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Athlete Corner

The science, minus the jargon — read it, then send it to a teammate

Sport
Coaching World
A high-school cross-country runner sitting on a curb after practice, eating a banana and a sandwich out of a backpack.
running

The Most Important Thing About Running Nutrition Is Just Eating Enough

Everyone argues about protein grams and perfect snacks. What actually makes or breaks your season is simpler: eat enough to match your training.

A high-school swimmer on the pool deck at dawn wrapped in a towel, eating a banana before early-morning practice.
swimming

Under-Fueled Looks Just Like Overtrained

The flat, tired, stalled swimmer usually isn't overtrained — they're under-fueled. Fuel the training you're actually doing.

Four runners seen from behind, jogging easy on an open road at dawn.
running triathlon

Your Easy Runs Are Probably Too Fast

Someone online says easy miles are junk and you should just train hard. The truth: easy running works — most runners just do it too fast.

Share card reading: The run that hurts you is usually one big jump — keep your long run close to what you've already done.
running

The Run That Hurts You Is Usually One Big Jump

The riskiest run isn't your weekly total creeping up. It's one session that's way longer than anything you've done lately.

Share card reading: Get stronger, run cheaper — the calf hold that makes you a more efficient runner.
running

The Calf Hold That Makes You a More Efficient Runner

Getting stronger helps you run using less energy. One of the easiest ways doesn't beat up your legs at all — you just hold still.

Share card reading: Underfueling doesn't make you tougher — it breaks you down, quietly.
running

Underfueling Doesn't Make You Tougher

Getting lighter and faster can feel like winning. Sometimes it's the first sign your body is running on empty.

Share card reading: Transitions are the 4th discipline — the only one you can get faster at this week, without getting fitter.
triathlon

The Free Speed Hiding Between Your Swim, Bike, and Run

Transitions are triathlon's fourth discipline — and the easiest place to get faster. The trick is the opposite of what you'd think.

An open-water swimmer mid-freestyle stroke at water level, green cap and goggles.
swimming triathlon

You're Not Bad at Swimming. You're Just New at It.

A runner or cyclist's first month in the pool feels brutal. Here's why fitness doesn't save you in the water — and what actually does.