Running Cheatsheets

Fast, scannable field guides to running science — the factors that move each metric, ranked by impact, with the fixes beside them.

Your First Marathon

Your quick, science-backed guide to your first marathon — how long it actually takes, what training works, how to taper and fuel, and how to arrive at the start line ready.

7 min read

Sub-3 Marathon

Your quick, science-backed guide to breaking 3 hours in the marathon — the physiology it takes, the training that works, and an honest timeline.

6 min read

Sub-4 Marathon

Your quick, science-backed guide to breaking 4 hours in the marathon — why mileage beats genetics, an honest timeline, and how to build the cycle.

6 min read

DFA a1 Testing Protocol

Your step-by-step protocol for testing DFA a1 (HRV aerobic threshold): exact ramp steps, personal calibration, and every chest strap and app that can run it.

7 min read

Race Time Prediction

Your quick, science-backed guide to race time prediction — how VDOT turns one race result into finish times at every distance, and when to trust the number.

6 min read

How to Start Running

Your science-backed starter guide — how to begin, how easy to go, how often, who needs to adapt, and beginner plans that actually stick.

8 min read

Recovery After Running

How to recover after running: a science-backed cheatsheet on what works (sleep, fuel, easy days), what's hype, and how to know you're ready to run again.

9 min read

Running Economy

Your quick, science-backed guide to understanding running economy — what makes you more efficient, what slows you down, and how to train and track it.

6 min read

VO₂max

Your quick, science-backed guide to VO₂max — what it is, what actually grows it, what only looks like it does, and how to train and track your aerobic engine.

6 min read