In this episode, host Alison Marie emphasizes the importance of stepping back from constant racing to focus on intentional base building as a critical foundation for long-term running progress. She explains that frequent racing can lead to excessive stress, inadequate recovery, and stalled development, while consistent base phases—focused on easy running, gradual mileage increases, and foundational habits like strength training, sleep, and nutrition—build the aerobic fitness and structural resilience needed for effective race-specific training. Alison shares clear signs that a runner is ready to move beyond base building, including stable mileage, good recovery, and mental readiness, and encourages viewing training as a series of purposeful seasons to support sustainable growth and performance.

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In this episode, Alison reflects on her recent half marathon success—finishing in 1:42:17 and winning her age group—achieved through a year of patient, low-volume running, strength training, and consistent fueling. She introduces the Women’s Running Academy, a holistic training plan for women runners that emphasizes sustainable progress through tailored strength and running programs, education on female physiology, and a flexible approach to training. Designed to help women avoid burnout, prevent injury, and train with purpose, the academy offers structured support, community access, and expert guidance for runners looking to stay strong and healthy for the long haul.

Resources Mentioned:

• Women’s Running Academy Membership: Smart, female centered, run supportive strength training month after month. With the Women’s Running Academy Membership you can successfully continue to strength train year round in a way that is supportive of your running and long term health. (Enrollment opened May 21 - May 30th)

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In this episode, Alison discusses the trend of walking backward on a treadmill at an incline to strengthen knees and reduce pain. While she acknowledges that this exercise may offer short-term benefits, such as improving foot mechanics and providing a novel stimulus to the quads, she emphasizes that it should be part of a broader strength training routine for lasting results. Alison critiques the pervasive idea of quick-fix exercises, arguing that consistent, progressive strength training with exercises like squats and lunges is more effective for long-term knee health and overall performance. She highlights the importance of building a strong foundation through regular strength training, tailored to each runner's needs, to avoid injury and achieve sustainable progress.

Resources Mentioned:

• Women’s Running Academy Membership: Smart, female centered, run supportive strength training month after month. With the Women’s Running Academy Membership you can successfully continue to strength train year round in a way that is supportive of your running and long term health. (Enrollment opened May 21 - May 30th)

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