worth a shot sharing someone my story who has experienced what I’m going through and understands.
Hope to hear from you!
Best Wishes,
Brigitte Mania
P.S. I wouldn’t mind you emailing me as this is a bit more personal, but feel free to post it if ya want
I know this isn’t exactly a question and I don’t expect it to be answered, but I just wanted to say that you were a role model and encouraging figure that I looked up to while I was (and still am) coming out of an eating disorder that affected my winter season. Even though I was at the point where I was almost forced to be given inpatient treatment in a hospital, my times continued to drop and eventually I became all-american (which didn’t help with the disorder at all). Healthy and successful runners like you are inspiring encourage me to get back to a healthy weight. As I’ve been gaining weight and eating more recently I have only been feeling stronger and better than ever. thanks
Hi I am in 8th grade and my goal was to get in the 5s for the mile. I ran a 6 flat. I am not sure what I should do to build leg strength and speed. I run the 2 mile and the mile. Thanks!
Is having a low weight for your body really affect performance?
Laird what do I do if my legs have felt really wore out the past few days…. I run for track for greeneville middle school in tn. I run the 1 mile and the 800.