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Coach the Run

Merry Christmas Runners! πŸŽπŸŽ„

Published 2 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

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Here's your
​Coach the Run fortnightly email

Hi Reader,

We hope you are well and enjoying the start of the season's festivities. This week, we're diving into game-changing topics to transform your running (with perhaps a few extra ideas to add to your Christmas list!)

Discover how adaptogenic mushrooms are revolutionising endurance performance. And learn why every runner needs a spiky ball in their recovery toolkit. We also explore the life-changing benefits of marathon running that extend far beyond the finish line, and share our handy glossary for newbie runners.

Merry Christmas to you all, keep showing up πŸ’ͺ The hardest step is the first one out of your front door! πŸŽ„

GEAR

The best running shoes to add to your Christmas wish list 2025

RUNNING DIET

Can mushrooms make you run better?

Adaptogens are exploding in endurance running for good reason.
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They can help:

  • Combat stress and fatigue
  • Boost the immune system
  • Speed up recovery
  • Provide natural performance enhancement.

Who doesn't need that at this time of year?!

This isn't just a TikTok trend; it's ancient medicine meets modern training. Your next breakthrough might be fungal!

London Marathon 2026 Countdown:

Count down to 2026-04-26T08:00:00.000Z​

Newcastle 10k
/ Jan 26

​See details β†’

Farnborough Half

/ Feb 26

​See details β†’

Chester Half Marathon / May 26

​See details β†’

RUNNING TRAINING

Spiky ball massage for runners

Muscle tension? Soreness? Injuries? A spiky ball can be a game-changer!

Discover the benefits, learn key areas to target, and explore techniques for effective warm-ups and speedy recoveries. They can help:

  • Relieve muscle tension, improve recovery times, and enhance blood circulation
  • Target feet, calves, and hamstrings to enhance pre-run warm-ups and post-run recovery.

We'll guide you through choosing the right firmness and texture, as well as how to apply the correct pressure.

RUNNING TRAINING

Top benefits of running a marathon

If a marathon is in your plan for 2026, you're all set to discover how marathon running can enhance your life in so many ways, including:

βœ” Enhancing physical health by improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones, and boosting the immune system

βœ” Reducing stress, improving mood, and building self-esteem

βœ” Fostering social connections, offering opportunities to make friends and feel a sense of belonging within a running community.

Discover more about the benefits of training for those 26.2 miles here...

RUNNING TRAINING

Running terms explained!

Do you know your fartlek from your foot strike? Or your lactate threshold from your lugs?

If you're a beginner and want to gen up on all your running terms, we’ve developed a fab guide for you.

Brush up on essential running terminology so you can talk the talk in any running circle!

15% discount code sportsshoes.com

December code:

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Latest codes & discounts

Sweaty Betty UK: Further reductions up to 60% off
(from 22nd Dec)

​See the sale​

adidas: End of Season Sale - Up to 40% off selected items
(from 23rd Dec)

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Hola: Sale: up to 30% off Winter Sale, up to 30% off

​Get some new kit!​

"As a very broad rule of thumb, for 5km to 10km, I double the 5km time and add 60 to 90 sec, and for the half marathon, I half the marathon time and take off 5 to 10 minutes. It gives a broad range of paces.

Coach Mike Gratton - Ask the coach: Finding your workout pace - Read more​

 

Bye for now

Please share your stories with us on Instagram or Facebook. If you have any questions, please drop us an email.

Thank you!

​Mike Gratton
& The Coach the Run team

Coach the Run

Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans, with expert advice from London Marathon winner Mike Gratton. Join our mailing list to receive running tips, event details, discount codes, and more every two weeks...

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