Short episode summary In this episode of the RunRX Podcast, Coaches Valerie and Caroline discuss the start of the racing season and how runners should prepare for the upcoming marathon or racing events.   Timestamps of big takeaways   Start of the Racing Season [0:22] Coach Caroline mentioned a racing event recently in Fort Worth, Texas named the Cowtown Marathon. This event usually signifies the start of the racing season.   Gait Analysis [2:14] Before training for a marathon, you must first check-in with your running technique. This helps you to know what areas you should improve on. This is why in the membership, they always start with gait analysis.   [2:35] Coach Caroline mentions that they cannot do ala carte gait analyses since once they figure out what’s wrong, they have to help you fix it. They check in with the members every week to see their progress in the membership.   [3:20] On her first gait analysis, Coach Valerie shares that it happened at a running shoe store.   It’s Not the Shoes [5:00] There’s always been a saying that “the shoes help fix the run,” which Coaches Valerie and Caroline disagree with. They said that it wasn’t the shoes, but the way of running itself. However, it’s not bad to buy new shoes, especially if you’re not comfortable with your shoes.   Checking In with Your Body [6:21] You need to have a relationship with yourself and your running.   [6:35] When she was still a fitness coach, Coach Valerie shared that she believed that she should be watching you the whole time while you train so she could correct you immediately. When she met Dr. Romanov, he taught her how to do the gait analysis.   [8:13] Coach Valerie said that you can see yourself improving by checking in with a coach or trainer. If there is someone who will guide and teach you, it’ll be easier to progress, and there’s a lower chance that you’ll go back to your old habits.   Buying New Shoes [9:13] Again, it’s okay to buy new shoes, and having new shoes can motivate you to go out for a run. But, RunRX wants to make sure that you are running correctly.   Shoe Recommendations [10:13] When buying shoes, you should check what they can do. You should be able to bend it, and it should have enough support that makes the ground comfortable. However, it shouldn’t have too much support up to the point that your foot can no longer feel the ground.   Rate, Review & Subscribe Reminder Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our show. You can also rate and review our show on iTunes! We’re on Spotify as well, or you can listen to our show directly on Libsyn here.    Links mentioned in episode -- Ask Me Anything series on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/runrxfit/ -- RunRX on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runrx/ -- Join the membership: https://runrx.fit/join-runrxstrong/ -- https://www.runrx.fit/ -- Have questions? Email us at support@runrx.fit