⚡ Improve your VO2 max ⚡


Hi runners, 👋🏼

Katelyn here with newsletter #368!

Exciting news from the Marathon Handbook team—we’re all in Austin at The Running Event!

It will be incredible to soak up the energy of the running world, connect with inspiring people, and get sneak peeks at some game-changing gear.

But that’s not all—this week, we’re stepping things up by creating some fun new content and recording our very first podcast together as a team!

Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates and fresh insights coming your way soon.

In the meantime, get ready to nerd out on running as we dive deep into the sports science behind running performance.

Here’s what I've got for you:

  • 🏃🏻‍♀️ What's your ground contact time when you run? Learn why GCT matters and how small tweaks can boost your efficiency and reduce injury risk.
  • 👟 What is heel-to-toe drop, exactly? Discover what heel drop actually means and how it impacts your comfort, style, and performance.
  • VO2 Max Unlocked: Top workouts to boost your aerobic fitness: Get the inside scoop on measuring, training, and improving your VO2 max to take your running to the next level.
  • 🥇 Sifan Hassan’s secret sauce: The training and coaching behind her Olympic success: Dive into the methods and mindset that helped Hassan achieve her stunning Olympic triple and redefine what’s possible in distance running.

Happy running! 😊 🏃🏻‍♀️

Katelyn Tocci
Managing Editor
Head Coach

🏃🏻‍♀️ Ground Contact Time For Runners Explained + How To Improve Yours

Ever wonder how the time your foot spends on the ground impacts your running? 🦶🏼

Ground contact time might sound like a minor detail, but it plays a big role in your efficiency, speed, and even injury prevention. 👟

In this guide, we break down why it matters and share powerful tips to help improve your running mechanics and unleash smoother, faster strides. 🏃🏻‍♀️

👟 Heel-To-Toe Drop Explained: What Drop Is Right For You?

The term “heel-to-toe drop” might sound technical, but it’s a key factor that can affect your comfort, stride, and performance. 🏃🏻‍♂️

Whether you prefer the cushion of a high-drop shoe or the natural feel of zero drop, understanding this feature helps you choose the right shoes for your goals and biomechanics. 👟

In this guide, we’ll break down what heel drop means, why it matters, and how to determine the best option for your needs. 💪✨

VO2 Max Unlocked: Top Workouts To Boost Your Aerobic Fitness

Want to level up your running or endurance training? Your VO2 max 🫁 holds the key.

This guide demystifies what VO2 max is, why it matters, and how to improve it with targeted workouts.

Let’s get you training hard and performing stronger! 💪🎯

💪 Sifan Hassan’s Training and Coaching: How She Achieved Her Olympic Triple

Discover the groundbreaking training strategies and fearless mindset behind Sifan Hassan's historic Olympic triple in Paris. 🔥

From marathon-distance endurance runs to track sprints, learn how her coach, Tim Rowberry, pushed boundaries to achieve this legendary feat. 🏃‍♀️


Looking for an online running coach? Whatever your goals, train with our managing editor, Coach Katelyn. Learn more about her online coaching.

Want to become a running coach? Check out our friends at UESCA. They do 100% online, at-your-own-pace coaching certifications for running and ultrarunning. More here.


Feedback? Hit reply and start a conversation with our team.

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