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Hi runners, 👋🏼

Katelyn here with newsletter #507!

Today’s is packed with the good stuff: we’re talking about the mysterious and often misunderstood “tempo run” (spoiler: we think it needs a total rebrand), training smarter with effort-based metrics, and the running world’s most interesting headlines—from a no-super-shoes Boston hero to a major win for racing moms.

Let’s dig in.👇

🎧 New podcast: We bust the biggest MYTH in running: Why the most misused term in running deserves a fresh, practical breakdown.
📊 Rate of perceived exertion scale: Why RPE is the best running metric: This effort-based method might be the smartest way to pace, train, and avoid burnout.
🥇 The 2025 Boston Marathon “no super shoe” champion has been found: Scott Lipp of Washington topped all non-carbon racers after 800+ finish line photo scans.
👩🏻‍🍼 Strava launches $300K program to support running moms with childcare grants: A new “Strive for More” initiative is helping break down real barriers for racing mothers.
🕹️ Here’s Exactly How To Fake Your Next Strava Run: FakeMy.Run raises eyebrows in a world where digital kudos and real performance collide.
⏱️ What’s a tempo run really? (and why it’ll make you faster): A quick guide to understanding—and benefiting from—this essential workout.

Happy running! 🏃🏻‍♀️⭐

Katelyn Tocci
Managing Editor
Head Coach

🎧 Tempo Run Needs a Redefinition — And We Finally Gave It One

Is “tempo run” the most misused term in running? 🤔🏃‍♀️

In our latest episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast 🎙️, Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci, and Alex Cyr dig into why “tempo” has become a throwaway label in training plans—and why it might be time to retire the term altogether. 🗑️

They unpack what tempo is supposed to mean 📏, how it differs from lactate threshold, marathon pace, and steady state running 🧠, and share some hilariously awful “tempo” workouts in the debut of their Tempo Run Hall of Shame 😂.

WATCH NOW

Or listen and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts:

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

📊 Rate Of Perceived Exertion Scale: Why RPE Is The Best Running Metric

📊🏃‍♀️ Forget the watch for a second—how hard are you really working?

The Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is the underrated tool every runner should know. 🔟💥

Learn how this simple 1–10 scale can transform your training, pace smarter, and keep you in tune with your body. 🧠⏱️

LEARN MORE

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

🥇 The 2025 Boston Marathon “No Super Shoe” Champion Has Been Found

🥇👟 No carbon, no problem.

Meet the runner who crushed Boston without the help of super shoes—after sifting through 800+ race photos to prove it.

Could you do the same? 🏃‍♂️📸

GET THE FULL STORY

What’s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

👩🏻‍🍼 Strava Launches $300K Program To Support Running Moms With Childcare Grants

👟✨ What if getting to the start line wasn’t the hardest part?

Strava just dropped $300K to help change the game for running moms—because motivation isn’t the problem, childcare is. 🍼🏃‍♀️

Curious how they’re breaking barriers? 👀👇

GET THE FULL STORY

🕹️ Here’s Exactly How To Fake Your Next Strava Run

🖥️ This app lets you “run” a sub-3 marathon from your couch

No sweat, no shoes, no problem—this cheeky site lets you fake a GPS run in just a few clicks. But is it just a joke… or a reality check for running culture?👀

GET THE FULL STORY