Runners High With Bala

Summary

In this episode of Reflections, Coach Bala engages with three inspiring runners who share their journeys of balancing busy professional lives with the commitment to running. Anu discusses her transition from engineering to psychology, Swamy shareås his experiences as a CIO and former aspiring actor, and Venkat talks about his medical career and how running has become a vital part of his life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, prioritization, and mental fitness in achieving running goals, while also addressing the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. The guests provide valuable insights and p...

In this episode, Coach Balak reflects on the progress of runners after ten weeks of training, emphasizing the importance of celebrating milestones. He introduces the concept of the kinetic chain, explaining how various muscle groups work together during running and the common injuries that can arise from imbalances. The discussion also covers the training effect, where the weakest links in the kinetic chain become apparent as training progresses, leading to pain that signals the need for attention and strengthening. Coach Balakir encourages runners to listen to their bodies and manage pain effectively to enhance their performance.

Takeaways<...

In this conversation, Coach Bala discusses the progress runners have made in their training, emphasizing the importance of understanding power dynamics in running and the necessity of controlling energy release for better performance. The host introduces a framework for effective training, focusing on the significance of nutrition and pacing strategies to achieve optimal results.

Takeaways

You have completed significant milestones in your training.
Understanding the power dynamics in running is crucial.
Control over energy release is essential for endurance.
The first mile should always be the slowest.
Progressive reverse splits can...

In this episode, Coach Bala discusses the importance of community in running, shares exciting announcements about upcoming events, and delves into the theory of pain management for runners. He emphasizes the need for motivation through community support, introduces a retreat for runners, and explains various types of pain experienced during training, along with strategies for managing them effectively.

Key Takeaways
Community support is crucial for motivation during training.
Engaging with fellow runners enhances the training experience.
The upcoming retreat offers a unique opportunity for connection.
Yoga can significantly improve flexibility and s...

Summary

In this episode, Coach Bala discusses the progress made in the training journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding muscle development and the training effect. He explains how controlled overload leads to muscle growth and the significance of proper protein intake post-run. The FIT framework (Frequency, Intensity, Time) is introduced as a strategic approach to effective training, ensuring that runners avoid injury while maximizing their training potential. The episode concludes with encouragement for continued progress in the training program.

In this episode, Coach Bala welcomes participants to Season 14 of the RHWB program, emphasizing the significance of the fall season for runners and walkers. He discusses the growth of the program, the importance of community, and the preparations needed for a successful training experience. The conversation highlights the camaraderie built through shared challenges and the excitement of starting a new season together.

Takeaways:
The fall season is a special time for RHWB.
Feedback from runners led to the creation of the fall season.
The program has seen significant growth with 228 participants this y...

In this episode of the Reflections podcast, Coach Bala introduces three remarkable women from the RHWB community who share their inspiring journeys in running and walking. They discuss their experiences preparing for the Great Saunter, a challenging 32-mile walk around Manhattan, and the mental and physical training involved. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, personal growth, and the joy of endurance activities. Each guest shares their unique motivations and insights, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges and push their limits.

Summary: 

In this conversation, Coach Bala discusses the journey of training, using the metaphor of a train to illustrate the importance of consistency, mindset, and overcoming challenges. He emphasizes the significance of staying on the training train, the mental and physical transformations that occur, and the joy of achieving milestones. The discussion also highlights the runner's high and the importance of celebrating progress while maintaining focus on daily activities to ensure success in the training journey.

Takeaways

Change is hard at the beginning.

Your job is to li...

In this episode, Coach Bala discusses the transformative journey of runners through a structured training program. He emphasizes the importance of belief in the process, the physiological changes that occur during training, and the significance of mental strength. The conversation also highlights the benefits of summer training and how it prepares runners for peak performance in the fall. Takeaways: The initial discomfort in running is temporary and will ease. Understanding the science behind running can enhance training commitment. Muscle activation and electrical signals are crucial for running efficiency. Strength training and stretching improve muscle length and power. The heart's...

