Blog – A-Team Coaching

Super Shoes vs. Traditional Trainers: Are We Running Faster or Losing Our Edge?

by A-Team CoachingTraining October 9, 2025September 28, 2025No Comments

In the past few years, the world of running has been shaken—some would say supercharged—by the rise of so-called “super shoes.” These high-tech racing shoes, with their carbon fibre plates and ultra-responsive foams, have rewritten record books and changed the feel of the sport itself. They promise faster times, fresher legs, and a lighter stride. …

The Different Types of Running Speed Training – Explained

by A-Team CoachingTraining October 2, 2025October 2, 2025No Comments

Ask any experienced runner or coach, and they’ll tell you: speed training isn’t just about running fast. It’s about training specificity. Whether you’re chasing a new 5K PB, aiming to crack that elusive sub-3 marathon, or building strength for an ultra like Comrades, the key to progress lies in how you train the different energy …

Running Form for Marathon and Ultra Runners – Should You Change It?

by A-Team CoachingMarathon, Training September 25, 2025September 26, 2025No Comments

When it comes to running long—whether that’s 42.2km or 90km+—runners often wonder if their form is “good enough” or if they should try to “fix” it. You’ve probably watched elite athletes glide across the road with effortless grace and thought, Should I try to run like that? It’s a fair question. But before you start …

Running the Comrades Marathon 2026 – The Time to Start Is NOW

by A-Team CoachingComrades, Training September 18, 2025August 5, 2025No Comments

If you’ve set your sights on conquering the 2026 Comrades Marathon, you’re not alone. It’s the ultimate test of endurance, grit, and heart—an iconic race that demands respect and precise preparation. But here’s the truth most runners ignore: Comrades training doesn’t start in January. If you wait until next year, you’re already behind. To run …

Stop Chasing Every Medal — Start Planning Your Race Calendar Like a Pro

by A-Team CoachingTraining September 11, 2025September 9, 2025No Comments

One of the biggest mistakes distance runners make? Racing too often, too hard, with no long-term plan. We are spoilt for choice nowadays. The weekend rolls around, there’s another race in town, and FOMO kicks in. Suddenly, that easy long run turns into a race effort at a C-type event, and your training suffers. Whether …

Master the Climb: Why Hill Training is Essential for Distance Runners

by A-Team CoachingTraining September 4, 2025September 5, 2025No Comments

Too many runners shy away from hills, associating them with pain, fatigue, and burning legs. But in truth, hills are strength sessions in disguise, and they can dramatically improve your running economy, form, speed, and mental toughness. Whether you’re chasing a marathon PB, training for the Comrades, or simply building your running foundation for a …

Heart Rate Training Zones – What Are They and Which Method Should You Use?

by A-Team CoachingTraining August 28, 2025August 22, 2025No Comments

Heart rate training zones are a foundational concept for endurance athletes — especially runners — looking to train smarter, not just harder. But not all heart rate zones methods are equal, and not all training philosophies define them in the same way. So, what exactly is a heart rate zone? And which method should you …

Train by Feel: Mastering RPE for Smarter Running

by A-Team CoachingTraining August 21, 2025August 28, 2025No Comments

In a world dominated by wearable tech like GPS watches, heart rate monitors and power meters, there’s one training tool that often gets overlooked: Your own body… Training by RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) is one of the most powerful, adaptable, and intuitive ways to run. It teaches you to listen to your body, adapt …

Training by Pace, RPE, or Heart Rate — Which Should You Use?

by A-Team CoachingTraining August 14, 2025August 28, 2025No Comments

When it comes to running training, one of the most common questions athletes ask is:“Should I train by pace, heart rate, or how I feel?” The answer?It depends. Each method—Pace, Heart Rate, and RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion)—offers a unique lens for guiding your training. But they’re not interchangeable, and using all three simultaneously can …

VO₂ Max vs. Threshold -Which One Predicts Marathon Performance Better?

by A-Team CoachingTraining August 7, 2025August 7, 2025No Comments

When it comes to running long-distance events like the marathon, every athlete wants to know: “How fast can I go?” Thanks to advancements in wearables and performance testing, two metrics often dominate the conversation—VO₂ Max and Threshold (also called lactate threshold or functional threshold pace/power). But what’s the difference between them, and which one actually …