Run4PRs

Run4PRs

We build stronger runners at Run4PRs Coaching. This podcast is filled with training tips & personal stories from the @run4prs coaches like 13x Boston Qualifier Victoria Phillippi. Our goal is to empower you with training tips & help you become the best athlete you can be. Want to get a more customized approach or consult with us directly on YOUR running questions? —-> www.Run4prs.com for a free 7 day trial

  • 45 minutes 56 seconds
    281. Do you really need 'easy run' days?

    www.run4prs.com


    1. Recovery is Key: Easy runs promote active recovery by increasing blood flow to muscles, flushing out waste products, and preparing your body for the next hard effort.

    2. Building Aerobic Base: Slow runs develop your aerobic system, which is the foundation for endurance and efficient energy utilization.

    3. Preventing Burnout & Overtraining: Consistent hard running can lead to fatigue, burnout, and increased risk of injury. Easy runs provide a crucial balance.

    4. Improving Running Economy: Running at easier paces helps you develop a more efficient stride and conserve energy over longer distances.

    5. Strengthening Muscles & Tendons: Easy runs gradually strengthen your musculoskeletal system, making you more resilient and less prone to injury.

    6. Enhancing Mental Fortitude: Embracing easy runs teaches patience, discipline, and the importance of listening to your body.

    4 April 2025, 7:40 am
  • 33 minutes 14 seconds
    280. I can't run as fast as I used to: now what?

    www.run4prs.com for a free week of training

    1. The Plateau is Normal: Everyone hits a plateau at some point. It's a natural part of the process. Don't get discouraged – it's an opportunity to re-evaluate your training and find new ways to challenge yourself.

    2. Life Happens: Work, family, and other commitments can impact your training time and consistency. It's important to be flexible and adapt your training to fit your current lifestyle.

    3. The Aging Athlete: Our bodies change as we age. It's important to adjust our expectations and training accordingly. Focus on maintaining fitness, preventing injury, and enjoying the process.

    4. Rediscovering Your "Why": Sometimes, a shift in motivation can reignite your passion for running. Explore new goals, try different types of running, or find new ways to connect with the running community.

    5. The Power of Consistency: Even if you're not getting faster, consistent running offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. Celebrate those victories!

    6. Finding Joy in the Journey: Running is a lifelong journey with ups and downs. Focus on the joy of movement, the camaraderie of the running community, and the personal growth that comes with the challenges.

    28 March 2025, 7:38 am
  • 46 minutes 36 seconds
    279. Hyrox: Our Experience As Marathoners Who Took On Hyrox

    We’re run coaches who just took on our first HYROX event! In today’s episode, we’re giving you a full recap of our experience—breaking down the highs, the struggles, and what we learned from this epic challenge.

    For those of you new to HYROX, here’s a quick refresher. HYROX is the ultimate fitness competition that combines running, functional strength, and endurance. Athletes complete eight one-kilometer runs, each followed by a workout station like sled pushes, rowing, burpee broad jumps, and wall balls. It’s a true test of both cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina.

    8x 1k run

    1 strength station in between

    1. Ski erg 1k

    2. Sled push 50 meters

    3. Sled pull 50 meters

    4. Burpree board jump 80 meters

    5. Row 1k

    6. 200 meter farmer carry

    7. 100 meter lunges

    8. 100 wall balls

    Now, let’s dive into our experience from race day!

    Let’s break it down:

    • What Went Well: Our running background definitely helped. The one-kilometer segments felt like a chance to reset and control our breathing before diving back into the next challenge.

    • Biggest Challenge: The sled push and pull were absolute killers. We knew they’d be tough, but the sheer leg burn was next level. It’s a game-changer, and we now have major respect for those who make it look easy.

    • Proud Moments: Crossing that finish line! The last wall ball station was brutal, but the energy in the room and the support from other athletes pushed us through.

    Key Takeaways as Run Coaches

    1. Running Strategy Matters – A strong run base helps, but knowing how to pace yourself between stations is key. We went out too hot at the start and paid for it later.