Summary
In this episode, Coach Bala discusses the importance of establishing a consistent running rhythm as the new season begins. He emphasizes the significance of conversational pace running, which should comprise 70-80% of a runner's training. The conversation covers the differences between aerobic and anaerobic states, how to find and adjust your conversational pace, and the need to adapt to summer conditions. Coach Bala encourages runners to focus on their breathing and to be patient as they work towards their ideal conversational pace.

Takeaways

Week one of the regular season is complete.

In this episode, Coach Bala discusses the unique challenges of summer training for runners, emphasizing the importance of hydration, electrolyte balance, and adjusting running pace. He encourages commitment to health and the formation of habits through a 21-day challenge, aiming to help runners prioritize their fitness journey effectively.

Takeaways

This is a summer season training.
Reduce your running speed by 20%.
Focus on hydration and chemical balance.
Commitment to your own health is crucial.
The first three weeks will take care of itself.
A 21-day challenge is essential for habit...

Summary

In this episode, Coach Bala welcomes participants to Season 14 of Runners High, highlighting the importance of community and health. He provides an overview of the program, including participant demographics and training schedules, and emphasizes the significance of preparation and consistency in training. The episode concludes with motivational insights on the training philosophy and the journey ahead for all runners.

Takeaways

Coach Bala in this episode lays out the thought process and prep that one needs to be on top of.. 

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IN this weekend's message Coach Bala talks about the key happy hormones that powers our Runners High Journey. He then begins with a provocative question - Who really is YOUR COMPETITION? and shares his POV for the same..

Coach Bala in this episode talks about the importance of Rest Week to the overall training scheme. He also provides a view into 4 upcoming RHWB launches that are part of the RHWB folklore!

- Mid Season Party
- NPS Survey
- Interim State Of The Union
- 5K Race day in NJ - 'Samosa Run'

In this episode of weekend message, Coach Bala enumerates about the problems a runner will face because of the differences between Mental strength and Physical Strength improvement at this point of the training cycle. A strong mental strength will push your body to its limit causing higher risk of injury. 

Coach also tees up the upcoming Mid Season Party in NJ and the rest week. 

Coach Bala chats with runners Neil and Raj to discuss their incredible life story of resilience. How they came back from a setback and what lessons we can learn from them

Coach Bala in this weekend's message, introduces 2 important concepts:

1. Power Without Control means nothing in long distance running. How to think about it and what is the training framework on control that a runner should follow..

2. IIP - Introduce Improve and Perfect.. the core training design element of our training program that we should all get behind

Check it out!

Resident podcast Coach Ani has a fascinating conversation with Coach Arathi, Sam and Ajay on their journey from being a first time runner to an experienced runner to being an awesome coach ..journey filled with lots of learning and coaching

Coach Bala in this episode of weekend message talk about how to come back from a setback or a break in training regimen. This simple 3 step framework will aid all of you to think through this in a structured manner and come back stronger than before!

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Coach Bala in this episode touches on two key points:

1. Launching next tradition at RHWB - 'Pulse Dashboard' to share with you all the Metrics That Matter - Consistency. How are you doing, what you can learn from the training thus far and what does you coach recommend going fwd.. Learn all about it

2. Our Contract - The social contract between a Coach and a runner. What are we really signing up here for and what are our expectations? Well coach Bala shares his POV

Dr. Anshu Garg is a renowned cardiologist operating in the US Tri state area. She has extensive experience in the field of cardiology and in this episode Coach Bala chat with the doc on all things running and heart! A super interesting and important topic for all.. 

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Coach Bala talks about how to think about Pain during training and how to think about addressing it.

3 new exciting announcements to follow..

Coach Bala talks about 2 foundational elements that goes into our training plan. A runner understanding these concepts will do lot better in structuring his/her workouts to reap max benefit

1. FIT Framework: Frequency, Intensity and Time between runs is the difference between Good and Great
2. Training Train: We all are in this training train that has certain features that one needs to conquer and understand to stay in the train with minimum effort and maximum impact.. 

Listen on!

