273. The Secret to a Faster Fall Marathon

Our guest: @ericaweitzruns

This episode of The Marathon Running Podcast is your essential guide to turning summer heat into your greatest competitive advantage. We sit down with running coach Erica Weitz to break down the science behind how summer training is the secret to a breakthrough fall racing season. Coach Weitz explains the critical physiological adaptations that happen when you train in the heat, such as increased plasma volume and improved thermoregulation, and how these directly translate to a more efficient and powerful performance on a cooler race day. We discuss the strategic role of a summer training block within an annual plan—is it a base phase, a specific prep phase, or a nuanced combination? You’ll also learn which metrics she monitors to ensure athletes are successfully building the resilience needed for a strong fall performance, and her evidence-based strategies for safe and effective heat acclimation.

Beyond the physiology, Coach Weitz delves into the practicalities of transitioning from summer endurance to fall speed. She outlines the typical progression of intensity and specificity that prepares an athlete for the demands of a goal race, from building an aerobic engine to integrating race-specific paces without risking overtraining. We also discuss the often-overlooked role of strength and conditioning in summer for preventing breakdown and enhancing power for faster fall paces. Finally, Erica shares her philosophy on how to cultivate the mental fortitude gained from the "summer grind" and avoid common pitfalls as excitement for fall races builds, ensuring you show up to the start line physically and mentally prepared for your best performance.

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