    2. Strength Work is Non-Negotiable – Runners, take note: leg power, grip strength, and full-body endurance are just as important as speed. We’re definitely going to tweak our training plans.

    3. HYROX is for Everyone – One of the coolest parts was seeing people of all fitness levels tackle this challenge. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just looking for a new goal, HYROX is an incredible test of grit and determination.

    What’s Next for Us?

    Would we do it again? Absolutely! But next time, we’re coming in stronger, more prepared, and ready to take on those sleds with a vengeance. We’ll be incorporating more functional strength training and refining our pacing strategy.

    And for anyone thinking about trying HYROX—do it! It’s tough, but the sense of accomplishment is 100% worth it.


    21 March 2025, 10:37 am
  • 49 minutes 41 seconds
    278. How many days per week should you run?
    Welcome back to run4prs, the podcast where we explore the art and science of running, and help you find the perfect balance in your training. "How many days a week should I actually be running?" Now, if you've spent any time browsing running forums or listening to other podcasts, you've probably heard a lot of different answers to this question. Some say three days is enough, others swear by six or even seven. The truth is, there's no magic number. The ideal running frequency depends on a variety of factors, and that's what we're diving into today. We'll be exploring how your running experience, training goals, injury history, and even lifestyle can influence the optimal number of days to lace up your shoes. We'll also discuss the importance of listening to your body and finding a sustainable routine that works for you. Training History & Current Fitness: Are you a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned marathoner? Your current fitness level plays a big role in determining how much running your body can handle. Running Goals: Are you training for a specific race, or simply running for overall health and fitness? Your goals will influence the intensity and frequency of your runs. Injury History: Have you had any previous running-related injuries? If so, it's important to gradually increase your running volume to avoid re-injury. Lifestyle Factors: Work, family, and other commitments can all impact how much time you have for running. It's important to find a balance that fits your lifestyle. Individual Needs & Preferences: Some runners thrive on daily runs, while others prefer more rest days. Listen to your body and find what feels right for you. The Importance of Rest & Recovery: Rest days are crucial for allowing your body to repair and rebuild. Don't underestimate the power of rest in your training. Free Week of 100% custom training
    14 March 2025, 10:40 am
  • 59 minutes 59 seconds
    277. Do you race too much or not enough?

     277. How often should you be racing? Do you even need to race?

    As we gear up for the spring racing season it might seem like everyone is out there racing. How often should you race? Do you even need to race? There are a lot of questions you might have about racing, but it is not something we talk about frequently enough in the running world. Some athletes appear to race almost every weekend. How is it possible? Before we answer that question it is important to define your goals and then label each race as priority for performance or not. We can’t be in peak shape all year round. Not every race has to be an A race. You don’t always have to run a race to be a ‘real runner’ or prove your fitness. Some people like racing others don’t. Don’t let other people define your goals for you.

    What is the purpose of racing?

    Test fitness

    Fun

    Competition

    Community/support others

    Habit

    How do you define your goals as a runner

    Performance goals

    Community goals

    Longevity goals

    Does racing help or hurt your long term goals?

    A. B. C races

    You have to actually train. You can’t always test

    What if you don’t like to race

    Do you actually not like it or do you just get nervous..? Even if you hit your goal time, do you still not care?

