Posted on 11th Dec 2012 @ 3:53 PM

In our ongoing dialog about Engineering the Optimal Run Experience, a couple of our NRS runners responded to our first question in the series.

“If you were going to design a plan to help an athlete create a better experience, what three things would you have them focus on?”

@NickWojtasik

1. Stability/strength: The most powerful and fatigue resistant muscles we have are the glutes and hamstrings. This is from where we get power and these areas must be strong for optimal performance, good running form, and injury prevention.

2. Gear: The less the better. The more you have, the more opportunity there is for something to go wrong or bog down an experience.

3. The mind-body connection: Listen to your body. If you're tired or something hurts, then rest. Gradually increase volume, intensity. Also, being focused and within oneself while running hard can help to maintain form and power through the last few miles of a 10k, marathon, or ultra. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Trail Runner Julie

1) seriously, upper body and core strength...engage the entire machine and give your legs a break.

2) proper hydration leads to effective nutrition leads to speedy recovery

3) yoga, the anti-exercise. flex that mental muscle!