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By Coach Nic Baxter | NBx Running Coach I'm going to say something that might sound ridiculous......your easy runs are probably too fast. I know — you don't feel like you're pushing. It feels comfortable. It feels like you're barely trying. But if you can't hold a full, flowing conversation without pausing to catch your breath, you are not running easy. And it's costing you more than you realise. This is one of the most common mistakes I see in runners of all levels — and fix

By Coach Nic Baxter | NBx Running Coach Nobody spoke about it. Nobody warned me. And I suspect nobody warned you either. One day you're running the way you've always run — same pace, same effort, same recovery. And then gradually, things start to shift. Your easy pace feels harder than it should. Recovery takes longer. Sleep is disrupted. Your body composition changes despite nothing obvious changing in your diet or training. Some days you feel incredible. Others you feel lik

By Coach Nic Baxter | NBx Running Coach I'll be honest, there are days when running feels amazing. When your legs are light, your breathing is easy and you finish feeling like you could go forever. And then there are the other days. The days when your alarm goes off and every part of you wants to stay in bed. You didn't sleep well or you had a late night. Or it's cold or too humid. This is when that first mile feels like the hardest thing you've ever done. When you wonder why

By Coach Nic Baxter | NBx Running Coach Why didn't I start this sooner? There's a moment that happens to almost every trail runner. You're out in the woods, sunlight filtering through the trees, feet crunching on the path beneath you. Trail running is one of the most rewarding forms of running there is. It's slower, yes. It's harder, sometimes. But it's also more beautiful, more meditative and — surprisingly — easier on your body than pounding the pavement. If you've been cur

By Coach Nic Baxter | NBx Running Coach So you've signed up for your first marathon. Maybe you've been thinking about it for years. Perhaps someone dared you. Maybe you're doing it in memory of a loved one or for a charity close to your heart. Or maybe you just woke up one day and decided — why not? Whatever brought you here, I want you to know this: running a marathon is one of the most transformative things you will ever do. With the right preparation, you can cross that fi

Whether you're lacing up for the very first time or you've been running for years and feel like you've hit a wall — this post is for you. I started NBx Running Coach with one goal: to build a coaching service that actually works for women in the real world. Not a generic plan downloaded from the internet. Not advice that assumes you have two free hours every morning. Real coaching, built around your real life. Here's a look at everything I offer — and how to figure out which

By Coach Nic Baxter | NBx Running Coach I'll be honest, there are days when the alarm goes off at 5:30am, or even earlier, and the last thing I want to do is get out of bed and run. Between coaching, life admin, and everything else that comes with being a woman in the thick of it — finding time to run can feel impossible. But here's what I know after years of marathons and coaching women just like you: it is possible. You just need to stop trying to fit running into your life

Embarking on your first marathon journey is an exciting and rewarding challenge. I remember the mix of nerves and excitement I felt before my first race. It’s a big commitment, but with the right approach, you can cross that finish line feeling strong and proud. This guide is designed to walk you through the essentials of preparing for your first marathon, with practical tips and encouragement every step of the way. Understanding the Basics of a Beginner Marathon Training Pro

Years ago, when I first started running regularly, I thought all I needed was to lace up, hit the pavement and rack up the miles. But over time, I realized that running alone wasn’t enough to keep me strong, injury-free, and improving. That’s when I discovered the power of strength training. Strength training is a must for runners of all levels, whether you’re just starting out, coming back postpartum, or navigating different life stages. Why Strength Training Matters for Run

Embarking on a marathon journey is both thrilling and challenging. Whether you’re lacing up your shoes for the first time or returning to the road after a break, having a clear plan can make all the difference. Over the next 16 weeks, you’ll build endurance, strength, and confidence. I’m here to guide you through every step of this marathon training roadmap, helping you stay motivated and prepared for race day. Understanding Your Marathon Training Roadmap Before diving into t

1. Shift Your Mindset: From Training to Exploring First, let go of the pressure. Vacation running isn't about hitting specific workouts, paces, or distances. It’s a unique opportunity to explore a new place in a way that few tourists can. Instead of a "6-mile tempo," think of it as a "30-minute sunrise tour of the beachfront." Instead of "hill repeats," it's "let's see what's at the top of that cobblestone street." This simple mental shift changes the run from a task you have

You're logging the miles, and maybe not seeing the progress you want. Or perhaps you have little aches and pains during your runs. What is often the missing piece? Running technique. I believe that running isn't just about pushing harder: it's about moving smarter. Proper form is key to help with injury prevention, efficiency and performance. Here are a few key elements that you can start focusing on today. Why Does Technique Even Matter? The benefits of good running form a

You've put in the early morning miles. You've honed in on your nutrition & fuelled your body. You've broken in your race day sneakers & outfit. Race day is fast approaching, but now a different kind of training takes over; the mental marathon. Whether you’re tackling a 5K or a 50K, the distance between your ears is often the toughest part of the course. The right mindset can transform race day from a test of survival into a celebration of your strength. Here’s my guide to t

January's Lesson: Why Consistency Beats Everything Else Congratulations, you made it through the first month of the year! January is all about shaking off the holidays, establishing routines, and laying the groundwork for a successful year of running. Whether you logged big miles or just focused on getting out the door consistently, you've already accomplished something significant. If you’re a runner—especially here in the Northeast USA—January isn’t usually about glory. You

Many runners believe that running more is the fastest way to improve. When rest days are treated as part of the training plan, I see the opposite; my clients get faster, stronger and more consistent. Rest days aren’t lost time.They’re where progress actually happens. Rest Days make you stronger, faster and consistent What Rest Days Do for Runners Running places stress on muscles, joints, bones, and the nervous system. Fitness gains don’t occur during the run itself — they ha

I often hear my clients say, “I just want to run—do I really need strength training?” Some clients will even skip their strength days, and incorporate another run. The short answer is yes—if you want to run well, stay healthy, and keep improving. Since turning a certain age, I have found myself strength training at least 3 times a week, sometimes more often in my "off" season. Lifting heavy in my off season and then reducing the weight closer to my race day has allowed me to

I recently gave a presentation to new runners about the difference between “just running” and actually training for an event . It’s a topic I’m very passionate about, but I wasn’t sure how clearly it came across—until a woman approached me afterward. She thanked me for making things finally click . She told me she had been running consistently for quite some time, showing up week after week, putting in the miles… and yet her race times weren’t improving. She couldn’t underst

Every year I coach athletes through goals, setbacks, breakthroughs, and finish lines. In 2025, I lived all of those moments myself — sometimes in extreme environments, sometimes in local races, and often alongside the very community I coach. This year deepened my belief that the best coaching comes from experience, not theory alone . Training for the Unknown Builds Better Athletes Running the Antarctica Marathon in March required a level of preparation that went far beyond a

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and festive treats, but it also challenges your running and workout routine. Shorter days, colder weather, and busy schedules can make it hard to lace up your shoes. Staying motivated to run during this time requires a mix of planning, mindset, and practical strategies Set Realistic Goals for the Season The holidays often disrupt your usual routine. Instead of aiming for breaking records, personal bests or long-distance runs,

If you like running, trail & a fun time, Sassquad Trail Parties celebrate every runner, walker and mile. Trail Party Director, Kim levinsky, launched Sassquad Trail Running in 2018 with the help of a few good friends, a couple of cones, a borrowed timing clock and the support of the local trail running community. During the pandemic, when races were on pause, Kim began sharing her mental health struggles more publicly. Through her podcast, vlogs, and real-life conversations a