    7 March 2025, 8:06 am
  • 48 minutes 23 seconds
    276. Faster 5k times: How to get faster in the 5k
    Welcome back to the run4prs the podcast dedicated to helping you conquer the 5K and unleash your inner speed demon! I'm your host, Victoria Phillippi, and let's be honest, in the world of distance running, the marathon often steals the spotlight. But at run4prs we also specialize in shorter distances & we know that the 5K is where the real speed and grit are showcased. It's a distance that demands both raw power and tactical finesse. It's about pushing your limits, embracing the burn, and finding that extra gear when you think you have nothing left. Today, we're diving deep into the strategies and secrets to racing the 5K to your absolute potential. We'll be busting some common myths, exploring training techniques specific to the 5K, and discussing how to develop the mental toughness needed to conquer this challenging distance. Whether you're a seasoned 5K runner looking to shave seconds off your PR or a newbie eager to tackle your first race, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you cross that finish line with a smile (and maybe a new personal best!). Alright, let's get into those six key talking points for unlocking your 5K speed: Speedwork is Your Secret Weapon: Incorporate interval training, tempo runs, and hill repeats to build speed, power, and lactate threshold. We'll discuss how to structure these workouts for maximum impact. Don't Neglect Your Easy Runs: Even speedsters need recovery. Easy runs help prevent burnout and allow your body to adapt to the demands of speedwork. Embrace the Discomfort: 5K racing is tough! Train your mind to embrace the burn and push through the pain. Mental fortitude is key. Dial in Your Race Strategy: Develop a pacing plan that optimizes your effort throughout the race. Should you go out hard, or conserve energy for a strong finish? Master the Art of the Kick: Practice your finishing speed to outsprint the competition in the final meters. Fuel Your Fire: Pay attention to your nutrition and hydration in the days leading up to the race. Proper fueling is essential for optimal performance. If you're looking for personalized coaching to help you develop a 5K training plan that maximizes your speed and performance, head over to [your website address] to learn more about my coaching programs. Until next time, run fast and run strong!
    28 February 2025, 5:38 pm
  • 42 minutes 54 seconds
    275. Running Communities: Are They Helping or Harming You?

    Strava can be a great source of motivation as it gamification of the sport of running, but can there be some downsides to the app? While it can be fun to scroll through and see what friends are doing for runs, does it promote constant comparison? In Jan 2023 I started to feel like people were ‘watching’ my training as I geared up for Boston 3 months postpartum from baby number 3.. Were people actually watching? I don’t know, but the fact that I was feeling ‘pressure’ to ‘perform’ or show up on strava was real. I decided to go ghost on strava for 3 months, and it was an interesting experience. 

    Self talk while running

    Thinking that people will be analyzing your splits

    Wanting the average pace to be XYZ

    Coming up with excuses for how the run went and what you would write

    Getting back to the basics. 

    Running for yourself

    Taking out all the chatter

    Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

    Why do you run?

    Did you enjoy running more when people didn’t see your stats?

    How can you find balance with technology and running

    Boundaries

    Having a reset

    Sitting in the discomfort

    21 February 2025, 6:46 am
  • 47 minutes 23 seconds
    274. How Experienced At Running Should You Be Before A Marathon?

    We talk a lot about marathon training on this podcast, but we should take a step back and chat about how to know if you are READY to train for your first marathon. It’s always about balancing risk vs reward. Training for a marathon is HARD on the body and if you don’t have a strong base going into the training you are increasing your risk of injury or burn out. We developed a prerequisite to marathon training plan a few years ago. This is a program you would do BEFORE starting your marathon training plan to ensure you are in a good place to marathon train.

    https://run4prs.co/2019/07/08/training-for-your-first-marathon-part-1/


    14 February 2025, 6:16 am
  • 50 minutes 58 seconds
    273. World Major Marathons: How to get in & are they worth the hype?

    Knowing what kind of runner you are is key when it comes to planning races. You may have seen a lot of hype on social media or the media in general about the world major marathons like NY and Boston. Even when I tell people I coach runners, I often through out names like “we help people train for the NYC marathon”. Why? Because most people have heard of these races. But just because they are well known doesn’t mean they are the end all be all of running. In fact, there are dozens of marathons that take place every weekend around the globe. Each state has several marathons. Some states like California probably have close to 100 or more marathons every year. So what makes these world majors so special? They have been selected by Abbott world majors association because they meet special criteria. The biggest criteria is the size of the race. Local large marathons around here have a few thousand people where as a world major marathon would have tens of thousands of people. What is the benefit of doing such a large race? Well it depends on your goals and also how you like to race. Some athletes thrive with crowd support and lots of people to run with. Other people don’t get any benefit from crowd support and don’t enjoy running on busy courses. You have to factor these things into consideration when you register/think about doing a world major. Another factor is travel and money. Traveling for a race internationally or even flying to a race can be stressful and take more time/energy/planning. The cost also plays a huge factor. I was 23 years old when I ran Boston for the first time, and I remember we almost drained our savings account to make the trip out there the first time. If you have a lot of disposable income or you really make it a priority to save up, the majors can be great, but we also want to point out that attempting the run the majors is something that takes substantial amounts of money. 

