David Dack

Got Form Questions? You’re Not Alone

You’ve got the tips, now here come the questions. Don’t worry — you’re not the only one wondering this stuff. Every runner, beginner or not, hits a point where they start second-guessing their form. So let’s break down the ones I hear most often, straight from the roads, trails, and coaching calls.

Q: How do I know if my form is actually decent?

A: Watch yourself. Literally. Have a buddy film you from the front and the side — just a short clip while you run by. Or prop your phone up and do a few strides. It’s one thing to feel like you’re doing it right, but video doesn’t lie.

You’re looking for a few key things: tall posture (no slouching), arms swinging naturally (not crossing your body), and feet landing under you — not way out in front. Ideally midfoot strike, not heel-slamming.

When I first saw myself on video, I was shocked. I thought I looked smooth… but I was leaning back like I was dodging an uppercut and swinging my arms like I was playing the drums.

Fixes? Start by asking a coach or joining a group run where you can get feedback. Even a quick tip from a seasoned runner can change everything. Just remember — feel isn’t always real. That outside view helps.

👉 Try it: Grab your phone, hit record, and run past it. What do you see?

Q: What are the most common form mistakes?

A: Oh man, where do I start? I’ve made most of them myself, and I’ve seen them all in the runners I coach. Here’s the hall-of-fame list:

• Overstriding: Foot lands way out in front, usually heel-first. Slams the brakes on your momentum and overloads your joints. Fix it by shortening your stride and upping your cadence.
• Hunched shoulders: Kills your breathing and looks like you’re carrying invisible bags. Stand tall, eyes forward. Pretend there’s a string pulling you up from the top of your head.
• Leaning too much: Either forward at the waist or way back behind your hips — both mess with efficiency. The lean should come from the ankles, not the back.
• Locked knees: Landing with a stiff leg? That’s like jumping and landing on a stick. You need a slight bend to absorb shock.
• Weird arms: Either flopping around or glued to your sides. Aim for 90-degree elbows, relaxed hands, swinging straight — not across your chest like you’re giving yourself a hug.
• Tension in the upper body: The classic Tin Man look. Clenched fists and tight traps eat energy. Shake it out mid-run if you feel yourself stiffening.
• Too much bounce: If you’re going up and down like a pogo stick, that’s energy wasted. Channel it forward with shorter, quicker steps.
• No core engagement: Weak core = sloppy form. You’ll notice it especially when you’re tired and your hips start to collapse.

The fix? Awareness. Catch yourself, adjust, and repeat. The more you pay attention, the more natural it becomes.

Q: Can I improve my form without hiring a coach?

A: Heck yes. A coach helps, sure, but you don’t need one to make progress. I’ve coached runners who started with nothing but YouTube and mirror drills. It’s all about being curious, consistent, and willing to tinker.

Start simple:

• Record yourself.
• Read/watch reliable form tips (like this).
• Practice in front of a mirror — posture, arms, etc.
• Add drills to your warm-up: high knees, butt kicks, skips, strides.

Even just 10 minutes a week focused on form can make a dent. And remember: don’t try to fix everything in one run. Pick one thing — posture, cadence, or footstrike — and drill it into muscle memory.

Mini challenge: Add 3 x 100m strides at the end of your next run and focus only on smooth form. No watch, just feel.

Q: Why does my form fall apart when I’m tired?

A: Because tired legs don’t lie. 😅

Fatigue exposes weakness. Your head drops, shoulders cave in, your stride gets sloppy, and suddenly you’re dragging your feet instead of gliding. That’s when most injuries sneak in.

But here’s the trick: practice running with good form while tired.

During long runs, I do mental form checks every mile. I ask myself: Am I still tall? Cadence quick? Arms relaxed? Sometimes just that little self-scan gives me a second wind.

Other tricks:

• Do drills or strides after your run when you’re a bit fatigued.
• Toss in planks or glute bridges at the end of a workout to train form under stress.
• Strengthen your core and glutes — they’re the first to quit when you’re beat.

If you want to look strong at mile 10, you’ve got to train like it during mile 10 of your long runs.

Q: What drills actually help with form?

