Welcome to our “Weekly Running Tips With Mike and Darren” info page, where every Monday, we’ll tune in with our local experts with new and informative tips on preparing successfully for your next run.
*Disclaimer*
You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.
Tips on Improving Your Next Marathon
Darren and Mike offer tips to make your next marathon better: 1. List 3 things that went well and why they went well.2. Reflect on what went wrong and see how you can improve upon those.3. Make sure you have done long training runs.4. Run the same marathon again because you’ll know what to expect.…
Wet Weather Running Tips
Today, Darren has some tips for wet-weather running to share with you. 1. Full shield cover up from tip to toe2. Cover your extremities – core, head and hands3. Post-run, stuff your shoes with newspaper to dry out and maintain shape4. Embrace the rain and have fun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_q9fB6pJi0
Two Tips for Last Minute Shopping at the Village Runner
December 22, 2018 Mike and Darren have 2 great ways to help last minute holiday shoppers: 1. At our new Riviera Village store and our Manhattan store we have ample parking, so you don’t have to fight the crowds. 2. We offer gift certificates that allow the recipient to shop for what they want, when…
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More Gift Ideas for Those on your Nice List
Mike and Darren have some more holiday gift options for those on your nice list! Come to our Riviera Village Redondo Beach store or Manhattan Beach store and we’ll help you tackle your list! 1. Garmin 935 $499.992. Asics Kayano $159.953. Nike Jacket &150.004. Nike Vest $1005 Run Redondo & Manhattan Sweatshirts $35 https://youtu.be/qLE_9ypdwfs?t=6
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3 Must Have Cold Running Items for So Cal
We know we don’t have much weather in Southern California, but it can get chilly on your morning and evening runs. Today, Mike and Darren discuss 3 essentials to keep warm when you first head out the door. 1. Gloves 2. Beanie 3. Jacket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YghxSU7NM8
Gifts for Runners $25 and Under
Today Mike and Darren have tons of gifts for the runners in your life for $25 and under: 1. Run Redondo Tees $20 2. Nike Hat $24 3. Balega Socks $13, Feeture Socks $16 4. Amphipod Belt $20 5. Goodr Sunnies $25 6. Protec Foot Massager $10 7. Amphipod Light $10 8. Protec Orb $25…
Gift Giving Tips
Three things you want to know before purchasing shoes as a gift: 1. Brand 2. Style 3. Size During the holidays, a lot of people love the idea of giving something to their loved ones that they can actually open as opposed to a gift certificate. That can get tricky when that present is a…
Cell Phone Safety Tips
November is National Running Safety Awareness Month and this week, we’re bringing to you cell phone safety tips. Reasons to have your phone with you: 1. In case of an emergency 2. In case you get lost Tips to be aware of when running with a cell phone: 1. Don’t get distracted…
Tips for Running in Traffic
Run against the flow of traffic.Assume drivers aren’t aware of you.Be aware of blind spots. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifrZSTU7ubY
November is National Running Safety Awareness Month
November is National Running Safety Awareness Month and Darren has some tips to help you stay visible while out on your run: 1. Stay visible when it is dark with flashing light accessories. We carry several Amphipod visibility items.2. Make eye contact with a driver before you cross in front of them.3. Run against traffic…
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Busting 3 Common Running Myths
Today, Darren busts three running myths in today’s video: 1. Running will hurt your knees. 2. Heel striking is bad. 3. You should always stretch before you run. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAuNuWvyGec
Understanding Running Shoe Lingo
Today, Darren and Mike talk about commonly used words and phrases used with running shoes. Darren defines: 1. What a neutral shoe is2. What a motion control shoe is3. What pronating & supinating are4. What “drops” are Bring in your old trainers and get fitted by the experts at our Redondo & Manhattan Beach stores…
Mike and Darren’s Top 3 Shoe Picks
Watch along to today’s video as Mike and Darren discuss their top three shoe picks! Every foot is different and every shoe meets different needs so come on in if you need some advice on what best suits your individual needs. Mike’s Picks1. Brooks Ghost2. Hoka One One Clifton3. Nike Free Darren’s Picks:1. Altra Torin2.…
Manhattan Beach 10K Checklist
The Manhattan Beach 10k is coming up this Saturday, October 6, 2018 and Darren and Mike have put together a checklist to help you be prepared on race morning. Leave the following out the night before race day so you aren’t fumbling for things in the wee hours:1. Shoes with socks in them2. All running…
Shin Splints
Today Mike and Darren talk about shin splits including ways to prevent them and how to treat them. Check out our video for additional information. To Prevent Them:1. Avoid over striding2. Keep you cadence high3. Slowly increase your mileage4. Run in the best shoe for you If You Have Them:1. Rest2. Wear calf sleeves3. Strengthening…
Select a Marathon That Works for You
4 criteria to think about when choosing a marathon that works for you: 1. Flat & Fast Course2. Hilly Course3. Destination/Experience4. Boston Qualifier As always please come in to one of our stores and we will be happy to share our knowledge and experience to help you choose a marathon that’s best for you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbP9rjjmehs
6 Vacation Running Tips
1. Pick a low mileage or no mileage week to get away.2. Make a checklist of running items to pack. Check out our helpful checklist here.3. Try to get a run in before you leave town.4. Ask the locals/hotel for good running spots.5. Bring ID, money, and phone on your run.6. Have fun and take…
Your Village Runner FAQs Answered
As our manager Darren is off trekking through Utah with his family, we are taking a small departure from our Marathon Monday videos. This week’s video features owner, Mike Ward, answering many of your frequently asked questions about Village Runner. Today’s topics include: 1. Where’s Darren?2. Are you the original owner of the Village Runner?3.…
How Many Miles Can I Run Before I Need New Shoes
The standard answer is 300-400 miles. What surface you run on and how often you run all come into play. Another good indicator is your body. At about 200 miles in, start listening to your body. If it starts aching, that typically means the shoe isn’t doing its job anymore. Hopefully, you are also taking…
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Is Stopping to Walk OK?