    1. What are the 7 world major marathons & what makes them ‘major’

      1. The world major marathons are Boston, Chicago, NYC, Berlin, Tokyo, London, Sydney. What makes them major is the size and just an organization what decided these races meet specific criteria. They are all incredibly difficult to get into and are constantly raising the bar for qualifying times. 

    Jason - Talking point

    Abbotworld majors > https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/

    1. Create Profile

    2. Match results

    3. Manage results and future goals in runner portal

    4. Access digital global run club dashboard

    Marathon Tours

    Destination Marathons > https://sportstoursinternational.com/

    Guaranteed entry: London, Berlin, Sydney

    No Entry: Tokyo, NYC, Boston, Chicago

    1. How does a major marathon compare to a local big race?

      1. Traveling to a major marathon is going to be very expensive. The cost of hotels/air BnB spikes during those weekends in major cities. You can do things for cheap but generally the people who do the majors also have major money. 

      2. Majors will have a ton more participants. This can be fun to have more people to run with, but think of it as 10x the size of a normal big marathon. It can sometimes be a cluster when trying to get to water stops and also just getting to the starting line.

      3. I find that majors can cause more nerves because there are more logistics for getting these and more downtime to get nervous waiting around

      4. Time zone changes and jetlag can also be a factor for athletes who go abroad. I have had athletes get sick 

    2. What is the hype with the 7 or 6 star finishers?

      1. It is a medal you get for running all 6-7 marathons

      2. It is hard to get into the races

      3. It is expensive to run

      4. If you enjoy traveling and have extra cash

    3. What are other options for marathons?

      1. Local marathons

      2. Faster courses: revel

      3. Small marathons: could win

    Marathon Tours

    Destination Marathons > https://sportstoursinternational.com/

    Guaranteed entry: London, Berlin, Sydney

    No Entry: Tokyo, NYC, Boston, Chicago


    7 February 2025, 2:25 pm
  • 49 minutes 13 seconds
    272. Why Do People Say "Treadmill Running Isn't Real Running"?

    Treadmill running

    As we head into the winter months, it can be hard to train outside in the sub zero temps but it can also be dangerous with the icy footing. Many people opt for the treadmill for a number of reasons. It can be a topic of mixed emotions for many runners. I know I personally felt shamed by runners in the past for utilizing the treadmill despite exclusively training on a treadmill for a few marathons in my earlier years as a runner with great success. 

    Why is the treadmill so controversial?

    Why do some people crush it on the treadmill?

    Why does the treadmill feel so hard to some people?

    Should you utilize the incline feature?

    30 January 2025, 3:29 pm
  • 52 minutes 4 seconds
    271. Are you in a plateau or did you reach your full potential already?

    271. Did you peak with running already or is it a plateau?

    Have you ever heard the quote “what would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” that is a good one for todays podcast episode. A lot of people would love to look into a crystal ball and see what their full potential is if they gave running their all. Many people allow fear of failure to hold them back from giving 100% commitment/effort into The truth is that most people quit before they reach their full potential OR they stop putting in the same effort. It’s important to recognize that there is more to life than running so of course many people have other goals they want to pursue, but it’s important what language we use when we talk about our potential in the sport. I often hear people say they think they already reached their full potential within the sport after a few years. Did you really reach your full potential in the sport or are you stuck at a plateau?

    How do you know if it’s a peak or a plateau

    How long have you been training

    Have you changed your training within the past 2-3 years

    Have you focused on various events in running

    Have you been coached

    Peaking:

    How can you continue to motivate yourself to be in endurance events if you already reached your peak?

    What if you didn’t reach your true potential but you don’t want to continue to train at that high of a level?

    Plateau

    How can you breakthrough

    How long would it take to breakthrough

    What does it really take to achieve some of those big goals like OTQ or BQ

    Do you actually have the desire to put in that much work?

    Sacrifices in place 

    Athletes give us their races vs us recommending races

    24 January 2025, 2:57 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App