Hot Marathons & Cross Country How-Tos « Marathons & Cross Country

How To: Do a wet foot fit test to fit shoes

This video demonstrates how to do a wet foot test and how to choose running shoes with the results of a wet foot test. The wet foot test is simple. Get your foot wet and place it on a piece of heavy duty paper which will create a foot print. The foot print shows what type of arch you have. There are three types of arches: high, medium and low. High arches require a lot of cushion for running. Medium arches require a reasonable amount of cushion for running. Individuals with low arches or flat...

How To: Prevent heel slippage in running shoes

This video demonstrates that just because a shoe feels loose doesn't mean it's the wrong fit. Many shoes have a back eyelet that rarely gets used, but if you put your laces through it before tightening, it will raise the fabric of the shoe to give more support to the heel. If your shoe doesn't have this extra eyelet, you can create false eyelets by creating loops with your laces on the top two eyelets of the shoe, then lacing them through those fake eyelets before tightening. Both of these me...

How To: Loose lace running shoes with the "over-under" method

This shows how to loosen up the laces of shoes with an over under technique. It is important to not have any pressure points and discomfort. The first lacing is over at the end then it is moved under the eyelet and makes a cross under. Then it is alternated back over and under. The show is then tied up normally on top. Because the show is not laced on the underside it gives more room for the person wearing the show. This technique for lacing is especially helpful for those who have a high ins...

How To: Run downhill in cross-country

Seems like it should be easier, but running downhill takes as much strength and control as running on the incline. Pick up the technique and you'll pick up your race time. You will need properly fitted running shoes

How To: Prevent injury when running

Check out this instructional cross country video that shows you how to prevent injury when running. Learn the right way to treat potential injuries so that you can run more efficiently. Running is a physically demanding activity, so it is important to recognize when your body is in pain. Learn a few tips from this cross country tutorial video and prevent serious injury when running.

How To: Recover after a race

Check out this instructional cross country video that shows you how to properly replenish your body and recover after a race. The right recovery will mean a bright future for your relationship with running. This tutorial provides some tips on how to stay healthy and fit in the hours, days, and weeks after a race.

How To: Eat properly to love running more

Check out this instructional cross country video that demonstrates how to eat properly so that you love running more. Because every runner is different, develop a nutrition plan that works for you. Experiment to find out what meals work best for you. Check out this tutorial that provides tips on eating properly to enhance your running workout.

How To: Increase your speed to love running more

Check out this instructional cross country video that shows you how to increase your speed so that you love running more. Most runners have long term goals to increase their speed. Speed is a sign of progress. Whatever your motivation, introducing speed drills just once a week will improve your fitness and stamina. Speed workouts don't have to be intimidating at all with this tutorial.

How To: Eat properly in the 24 hours before a 5k race

The day before a 5K race can be an exercise in stress as you wonder what to eat and drink and when to do it, as well as about the race the next day. This video should help alleviate the first concern by giving you tips on what to eat and drink in the 24 hours leading up to a 5K to ensure that you are as well-nourished and hydrated as possible for your race.

How To: Choose the right length for your running shoe

Choosing the right running shoe length is important for many reasons. Some being that choosing the wrong size can lead to your feet falling asleep, your toe nails becoming balck or blue, and even result in toe nails falling off. Having a little bit of space in your shoe is fine since feet tend to swell up and require some space. So check out this video on how to properly choose the right length for your running show. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Speed train for a marathon to improve time

Dave Campbell shares some tips to speed-train for marathon running. All runners should develop their speed-skills to enhance recovery and as well enhance efficiency. As a warm up, start an easy run, do some active stretches and drills like low-skip, high-knees, butt-kickers to emphasize different parts of the running form. You can also do short fast sprints to emphasize perfect form and technique. After an extensive warm up, you would run 800 at a prescribed pace and then jog a 400. Being abl...

How To: Increase core strength to love running more

Check out this instructional cross country video that shows you how to increase core strength so that you love running more. A lot of people underestimate the importance of a core strength routine. Your core muscle groups consist of your abs, lower back, glutes, and obliques. Improving your core strength does several things to make you a better runner and avoid injury.

How To: Pace yourself during a marathon

Matt Fitzgerald on the difficulty of Marathon pacing. Pacing yourself in a marathon is an extremely difficult task, even if you're a competitive distance runner. The important thing for your first marathon is to finish without focusing on time. Learn some more tips to pacing yourself when running a marathon with Matt Fitzgerald.

