Author Archives: runjames

There is a saying in the marathon community that “the race begins at mile 20”.  When you are in competition, or competing for a goal time, mile 20 is a place that represents a start point of a final battle – often where the race is won or lost.  Like a lot of things inContinue reading “Train to finish strong – and reap the rewards”

A good race training program will prepare you physically to get to the start line of your next race. By race day, the hard work is in the bank, and you are ready to go.  Once you step up to the start line, the real challenge is executing the mental part of the event – a criticalContinue reading “Sharpen your mental game in 3 easy steps”

“Strong People Are Harder To Kill” That’s the message delivered in an April 2015 podcast by Ben Greenfield*, a renowned fitness trainer, coach, and author.  I listen to all of Ben’s podcasts, and he’s constantly testing new life hacks to gain an edge.  Ben spent time with a group of arguably the toughest people inContinue reading “A new mantra… become "harder to kill"”

Time management is a lifelong challenge for most of us.  The exercise of getting organized is often a knee-jerk reaction, and in practice taking charge of our own calendar is a process, not an event.  While blocking off calendar time is a good first step, I’ve found that literally changing the pace and focus ofContinue reading “A change of pace to boost productivity”

Martin Luther King Day is a celebration of the life and work of generations of people, recognizing how far we’ve come, but also how far we have yet to go. It’s more than a day off work – it’s a day to remember, pay tribute to a great American, and get out and do somethingContinue reading “Running for good”

In my years of running I have learned one of the most important realities of personal growth – where there is progress, there is likely a plateau ahead.  Whether it be physical, mental, or some of both, our body does a great job of adapting to what we ask it to do, and we’re not seeingContinue reading “Breaking through plateaus with cross training”

The New Year resolution – is it a fresh start, a new goal, or just a fleeting dream?  We are all guilty, at one time or another, of swinging and missing on our lofty New Year goals.    Running was once a New Year resolution for me, and it’s one that I’ve actually followed throughContinue reading “Resolutions – improve your chances of achieving success!”

This Thanksgiving holiday, many of us are planning to lace it up one more time at whatever Turkey Trot is in our area.  I’ve always enjoyed these “end of year” races – the heavy lifting is over, we’re burning calories in advance of the biggest meal of the year, and this is a victory lap ofContinue reading “Thanksgiving – a time for memories”

“All coaching is, is taking a player where he can’t take himself.” – Bill McCartney One of the most important things I have learned with from my coaches has been the ability to look beyond a single moment, goal or achievement, and focus on the bigger picture.  I was reminded of two important lessons in theContinue reading “Coaching – unlocking your true potential!”

Today is Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Canada, my home country).  Around the world we honor our Veterans and the men and women who currently serve. As a runner I am proud that the running community takes time to celebrate our heroes, and we do so regularly.  I remember my first ever race – theContinue reading “Remembrance”