Mountain Goat Blog
Running & Training Well
Articles to improve your training & performance
Control
It’s been a little longer than normal.I originally tried to post this last Wednesday before heading out on a long run with the dogs.Something was broken and I couldn’t get… Read More »Control
Starting to Get This “Recovery” Thing
This weird thing has been happening with my training lately. I’m lifting heavier and running faster than I ever have before, and yet somehow I actually feel good. Like I’m… Read More »Starting to Get This “Recovery” Thing
Do exercise classes make you stronger?
If you want to get stronger, it can be helpful to think in terms of what you’re missing rather than just following some generic exercise class. Now when I say “exercise class,”… Read More »Do exercise classes make you stronger?
“But what if I can’t do that…?”
When you try to teach things on the internet, one response tends to show up more often than others. “But what if I can’t do that…?” Doesn’t matter what the… Read More »“But what if I can’t do that…?”
What does “heavy” mean?
“Lift heavy weights.” It’s a pretty common piece of advice you’ll find on the internet these days. And while I’m pretty happy about the overall shift away from the “highlighter… Read More »What does “heavy” mean?
If you’re going to use data, make it good data.
Last night, I finally did a test I’ve been telling myself I’d do for a while. A 30-minute, lactate threshold heart rate test. Expectedly, it sucked. You might also be… Read More »If you’re going to use data, make it good data.
More is not better. Better is better.
I went through a long period where I just wasn’t seeing any results from my training. I’d show up and put in the work, but couldn’t seem to move the… Read More »More is not better. Better is better.
Things Aren’t Always As They Seem
Things aren’t always as they seem. When it comes to training, a lot of things that seem like the right choice will often lead you down the wrong path. For example, did… Read More »Things Aren’t Always As They Seem
What does it mean to run “easy?”
One of the most confusing topics in training is “effort.” It doesn’t matter whether I’m talking about running… Or strength… Or flexibility… Whenever we try to prescribe some sort of… Read More »What does it mean to run “easy?”
Something We Forget About Professional Athletes
Daylight savings time just happened, which always affects me more than I think it should. I appreciate that it’s light when I get done at the gym now. I even… Read More »Something We Forget About Professional Athletes
Does strength training leave you too sore to run?
Does strength training leave you too sore to run? You’re not alone. There are a lot of reasons why runners don’t enjoy strength training. Some of those reasons are notably… Read More »Does strength training leave you too sore to run?
“Slow” Isn’t a Dirty Word
The other day, someone at the gym asked if I ever led group runs for the people I coach. And my answer was “No, I’m honestly kinda slow. I doubt… Read More »“Slow” Isn’t a Dirty Word
Is zone 2 as important as everybody says?
Warning – nerdy training things ahead… In the past couple weeks, I’ve had five or six different people ask me about zone 2 training. “How much zone 2 training should… Read More »Is zone 2 as important as everybody says?
“Primal, bro…”
I started writing a couple different posts this morning and just couldn’t find a groove. Ever have days like that? Where your brain just doesn’t want to do the brain… Read More »“Primal, bro…”
Another Reason You’re Not Seeing Progress
On Wednesday, I wrote a post about why we aren’t seeing progress. If you didn’t read it, no worries – this second point largely stands on its own – but… Read More »Another Reason You’re Not Seeing Progress