A: These are my go-to’s. They look simple, but they work like magic when done consistently.

• High Knees: Builds knee drive and posture.
• Butt Kicks: Fires up your hamstrings and quick turnover.
• A/B Skips: Reinforces coordination and rhythm.
• Strides (100m): Helps imprint smooth, fast form without pressure.
• Carioca: Adds hip mobility and fun.

Toss them in after easy runs or before speed work. Two rounds of each takes maybe 10 minutes. That’s your weekly form booster.

Also do:

• Core work: Planks, dead bugs, side planks, bridges.
• Mobility drills: Leg swings, dynamic hip openers, foam rolling.

I used to blow these off, but once I started doing them weekly, my form held up longer — and I stopped hobbling around post-run.

Q: How often should I work on form?

A: Think “little and often.” Don’t overhaul everything at once — that’s a fast track to frustration or injury.

Here’s my formula:

• Pick one focus each week (posture, arms, cadence…).
• Check in on it during runs.
• Do drills 1–2 times per week.
• Add strides after 2–3 runs.
• Sneak in 10 mins of core/glute work twice weekly.

I call it “micro-dosing” your form. You’re not cramming — it’s like brushing your teeth. Small habit, big payoff.

And yes, it takes time. The first two weeks might feel awkward. But one day, you’ll realize it’s happening without thinking. That’s progress.

Q: Is the treadmill a good place to work on form?

A: Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the best tools for form work — especially when it’s raining, dark, or too chaotic outside.

Why it works:

• No turns or traffic — just you and the belt.
• Constant pace = easier to focus on form.
• Mirrors = real-time feedback (if you don’t get dizzy staring at yourself).
• Can use metronomes to train cadence.

One trick I used: set a metronome app and match my cadence on the belt for 5-minute blocks. Helped me internalize what a 180-step cadence felt like.

Just don’t stare at your feet or slouch because it’s indoors. Pretend the race is right in front of you.

Q: Do I need fancy gear to fix my form?

A: Nope. A phone camera and your own eyeballs go a long way.

• Record yourself.
• Watch the footage.
• Make a few notes.
• Try again next week.

If you want to nerd out, some GPS watches show cadence, and there are metronome apps to help with rhythm. But honestly? 90% of the gains come from good old repetition, not gadgets.

If you’re lucky enough to have a treadmill and a mirror or a friend with a bike who’ll film you — use them. But don’t let gear be the barrier.

Your Turn:

What’s your biggest form struggle right now?
Ever seen yourself on video and been shocked?
Got a favorite drill that helped you run smoother?

Drop it in the comments or shoot me a DM. Let’s talk real-runner form fixes.

Let’s Talk About the Myrtl Routine (and Why It Saved My Knees)

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably dealing with one of the most annoying runner problems out there: IT Band Syndrome. I’ve been there too—that sharp, nagging pain on the outside of the knee that shows up like clockwork during long runs or downhills. Brutal.

Now here’s the thing: Myrtl changed the game for me. Not overnight, but it absolutely helped fix my IT band issues because it went after the real cause: weak, lazy hips.

Why the IT Band Freaks Out in the First Place

The iliotibial band (IT band) is this thick strap of tissue that runs down the outside of your leg from hip to knee. It’s not a muscle—it doesn’t stretch or strengthen like one. So when it acts up, it’s usually because of bad movement patterns.

And that’s where the hips come in.

When your hip abductors and glutes aren’t doing their job—when they’re weak or tight—your knee collapses inward just a little with each step. That puts pressure on the IT band, especially when you’re running downhill or increasing volume.

Same goes for tight hip flexors or an overactive TFL (tensor fasciae latae)—both pull on that IT band and make things worse.

I’ve seen it time and time again: weak hips = angry IT band.

Why I Trust Myrtl (And You Should Too)

The Myrtl routine goes after this exact weakness. It strengthens the stuff that matters—glute med, glute max, and hip rotators—and loosens what’s too tight.

• Clamshells, lateral leg raises, hydrants? These are gold for your glute med.
• Donkey kicks fire up the glute max so it can help stabilize your stride.
• Leg swings and hip circles work on loosening up that cranky TFL and tight hips.

