The Wall

Everything you need to be a smarter, faster runner.

Weekly Race Results through April 9, 2012

09 April

   Weekly Results from the Marathon Nation Community   Marathon Nation is a community of runners targeting the marathon distance. From total beginners just getting off the couch to bucket-listers checking off a huge “to-do” item all the way up to Boston Qualifiers…all are welcome!  You can explore the community and create a FREE 7-Day […]

Boston and Edinburgh Race Webinars with Coach Patrick

08 April

  Join Coach Patrick McCrann for two brand new race-specific webinars. Information and registration instructions are below; seats are limited and you are racing in about a week (!) so don’t miss out. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Marathon Race Execution Webinar: Boston Marathon Edition Join Coach Patrick from Marathon Nation for this race preparation webinar. Patrick is a […]

Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon Race Report

26 March

Race:  Yuengling Shamrock Marathon (Virginia Beach, Virginia) Date:  March 18, 2012 Goal Time:  3:05 (trying for Boston 2013) Actual Time:  3:00:31, (personal best by 8 minutes) Pre-Race:  I initially signed up for this race after trying to qualify at the Marine Corps Marathon and the Richmond Marathon back in the fall. After 2 failed attempts, […]

Weekly Race Results Through March 5, 2012

07 March

Weekly Results from the Marathon Nation Community   Marathon Nation is a community of runners targeting the marathon distance. From total beginners just getting off the couch to bucket-listers checking off a huge “to-do” item all the way up to Boston Qualifiers…all are welcome!  You can explore the community and create a FREE 7-Day Trial […]

Coach Patrick Breaks 1:20 for a Half Marathon

29 February

It’s one thing to look at the numbers, another thing to look at some results. This result confirms that I am indeed significantly thinner and lighter than in previous years. The impact of improved body composition on my overall time is evident in how I felt in my race yesterday. Climbing hills–even the small ones–was […]

Patience in Marathoning

22 February

Why Patience Plays a Huge Role in Breakthrough Marathon Performances Marathoning is one of the most challenging, rewarding and character-building sports you can participate in. I have never experienced more trials and tests in athletics until I began training for the classic 26.2 mile distance back in 2002. Ironically, the same issue that plagued me […]

Running with a Partner

14 February

Running With A Partner image source As solo an endeavor as running can be, there’s no doubt that having a companion to share your miles can help breathe the life back into your training. From sharing a few laughs to pushing your limits, the right running partner will help you grow as a runner. In […]

Afghanistan “Shadow” Marathon Race Report

11 January

Race: Operation Jack Marathon (www.ojmarathon.com). Shadow Race in Kabul, Afghanistan, December 26th, 2011, 1200 noon. Weather: 48 degrees, calm winds (less than 5 MPH) Altitude: 5,800 (first marathon at altitude) Finish time: 3:46:30; goal time was 3:35-3:45 This was my 8th marathon and my second fastest. Marathon #7 was my PR at 3:28. Therefore, I’m […]

Mark’s Marine Corps Marathon

30 November

photo credit: Noel Feans Mark Tominaga Marine Corps Marathon, Washington DC, 10/30/2011 Race Website: http://www.marinemarathon.com/  Overall Time: 4:02:20 PR Goal Time: 3:56:00 Background: My running (jogging) began in Jan 2010 after I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 51. I learned that aerobic activity combined with a low carbohydrate diet helped me reverse my […]

Pre Run Yoga Warm Up

23 November

photo credit: BozDoz Often when we think of yoga, images of stretching, meditating, or even awkward gumby-like poses come to mind. As a runner, we thrive on forward motion and the thought of sitting still to stretch with a bunch of “flexible people” is not so appealing. And besides that, it’s unrealistic for many runners […]

Philly Marathon: The Race 411 In One Paragraph

18 November

photo credit: teddyb Good luck to everyone racing the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend. I went 3:07 there in 2004 for my first Boston Qualification, and remember a few key things about the race that may/may not help you out. Here’s what I can recall: The first half is slower than second, so if you are […]

Mastering Post-Marathon Recovery: How to Repair and Rebuild

09 November

photo credit: electric.porcupine [bmazz.tumblr.com] Marathons are becoming more and more popular. In fact, 8.6% more people participated in marathons in 2010 than in 2009! As they become more accessible, it’s important to remember that a marathon isn’t like any other race. It’s much more. Because of its distance, the marathon will inflict more damage to […]

Mind over Marathon: Overcoming Self Imposed Limits

25 October

photo credit: IABoomerFlickr From a very early age I was taught the power of visualization and have used it in many areas of my life, including running. So it was no surprise to me that many elite athletes use this tool to help them achieve their training and racing goals. If you haven’t heard of […]