Runner's World April 2018

Runner Timothy Olson The Experience At 10,000 feet, the Fall Creek Trail near the summit of Silver Mountain is scarce in oxygen, but makes up for it with awe-inspiring views. “Just outside Telluride off Highway 145, we found a stunning ridge that seemed to be beckoning us to run,” says Olson, describing the route as steep and rugged. “The amphitheater of the surrounding mountains makes it ideal for the outdoor adventurer in you.” Natural Remedy Besides gorgeous wildflowers that crop up every July, runners may spot another type of flora: wild arnica growing near the Alta Lakes. This anti-inflammatory plant makes a topical salve for sore, achy muscles when it’s dried and infused in oil. Local Fare After a quad-pounding run, Olson suggests some tasty tacos at Tacos del Gnar.…

SPRING ALWAYS SEEMS TO BRING A renewed sense of purpose to my running. Whether that’s because I have upcoming races on my calendar to prep for, or because the finally warmer temperatures and blossoming trees make being in nature such a pleasure, I find the motivation to lace up easy to come by this season. It’s also invigorating to see more runners hitting the roads, be that while I’m running the loop in New York City’s Central Park or on streets in my own neighborhood. I imagine that everyone is on a mission, just like our cover star, four-time Olympian and New York City Marathon champ Shalane Flanagan. Shalane has dedicated these last several months to working hard on her buildup to Boston, where she will toe the line with…

The Boston Women Could this be the year an American woman finally breaks the tape again on Boylston Street? The U.S. elite field scheduled to compete at the Boston Marathon is giving fans hope. The favorites don’t even need last names: Shalane, Jordan, Molly, Desi. Here’s what to know. —ERIN STROUT THE HOMETOWN HERO SHALANE FLANAGAN Olympic 10,000-meter silver medalist, Boston Marathon U.S. course record holder, and Massachusetts native who won the 2017 New York City Marathon THE PRODIGY JORDAN HASAY Second-fastest American female marathoner ever (2:20:57, Chicago), fastest American debut marathon (2:23:00, Boston), longest hair in pro running THE TRACK STAR MOLLY HUDDLE American record holder (10,000 meters and half marathon), two-time Olympian, female-runner-emoji lobbyist who campaigned for gender equality on smartphones THE STALWART DESI LINDEN Runner-up at the…

RAISE YOUR HAND IF A spectator gave you a boost during a race—if a funny sign made you smile, an ice pop saved your soul at mile 20, a stranger’s high five put more oomph in your steps. Now, keep it up if you’ve been a solid spectator yourself. Hand still up? It should be—and not only for a vague sense of race karma. Turns out, cheering for other people might actually help make you a better runner. The reason why is something psychologists call “self-efficacy by vicarious experiences,” a fancy way of saying that you’re more likely to believe you can accomplish something when you see other people getting it done. “You think, If they can do it, I can do it, too,” says Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D., professor of…

Divide the day You’ll lose steam if you stay on the sidelines from start to finish. “I cheer for a couple hours, then play lawn games or break for lunch,” says Fiona Chung, a senior at Wellesley. “Track your friends who are running and head back when they’re close.” Many larger races have apps that make it easy. Create a sign “A sign increases your interaction with the runners,” says Molly Hoyer, a senior and house president of Wellesley’s Munger Hall, which makes around 500 signs for Boston Marathoners every year. If you’re not sure where to start, Hoyer suggests referencing the race town. “It gives locals more pride in their city, while welcoming people from out of town.” Be personal For Hoyer, one-onone interactions are what cheering is all…

You don’t need to run a major world marathon like Boston or New York City to score solid support. These lesser-known crowds really bring the enthusiasm—and the booze. ANTHEM RICHMOND MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON NOVEMBER 10, RICHMOND, VA Race organizers set up official “party zones” to encourage concentrated and consistent crowd support. Look out for unofficial “aid stations,” where spectators supply beer, candy, and fruit MARATHON DU MÉDOC SEPTEMBER 8, MÉDOC, FRANCE The rural race still attracts 100,000 spectators, thanks to its festive atmosphere (think: wine, cheese, oysters, and ice cream tastings, plus themed costumes). In other words, no, this will not be your next PR. ROUTE 66 MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON NOVEMBER 18, TULSA, OK Basically one big block party, with all the Jell-O shots and beer your stomach…