To put it simply: Myrtl gives your stride the stability it’s been missing. That’s why I call it prehab—it fixes the root problem before you break down.

I’m not the only one saying this. Some physios literally hand out a version of Myrtl to runners with ITBS. It’s simple, but it works—if you stick to it.

Real Talk from Runners

Want proof? Hop on any running forum and search for ITBS and Myrtl. In one thread, a runner said:

“I had ITBS and felt like I had tried everything… The thing that actually helped was doing the Myrtl routine every day. I saw nearly immediate results.”

And that wasn’t a one-off. Dozens of others chimed in saying “Second that,” “Third that,” and so on. Some saw results in days. Others took a few weeks.

But the common theme? They stuck with it, and it worked.

I had a guy I was coaching—he’d get pain at mile 10 like clockwork. We added Myrtl before every run and on off-days. Three weeks later? Zero knee pain and a strong half-marathon finish. He was shocked. I wasn’t.

Research-Backed Too (Not Just Bro Science)

This isn’t just anecdotal, either. A study review by Dr. Reed Ferber looked at the link between weak hips and running injuries. He found that weak abductors often lead to knee tracking issues, including ITBS and patellofemoral pain.

And when runners trained their hips for six weeks? Most of them got better. The pain dropped, and the knees tracked properly again.

It’s not complicated: Fix the hips, fix the knees.

That’s what Myrtl does—builds up the muscles that keep your knees aligned, especially under load.

Important Note: Don’t Be a Hero

If your knee is already super inflamed, don’t just power through with exercises. Take care of the basics first—rest, ice, maybe cut back your mileage for a few days.

Then bring in Myrtl consistently. Not once a week when you remember. Every day at first. Then scale back for maintenance.

Myrtl isn’t magic—but it works if you work it.

My Athlete Amanda: From IT Band to Finish Line

Let me tell you about Amanda. She was training for her first marathon, and by week 8 she felt that classic outside-the-knee pain. She panicked. Thought her training was over.

We dropped her mileage a bit and started daily Myrtl.

At first, even clamshells were hard—her hips were that weak. But she kept at it.

Two weeks later? Pain gone. And even better? She said she felt stronger running uphill.

She crushed her marathon. At the finish line, she told me:

“It was the hips. Fixing my hips made all the difference.”

And yeah—it usually does.

Myrtl Helps More Than Just ITBS

This routine isn’t just for ITBS.

• Runner’s knee? That under-the-kneecap pain often comes from poor hip control.
• Piriformis syndrome? Strengthening the glutes can take pressure off that tiny troublemaker.
• Low back pain? That often stems from tight hip flexors and weak glutes—exactly what Myrtl addresses.

Oh—and remember this: Over 50% of all running injuries hit the knee. (Reuters.com)

If you want to lower your odds of joining that stat, build stronger hips and glutes.

Final Word: Make It a Habit

Is Myrtl glamorous? Nope. But skipping it is like skipping your warm-up before a race and expecting a PR. You’re gambling.

Myrtl takes 10 minutes. Do it before or after a run, or on off days. Build it into your week. Treat it like brushing your teeth—because it’ll keep your knees and hips from falling apart.

Here’s my challenge to you: Try it daily for the next two weeks.

Then come back and tell me how your knees feel.

What’s your go-to move in the Myrtl routine?
Have you tried it before? What’s holding you back from making it a habit?

Let’s hear it.

Can a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet Hurt My Running?

Short answer: In the beginning? Yeah, probably.

When I first tried keto, my runs felt sluggish. That’s totally normal.

If you’re used to running on carbs, switching fuels throws your body into temporary confusion. Studies back this up—one even showed a 5% drop in VO₂ max pace during the early keto phase.

But here’s the trade-off: after a few weeks, once you’re fat-adapted, that bonk you used to dread? It practically disappears (source).

Some keto runners say they feel more stable—no mid-run crashes, no urgent gel panic. I’ve felt that too.

You lose a bit of top-end speed, but gain steady, grind-it-out endurance.

Just be honest with your goals. If you’re training for a 5K PR, you might want to keep carbs in the mix. But if you’re going long and steady? Keto can absolutely work.

