CTS: So Hush, Already

To Improve Your Training Stop Saying These Four Things
Syd Schulz, CTS Sponsored Athlete/


We all know negative self talk is bad, but how many of us are actually successful at stopping it? I know I often succumb to being my own worst critic, and just telling myself to “cut it out“ and “be positive” is rarely helpful. Ultimately, wrestling with your mind is just not productive — but there are some things you can do to set yourself up for success BEFORE you get bummed out. And they’re pretty darn simple. Even when it seems impossible to control the thoughts running through your brain, you CAN control what you do with them and what comes out of your mouth, and that’s a good start.


Here are four decisions I learned to make that have immeasurably improved my training and approach to sport. I’ve also included the things we say that keep us focused on the negative, and some examples of how you can reframe those responses. I’m leading with mountain biking lingo because that’s my sport, but the ideas apply to ultrarunning, road cycling, triathlon, and pretty much all endurance sports...


(Link to Article)

CTS: Sleep Before You Die

5 Ways Endurance Athletes Can Get More (and Better) Sleep
Jason Koop, CTS/July 11, 2017


In some ways, our glorification of entrepreneurial culture has sold you a bill of goods. “Be the first to arrive and the last to leave.” “Live for the grind.” “You can sleep when you’re dead.” “While you were sleeping, this guy was winning.” You know what successful people do? They sleep. They sleep soundly, and well, and they are protective of their sleep hours. Why? Sleep is the foundation of productivity, both in business and in sport. If you want to perform at your best this summer, don’t just focus on your training and nutrition. Focus on sleep, and here’s how...


(Link to Article)

The Best Running Hacks of All-Time (Anti-Spoiler Alert!)

The Best Running Hacks of All-Time (and some N.Fl State Rep, erm, reactions...)
By Megan Harrington

(The slide show has more details - there's some really good tips here and there. I recommend a look! M.B.)

Are you ready to make your miles better and more productive?
From meetings on the run to unique fueling ideas, these hacks will help you run around the obstacles life throws your way.

1.Sleep in your running clothes
(So what do I do when I hurt too much to run?)

2.Experiment with alternative pre-race breakfasts
(I've tried cold pizza in the past; varying degrees of success/failure.)

3.Run to work
(I'm insane, not suicidal)

4.Read while you run-sort of
(Hopefully not while I'm running to work, or my demise is guaranteed!)

5.Set calendar alerts
(I will if my boss does!)

6.Suggest a running meeting
(Double-edged sword; will I ingratiate myself to my bosses or be seen as a threat to their lives?)

7.Pair family time with shared miles
(My greyhound used to laugh at me. My chihuahua, on the other hand, is good for shorter distances.)

8.Clean yourself and your clothes in your post-run shower
(Don't let my wife hear this one!)

9.Solve the key conundrum once and for all
(Keys? What are those?)

10.Put the water bottle down
(Who said that's water!?)

11.Win the battle against blisters
(...and lose the war on my plantar fascia!?)

12.Simulate an outdoor run on the treadmill
(Who let that driver bring his car into the gym!?)