Unstill Life Seattle Running and Walking Group

Breathing Tips for Runners

Whether you’re training for a 5K, preparing for a marathon, or running as part of your daily routine, proper breathing can have a major impact on your performance. Many runners focus on speed, endurance, and strength, so proper breathing is often overlooked, even though it plays a crucial role in running performance. Learning to breathe efficiently when you’re running can help you feel more comfortable, reduce perceived fatigue, improve endurance, and support stronger performance over longer distances. Read more

VO2Max Workouts for Hikers, Runners, Cyclists and Swimmers

VO2Max Workouts for Hikers, Runners, Cyclists and Swimmers

Last week I posted about the meaning of VO2Max and how to get an estimate of yours. And I left you hanging with your “But Rache, how do I Improve It?” questions. So here you go! A selection of workouts tailored to different endurance activities that can help you dial up your cardio engine’s power. Read more

What is VO2 Max?

What is VO2 Max? and How Can It Improve My Hiking, Running and Life?

You may have heard the term VO2Max bandied about, but aren’t sure what it is, or if it’s something you should care about. Well, do you like to do active stuff outside? Then, I’d venture a: Yes, You Should Care About It. Want to live a long life with a long health-span? Then, absolutely, VO2Max is a tool for you. Read more

Recovery Best Practices: Why It’s Important for Runners and Hikers

You train hard. You push yourself up hills. You run for miles. You constantly challenge your body. The difference between runners and hikers who keep their stamina up for years, and those who burn out or get injured, is usually how you take care of your body between workouts. Read more

How to Increase Your Running Distance… Safely!

How to Increase Your Running Distance… Safely!

Ah spring running! This is the season that many people come to running in the first place, or return to it, or decide to reach for a new running goal. With that comes the age-old question: How can I increase my running distance without getting hurt? We are an aspirational species. We get a lofty goal in our heads and then go out too aggressively to make it a reality NOW! Patience, friends. You’ve heard that saying, it’s a marathon, not a sprint? Well guess what… that applies to running too. 😉 Read more

Preventing or Recovering from IT Band Syndrome

Preventing or Recovering from IT Band Syndrome

Have you ever felt a sharp or aching pain along the outside of your knee during a run or workout? If you’ve felt this pain, it could be Iliotibial Band (IT) Syndrome, one of the most common injuries in people who exercise regularly. With the right approach, you can manage and prevent IT Band Syndrome. Read more

What Causes a Side Stitch When Running?

What Causes a Side Stitch When Running?

Nothing kills the runner’s high faster than that sudden, sharp stab on your side. You’re crushing it on the road, or treadmill, focusing on your pace and form, and then you have to stop and clutch your side because of the sharp pains you feel. Slowing down to walk can feel really defeating and like your body is betraying you, especially if you’re training for a marathon and want to get a certain amount of miles in. Whether you get side stitches frequently or occasionally, learn about the causes behind this frustrating, workout-stopping pain. Read more

How to Recover: Learning from the Pros

How to Recover: Learning from the Pros

A Story

On a chilly, very early September morning in 2024, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, 31-year-old Tara Dower was sitting in her tent. It was 3 am. Her best friend was spoon-feeding her breakfast, to conserve Tara’s energy. Today, Tara would run about fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail. She’d done the exact same thing the day before, and the day before that. Tara was determined to run the entire trail, which stretches almost 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia, in record time, raising funds and awareness for Girls on the Run. And she did. On September 21, 2024, she completed the trail after nearly 41 days, averaging 53 miles a day, breaking all previous records. Read more

National Park races

Can You Run a Race in a National Park? Yeah, ya can! Check Out 5 Gorgeous Ones

Are you planning your running year, AND also your travel year? How about putting them together and doing a half or full marathon in or near a national park? Makes your running experience just that much cooler and memorable. And when your run is done, spend a couple of days getting to know a beautiful natural treasure. Read more

Why You Should Take a Running Class

9 (+1) Reasons Why You Should Take a Running Class*

*Like our Wednesday 6:30pm Walk & Run Fitness & Drills session.

Hey, you could run on your own, right? Or with a running partner. And there are running meet-ups to be found, for sure. So why come to an Unstill Life Half-Fast Running & Walking session? I can think of nine reasons. And a bonus reason especially for walkers and non-runners.

Read more