Coach Bala in this weeks episode talks about how to think about and execute a run when you are traveling. He also touches on the all important Cardio Vascular, musculo skeletal, mental strength training system that is RHWB's structured training regimen

Coach Bala in this weekly episode touch on the following points:

1. Winter Training: What you should avoid, how you should think about winter running and how to prep for having a blissful running experience in cold weather

2. What is Conversational Pace running..

Coach Bala in this episode of weekly message touches on how to apporoach training in winter, what to do and what to avoid. He also discusses the idea behind nailing a steady state rythm of walking

Coach Bala talks about the power of forming the right habit and building powerful routines to have a successful training season.

21 days of continuous workout will make the training a habit and building strong routines for sleep, hydration, injury prevention and post workout nutrition will go a long way in nailing your system for acing the training program

Coach Bala welcomes everyone to Season 13 and shares some high level stats on the season and info on next steps

Podcaster and Coach Ani chats with 3 senior runners - Aparna, Anand & Raman on how they execute a season of training, what is their approach, how they tackle problems and why they do what they do.. An incredible lesson with a very fun ending!

In this episode of weekend message, Coach Bala expresses his POV on what it takes to do very well on a Race day.. essentially it boils down to:

1. Clearly understanding who is your competition

2. Taper week, the what and the why..

3. Understanding the peak meso long run distances.

In this Episode of 'Reflections' our inhouse podcaster Sonali takes the opportunity to chat with 3 wonderful experienced RHWB runners - Vandana, Neelima and Shantanu who have inspired a lot with their running journey and attitude for life.

Lots of lessons to learn from them..

Check it out!

In this episode of weekend message, Coach Bala expressed his pride in the runners' progress and emphasized the importance of the upcoming peak mesocycle, which accounts for a significant portion of the total season distance. He also discussed the concept of 'command performance' in the context of running and life, and the importance of nutrition, stretching, and rest during training. Lastly, he announced an upcoming race day, an invitation to a Garba dance evening, and the arrival of T-shirts for the season.

Next steps

Coach Bala talks about the Why, The What and The How to handle this very important portion of the training regimen - The Rest Week.

Rest week is an RHWB tradition right from its founding days and can do wonders to a runner if adhered properly.

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Coach Bala in this episode of weekend message talks about the intricacies of running beyond 2 hours

- The Long Distance Range.

- Energy Pathways - Electrolyte balance

- Temperature control All of it becomes paramount.

Finally HR is an output and not an input variable. Controlling HR is about controlling levers that you can control. Check it out!

In this weeks training message, Coach Bala talks about 3 Ps - Pain, Pace and Power that needs to be understood and managed for optimal performance

- Pain is a normal part of training as your body strengthens its weakest links; That said, increasing pain during a run signals you to slow down.

- Don't worry about pace now; focus on rhythm and comfort to build aerobic capacity and your pace will improve.

- Power comes from strength training; dedicate time to build muscle fibers to generate the power needed.

- Stay...

In this week's message, I wanted to begin by appreciating all of you for successfully completing your first mesocycle of the regular season. It is important now to have a long-term, multi-season approach to training. The focus of the second mesocycle will be on controlling your runs and on strengthening the kinetic chain of muscles for better running performance and injury prevention. Learn about how to approach a training season, the nature of the beast, and what you can do to be on top of the training 'train'.

- Run at a conversational pace to build a strong aerobic base, which is key for training.

- The 16-week program transforms you inside-out by improving your cardiovascular musculo skeletal mental strength systems.

- Congrats on completing 21 days. Consistency in training over 21 days forms a habit that powers your running journey.

- Focus on having fun, being committed and transforming yourself inside-out through training

- Enjoy a nice run during your vacation!

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- Congratulations on successfully completing week one of training, starting is the hardest part and you have taken the first step.

- Summer Training: Focus on cooling your body with water to deal with summer heat and controlling your heart rate to stay in an aerobic training zone.

- Conversational pace running keeps you in an aerobic state which is key for training the body versus just running fast.

- To build a new running habit, commit to the first 21 days of training with no missed workouts to form the habit.

...

Welcome message from Head Coach Bala with following points:

1. Historic season registration stats

2. Summer Training - What you need to be aware of and do

3. How would the season unfold?

4. Key items to prepare now

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