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​Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast​

Hi runners, Jessy here with newsletter #674! 🎉

Happy Wednesday!​
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Here's what I have for you today:

• Every December, Valencia turns into the marathon world’s pressure cooker: a flawless course, cool air, and elites arriving with one goal: run fast. If you’re racing, spectating, or just tracking the action, here’s the guide that will actually get you ready.​
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• If you’ve ever been told your heel strike is “wrong,” you may want to read this. A study suggests heel strikers aren’t actually more injury-prone, and switching to forefoot might create new problems. ​
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• Valencia’s men’s race was already stacked, and then a certain 2:02 talent quietly appeared on the start list. Suddenly the pacing math, and that €1 million world-record carrot, looks very different.
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• Think you know what a “normal” pace is? The data says otherwise. Here’s how runners your age and sex actually perform across sprints, miles, and marathons, and what factors matter more than you might think.
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• If running still feels harder on your lungs than on your legs, this explainer covers the science behind breathlessness and the practical adjustments that make breathing feel easier, smoother, and more under control.
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• WATCH: Best Running Shoes of 2025: Our Official Winners & Big Surprises

Get ready to get faster!

Jessy Carveth
Senior News Editor

​Everything You Need To Know About The 2025 Valencia Marathon​

Valencia Marathon weekend is nearly here, and once again, it’s shaping up to be the fastest party in road running.

From the meticulously engineered course to the elite fields loaded with firepower, this year has all the makings of another record-tilting edition.

We’ve pulled together everything you need before the gun goes off.

​Is Heel Striking Dangerous? The Latest Research on Heel Strike vs Forefoot Running​

Heel striking has been blamed for everything from runner’s knee to slower race times, but a major meta-analysis is poking holes in almost all of it.

New research suggests the “heel strike = bad” narrative might be far more myth than fact.

Here’s what scientists actually found, and whether you should change your form at all.

​John Korir Joins Valencia Marathon Chase With €1 Million on the Line​

Valencia already had one of the deepest men’s fields of the year, and then a 2:02 marathoner showed up at the last minute.

The race just got a lot faster, and with a €1 million bonus on the table, the dynamics up front may change in a big W.

​What Is The Average Running Speed By Age + Sex?​

Ever wondered whether your pace is actually “good,” or just good for you?

This breakdown looks at average speeds across every distance, plus how age, sex, and experience shape what’s realistic, and gives you a real benchmark for where you land.

​Why Do I Struggle To Breathe When Running? And What To Do About It​

If every run leaves you gasping, you’re not alone, and it’s not always just “being out of shape.”

This explainer breaks down the real reasons breathing feels so hard on the run, from pacing mistakes to asthma and iron issues, plus what you can actually do to breathe easier.

​WATCH: Best Running Shoes of 2025: Our Official Winners & Big Surprises​

This week we reveal the Best Running Shoes of 2025 — from super shoes to daily trainers, stability picks, super trainers, the most innovative models, and our official 2025 Shoe of the Year.

Michael, Katelyn, and Alex break down testing insights, pro-level performance results, cultural impact, and what regular runners actually feel underfoot. We also discuss Nike’s big revival, ASICS’ dominance, Puma’s engineering breakthrough, and Adidas’ race-winning super shoe.

QUICK SPRINTS

• ​The 7 Best Plyometric Exercises For Speed
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• ​How To Start Trail Running: 6 Tips For Beginners To Get Going
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• ​Everything You Need To Know About Running With Gels​