If you are competitive, the short answer is no. However, you are not actually stopping, you are walking. The tricky part is your head will tell you, “No. Walking is bad”, but the benefits to your training and racing program are strong as outlined below. If you are a first time marathoner or an…
What Is The Marathon Wall?
What is the marathon wall? 1. When you crash and burn2. When the wheels fall off the bus How can you avoid it or at least get through it? Your muscles have been depleted of their glycogen which is their main fuel source. We recommend that when you are training, you figure out your nutrition…
Hydration
Now that summer is here, hydration is super important as you are out running. It is best to have 13-27 ounces of water per hour, but your training runs will help you determine what is best for you. We recommend bringing a handheld, a water belt, or a vest to carry your hydration. We also…
Goodr Sunglasses
Start summer off right with the perfect protection for your eyes as you are out running! We are huge fans of these sunnies from Goodr because they don’t bounce or slip as you run. They are polarized and have UV 400 protection. For $25 they are a steal! They are a very econmical piece of…
Race Ready Shoes
When preparing for your marathon, it is best to have a lightweight companion shoe. A companion shoe is a similar but lighter shoe compared to what you have been doing your heavy mileage in. Race day trainers are lighter, closer to the ground, and help you go faster. Make sure to do some of your…
Gotta Get a Garmin
Garmin watches are an incredibly handy tool for your racing. 1. They give you accurate mileage. 2. They keep you on pace. 3. They keep your time. 4. They sync to your computer to map your mileage 5. Some models also offer additional options like: Playing musicMeasuring VO2 MAxTracking your heart rate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsm9IlqJgA
Socks
Socks are a key part to a successful run or walk. Stay away from cotton which can cause blisters. Find ones that are moisture-wicking to keep your foot dry and less prone to blisters. Our staff can help you choose the right sock for the particular type of run you are participating in. We all…
All About GU
GU Energy Labs has a full line of products which we sell in our Redondo and Manhattan Beach stores. In this video Darren breaks down the GU-Math which is simply to take 1 GU about every 45 minutes during a high-intensity run. You will need about 4oz. of water to take with it. They have…
Establish a Routine
To be successful with any race you are training for, it is essential to establish a routine. Once you have your running routine set, add it to your calendar, put it on your to do list, use an app, or your Garmin to give yourself reminders. This will keep your training on track and you…
The Benefits of Joining a Running Club
While there are numerous reasons, both fun and functional, to join a running club, here are our three main takeaways: Structure – gives you a plan to help guide you as you prepare for a race.Accountability – keeps you on your toes and encourages you to not miss a run.Social Structure – allows you to…
Let’s Talk About Mileage
Today’s “Monday Marathon” topic is mileage. Mike and Darren break down how much mileage a beginner to an advanced runner should be putting in per week to train for their desired marathon time. As always, proceed with caution and listen to your body. We’ve provided additional sources and sample training schedules below for additional information.…
Set a Realistic Goal
1. Take into account your past race history as a base for future marathon finishing times.2. Use a Race Time Predictor like this one available HERE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8l6Mgdsf9s
The 5 Most Important Things for Running a Marathon
1. The right shoes – comfort and fit are key2. Socks – stick to moisture-wicking socks, steer clear of cotton3. Garmin watches – keep track of your pace, speed, and distance and helps you to train at the proper level4. Fuel Belt – holds all your nutritional sacks and other important items, like your ID…
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How to Best Prepare for a Marathon
Today’s subject was an overview of how to best prepare for a marathon and an intro to a couple of our resident marathoners, Mike and Darren! Overview – Tips for Running Your Fastest Marathon Ever 1. Proper running gear2. Lose weight, diet, hydration,reduce alcohol consumption3. Set a realistic goal and adjust accordingly4. Increase your mileage,…
How Many Miles Should I Run a Week Before My Marathon?
The importance of tapering is to get your body back in shape – rebuild your stores, repair damaged muscles, get stronger, and most importantly, you are less likely to get sick. Check out our weekly video and source link below for more information. If you are running 70 miles per week, you should be tapering…
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Lose Weight = Run Faster
Happy Marathon Monday! Today’s topic is Lose Weight = Run Faster. Weight Loss Race Calculator Many sources including Susan Paul, an exercise physiologist, who writes this insightful article for Runner’s World” have highlighted the effects of weight loss for marathon training. She says, “There are various formulas that predict the effect of weight loss on…
Marathon Monday!
Congratulations to all of our Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon finishers yesterday, including our very own crew members, Tony D. and Shannon H. Tune in below for our first “Marathon Monday” video with Mike and Darren. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9HH6mXP8Kw&t=4s
Jog.FM, your new running buddy that keeps on you pace!
Runners, have you heard of Jog.FM? I just giddily discovered this great running tool from the most recent issue of “Real Simple” magazine. If you like running with music and need some new tunes to keep you on pace, check out jog.fm. What makes this site so spectacular you ask?! Just input your running pace…
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