How To: Shave time off your swim-to-bike transition

Check out this triathlon instructional video that provides a few tips on how to improve your T1 time by mastering Gale Bernhardt's techniques by transitioning from swim to bike faster. Polish your transition by trimming seconds and even minutes to your time by following these steps. A good thing to practice at home is your transitions. Improve your transitions from swim to bike faster with this triathlon tutorial video.

How To: Perfect running form for on hills

Check out this instructional cross country video that demonstrates how to perfect your running form on hills. Running uphill and downhill is certainly a fine art. Just follow the tips to improve your up and downhill running form (remember to maintain form on gradual hills): land on balls of feet, take shorter strides, arm carriage tighter, keep chin slightly down, stand tall through chest; don't over-stride, pelvis tucked forward, lean slightly forward, chin down. Soon you'll be running faste...

How To: Improve your running technique with three drills

Dave demonstrates how to perfect your running technique with three easy drills. Running coaches use a wide variety of biomechanical drills and skills to enable the athlete to run more efficiently. Practice the following three drills to improve your running technique: run like a waiter/waitress, pelvic tilt, and baby steps.

How To: Transition from bike to run faster

Now that you've mastered the T1, learn how to shave seconds off your T2 time. Check out this triathlon tutorial video that demonstrates how to expedite your transitions from bike to run. Just follow the following tips: stand at end of race to stretch hip flexors and flex calves, drop gearing down to lower gear, shake out hands, relax shoulders, increase fluid replacement at end of bike, finish ride with feet on top of shoes, practice sequence: unclip helmet, put shoes on, grab race belt, hat ...

How To: Improve your running form with biomechanics tips

Six-time Ironman Champion Dave Scott teaches proper biomechanics for endurance runners. Check out this instructional cross country video that demonstrates a few techniques that can improve your running form. Just follow these biomechanics tips: head looking straight forward, shoulders relaxed and low, elbow flexion of 80-90 degrees, hands come up to lower breastbone, pelvis tucked under hips, avoid heel strike, foot lands aligned with chest.

How To: Transition from swim to bike faster

Check out this triathlon instructional video that provides a few tips on how to improve your T1 time by mastering Dave Scott's technique by transitioning from swim to bike faster. Polish your transition by trimming seconds and even minutes to your time by following these steps: Dorsiflex ankles at end of swim, peel wetsuit down to waist, slide hands down around heel, sunglasses nad helmet ready, and cycling shoes attached to pedals, and start ride with feet on top of shoes. Make sure you have...

How To: Run a Triathlon

Running a triathlon could be the biggest accomplishment of your life, but it takes a lot of exercise. Here are some workout tips for you to use in this instructional video.

How To: Practice strides for marathons or cross country

Check out this how-to video to practice strides for marathons or cross country. Listen up or turn up your volume.

How To: Skip to warm up for cross country

Check out this how-to video to prepare for a marathon or cross country running. Just skip the right way. Always relax.

How To: Practice a crossover warm up for cross country

With tips from this how-to video, learn how to do a crossover warm up for cross country. Remember to keep your back straight. Also, remember when you are sitting and watching this video to keep your back straight.

How To: Practice a running backward drill to improve your form

Do a running backward drill to improve your biomechanical form. This drill works your glutes and hamstrings. Check out this how-to video for advice on improving your marathon and cross country performance.

How To: Practice a grapevine drill to improve your form

Do a grapevine running drill to improve your form. Watch this how-to video to improve the biomechanics of your body. This is good for marathons and cross country.

How To: Practice a paw back running drill to improve your form

Do a paw back running drill to improve your biomechanical form. This drill works your hip flexors and quadriceps.

How To: Practice a high knees drill for form improvement

Do a high knees running drill for form improvement. This drill works hip flexers and stabilizers. Watch this how-to video for tips on improving your biomechanical form.

How To: Train for sprint orienteering

Sprint orienteering tips from the first event of the 2007 Sussex Sprint Championships starring Nick Barrable (Ex-British Champion). Get tips and techniques that will help you improve at the fun outdoor adventure sport of sprint orienting.

How To: Compete in the outdoor adventure race of orienteering

Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. This video teaches you how the race works and how to read the maps. You can compete in the race, or simply participate, walk or run, whatever suits your fitness level.