Sustainability in Running: What We in the Running Community Can Do to Be More Environmentally Friendly During Races and Training

When you go out on a run, sustainability probably isn't the number one thing you think about. The only time it might come to your mind is when you see litter along your route and make sure that your gel wrapper is safely tucked in your pocket, waiting to be disposed of at home. If you're one of us occasionally completing our (cross-) training ... More
Alexi Pappas guides Lisa Thompson at the 2024 Boston Marathon. Photo Credit: the Boston Marathon

How Olympian Alexi Pappas Guided Visually Impaired Runner Lisa Thompson to Her Own Boston Victory | Live QnA Highlights

Fresh from her remarkable experience at the Boston Marathon, where she served as a guide for a visually impaired athlete, Alexi Pappas joined us to share her experience. She talked about the endeavor that transcended the typical marathon experience as a physical challenge and a deeply emotional journey. This year, Alexi helped her visually ... More
Scott Benbow runs during the RUN365 series. Scott uses rucking to prevent injuries and train for marathons.

Rucking Your Way to a Better Marathon (And Fewer Injuries) | Scott Benbow Guest Post

Rucking, which is walking with a weighted vest or backpack, is ideal cross-training for endurance runners. It's a great addition to any marathon training plan as it provides significantly less impact stress than running and can, therefore, help prevent running-related injuries. I found out the hard way. Written by San Francisco Marathon ... More
Parisa Arab leads the group at a race

Parisa Arab: A Record-Breaking Athlete You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of | Runner Spotlight Series

"I am an Iranian runner holding 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000-meter national records yet hardly anyone knows me due to public media policies hiding women's achievements in Iran," wrote Parisa Arab in her reply to the SFM Runner Spotlight Series questionnaire. Now, it's time for the world to get to know this multi-record-breaking Iranian athlete.... More
A diverse couple on their short run.

How Short Runs & Exerkines (No, It’s Not a Typo) Boost Your Health and Training

Ahhh, the long run… The cornerstone of every training plan. Many of us build our weekends around them, experiencing the progression of our mental and physical endurance as our goal races approach. But what about those short runs that are peppered throughout our programming? As one athlete that I coach pointedly asked, “What’s the ... More
An athletic woman in a pink top eats a bar mid-run; what GMOs can be in the bar? What are the GMO facts and fiction?

GMOs: Separating Fact From Fiction

You've probably seen the term GMO nearly everywhere from internet debates to the news to grocery stores. It stands for "genetically modified organism." It is generally understood to be an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA (genetic material) has been altered using specific genetic engineering techniques. (This is how I will use the term in ... More
A construction worker happily skips, training with a physical job

How to Reconcile Training with a Physically Demanding Job

I’ve been joining a friend of mine at the gym for a few months now; they’ve been training hard and I had decided to join them for some extra motivation. Working out with friends increases accountability, and that had been the case for me, too. However, a few weeks ago, my friend started a new job where they’re on their feet all the ... More
Sanyika Shakur, this Runner Spotlight athlete, runs with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

How Sanyika Shakur Went from His Block to the San Francisco Marathon | Runner Spotlight Series

Sanyika Shakur is a Houston runner who started to run as a gift to himself for his 31st birthday. Eventually, he moved on from the streets of his childhood, completing three marathons within a year. This is his Runner Spotlight story. Written and edited by Pavlína Marek Sanyika Shakur came from Los Angeles. Now, he lives in Houston, ... More
Runner Spotlight star Lucie Nestrasilova waslking down the road with her dream race San Francisco Marathon medal around her neck

Lucie Nestrasilova: A Hockey Mom Who Traveled Across Half the World to Run Her Dream Race | Runner Spotlight Series

When Lucie Nestrasilova was 45 years old, she decided she wanted to do something big for her 50th birthday. Inspired by a book and her wish to run across the Golden Gate Bridge, she said she'd run a half marathon in San Francisco. Eventually, she found time in her incredibly busy life to travel across half of the globe to do run her dream ... More
A group of runners from the running community run together on a sunny day

What Does It Mean to Be a Part of the Running Community? Let’s Talk Sharing, Support, and Society.

Whether you’re just starting your running journey or you’re a seasoned veteran who's only just now becoming more involved, you’re probably going to stumble into other runners and running groups. If you were worried that you'd run alone forever and are excited about the prospect of running with others, this is an amazing time! Regardless ... More