The Vagus Nerve: The Body’s Pathway to Calm and Connection
When people talk about “calming your nervous system” or “activating the parasympathetic response,” they’re often pointing to one powerful player: the vagus nerve. Although rarely discussed outside medical or wellness circles, this nerve is akin to the body’s built-in reset button, connecting brain and body in ways that influence stress, digestion, heart rate, and even […]
How to Run Your Own Race: Pacing Strategies for Marathoners
This piece was originally published in 2015 on Indigo Runner, my former blog. I’m republishing it here because pacing is still one of the most misunderstood parts of marathon running, and I learned that the hard way in Chicago. What Happened at the Chicago Marathon I recently participated in the Air Force Marathon and was […]
Gluteus Medius: Small Muscle with a Big Purpose
This piece was originally published in 2015 on Indigo Runner, my former blog. I’m republishing it here because weak glutes are still the most overlooked issue I see in runners, and I learned that the hard way. What Is the Gluteus Medius? The Gluteus Medius, also known as Glute Med, is a small muscle that […]
Perception: How Making Little Shifts Can Make a Big Impact
This piece was originally published in 2015 on Indigo Runner, my former blog. I’m republishing it here because perception is still the thing I come back to most, in running, in relationships, and in the stories I tell myself. What Is Perception, Really? The other night, I watched an episode of Brain Games about perception. […]
How to Get Started with the Maffetone Method
How to Get Started with the Maffetone Method If you’ve ever felt like you’re running hard all the time but not actually getting faster, you’re not alone. For years, many runners—including myself, spend most of their training in a gray zone: too hard to truly build aerobic capacity, but not hard enough to develop speed. […]
What’s Actually Happening in Achilles Tendonitis?
I’ve run long enough to know that Achilles pain rarely announces itself loudly. It starts as a whisper, a little stiffness in the morning, a twinge at the start of a run that fades after a mile. And because it fades, we keep going. I’ve done it myself. Most runners do.But Achilles has a […]
15 Common Running Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Running is celebrated for being one of the simplest and most enjoyable forms of exercise, offering a profound sense of freedom and connection with nature. However, this beloved sport carries one of the highest injury rates among athletes, with studies indicating that a staggering 70% of runners will experience some form of injury within a […]
Ankle Sprains: Why “Just a Sprain” Can Sideline You for Months
If you’ve ever twisted an ankle on a trail, stepped off a curb wrong, or landed awkwardly during a run, you know the sharp sting that follows. Most runners brush it off as “just a sprain.” But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as just a sprain. Ankle sprains are one of the most […]
10 Mindfulness Exercises to Improve Your Mental Well-being
In this article, we will explore 10 powerful mindfulness exercises that can help you improve your mental well-being. From deep breathing techniques to guided meditation, these exercises will teach you how to stay present and cultivate a sense of calm in your daily life. Discover how mindfulness can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and enhance your overall happiness. Start practicing these exercises today and unlock the benefits of mindfulness for a healthier mind and body.
Self Assessment: What your sport says about your trauma
Which Pattern Shapes Your Passion? — Self-Assessment Self-Assessment: Which Pattern Shapes Your Passion? Click the answers that resonate most — even if it’s uncomfortable. Answer all 5 questions, then click to reveal your archetype instantly. 1) When I first started my sport/hobby, I was drawn to it because… A. It let me shine and be […]