Outside: The Marathoner's Achilles Heel

How to Strengthen Your Ankles and Run Faster 
Alex Hutchinson/Outside Online, Sep 13, 2018

New research zeroes in on an unlikely culprit for why running gets less efficient as you fatigue.

Anyone who has scrolled through their own marathon race photos knows that the keen-eyed high-stepper who shows up in the early photos bears little resemblance to the pathetic hobbler of the final miles. Fatigue changes your running form, and yet the vast majority of biomechanics studies involve a few minutes on a treadmill at a comfortable pace. There are some exceptions (like this recent field study of marathoners at the World Championships), but much of our knowledge about running form assumes that we never get tired...

(Link to article)

Southern Region Level II Coaching Certification Session, New Orleans

Space is available for the Southern Region RRCA Level II Coaching Certification In-Person Session in New Orleans, LA, Saturday August 19 from 8am to 5pm.

The cost of the session is $225. Any Level I Certified Coach in good standing may enroll in the Level II In-Person Session to further their understanding of Level I concepts; however, participants must complete all requirements to earn the title of RRCA Level II Certified Coach:

• 18 years of age or older, no less than a high school diploma
• Up-to-date CPR and First Aid Certifications
• 12 months as an RRCA Level I Coach
• Proof of coaching experience

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.

More information can be obtained by contacting the RRCA Coaching Director at coaching@rrca.org.

MapMyRun: Not Just Color

What to Know About Your Feet When Buying Running Shoes
Ashley Lauretta/MapMyRun Blog, March 31 2017

The most common question that running store owners get asked is, “How do I know which shoe is best for me?” That involves in-depth knowledge of your foot and a trained eye to determine how your foot moves in relation to your ankle and hips....

(Link to Article)

How Much Do You Know About The RRCA?

RRCA 101 Pre-Test - How Much Do You Really Know About RRCA?

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the single most-correct answer to these eight questions about RRCA's mission, vision, goals & programming.

1. The RRCA is NOT:

a. an educational & programming resource.
b. a national organization of running clubs, events, & individuals.
c. dedicated to develop & grow running, events, & recreational runners.
d. strictly an insurance provider.

2. Persons with a passion for running & want to help individuals achieve personal fitness & athletic goals can become an RRCA-certified coach after they complete a two-day certification seminar, CPR & first-aid training.

a. TRUE
b. FALSE

3. RRCA meets with member club reps, state reps & directors; hosting seminars to grow & strengthen individual club operations, improve event quality & motivate club volunteers. This year’s national convention is being held in:

a. Lake Geneva, WI
b. Lakeland, FL
c. Lake Tahoe, NV
d. Lakewood, CO

4. Which of these are NOT included in RRCA’s General Running Safety Tips?

a. Always stay alert & aware of what is going on around you.
b. Don’t wear headphones.
c. Look both ways before crossing.
d. Run the same course on a consistent basis.

5. Donations to RRCA for Kids Run The Nation, Road Scholars, & the State Representative Fund are tax deductible.

a. TRUE
b. FALSE

6. Clubs can recognize volunteer workers with an RRCA National Volunteer Award when they accrue this number of service hours:

a. 1,500
b. 2,000
c. 2,500
d. 3,000

7. RRCA designates state, regional & national championship races to help clubs:

a. attract event sponsors.
b. improve civic/media support for the event.
c. recruit top-performing runners to participate in the event.
d. All of the above.

8. RRCA State Representatives are compensated for their services.

a. TRUE
b. FALSE

I'll post the answers after March 2nd...unless you e-mail me with your answers first.