How Long Until I’m Fat-Adapted?

This isn’t an overnight fix.

For me, it took around 5 weeks to feel solid again. And I didn’t really hit my stride until week 8.

Most runners take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, though some might need up to 12. The first 10 days? Brutal. That’s when you’re dragging, cranky, and questioning all your life choices.

A Reddit user nailed it: “Be prepared for it to suck for at least 6–8 weeks.” Yep, that tracks.

And here’s the deal—every time you break keto, it resets the clock. Don’t bounce in and out. Stay consistent and push through.

What’s the “Keto Flu”—and How Do I Survive It as a Runner?

Keto flu isn’t an actual virus—it’s dehydration and electrolyte loss wrapped in fatigue, headaches, and crankiness.

When you ditch carbs, your body dumps water. Glycogen holds water, and when that goes, so does your hydration—and key electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium.

Add running (and sweating), and you’ve got a recipe for disaster if you’re not on top of your salt game.

Here’s what helped me:

• Drink more water. Way more.
• Add salt to everything.
• Use an electrolyte mix (look for sodium, potassium, magnesium).
• Broth is magic.
• Eat avocados, nuts, leafy greens—they pack minerals.
• Pre-run salt pinch—yes, really. Sometimes I take a little salt before heading out, especially in Bali’s heat.

This phase usually passes within a few days to a week, especially once you dial in the electrolytes.

And for the love of recovery—don’t schedule a 20-miler on day 3 of keto flu. Ease into training.

Can I Use Keto Just for Weight Loss, Then Go Back?

Yep. That’s actually how I use it.

I’ll go strict keto for 4–6 weeks to reset, then slowly reintroduce carbs (not pizza and beer—think sweet potatoes and fruit).

A smooth transition is key. If you jump from strict keto to high-carb junk, you’ll gain weight fast—some water, some fat.

A smart approach? “Keto to lose, low-carb to maintain.” One guy on Reddit nailed it. Bump carbs to ~100g/day, stick to quality sources, and keep moving. That’s what I do when I want more flexibility without backsliding.

And if you’re racing? Try “train low, race high.” Low-carb during base building, carbs around race day.

What’s Good Fuel for Long Runs on Keto?

Once you’re fat-adapted, you don’t need much for runs under 2 hours. But when you go longer, here’s what’s worked for me:

• Electrolyte water – I sip it all day in Bali.
• MCT oil/coconut oil – I’ve downed a spoonful mid-run. Weird, but it works.
• Nut butter packets – Like almond or peanut butter. Great fuel with fat and protein.
• Homemade keto bombs – Almond butter + coconut oil + cocoa + sea salt = mini power bites.
• A little carb mid-race – Zach Bitter takes 40g/hour during ultras and stays in fat-burn mode. I’ve used a half-gel or a small bit of UCAN in races. Didn’t knock me out of ketosis.

Always test during training. Your stomach needs to be ready—especially for fat-based fuel.

Is Keto Safe and Sustainable for Runners?

For most healthy runners? Yes, it’s safe.

But it’s not for everyone. Some folks see a rise in LDL cholesterol. Others feel great at first, then flat after a few months.

Watch for:

• Constant fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Low motivation
• Hormonal shifts (especially women)

If that’s you, maybe cycle in more carbs or take a break.

Long-term keto runners exist—and some thrive. But I prefer a flexible low-carb approach. About 20–30% of my calories from carbs in peak training works best. I get the benefits without the burnout.

Can You Run a Marathon on Keto?

Absolutely. I’ve done it, and so have many others.

Even lean runners have thousands of calories of fat stored—plenty to fuel 26.2 miles. But it only works if you’re fully adapted.

Don’t try it a month into keto. Practice fueling in training.

Some keto runners take in 20–30g carbs/hour on race day and still burn mostly fat. Just don’t make race day your first experiment.

Will Keto Make Me Faster?

Honestly? No. Not right away.

In fact, studies show runners on keto burn more fat during exercise, but they often perform worse in shorter races—like up to 25K.

That’s because fat-burning isn’t as efficient as carb-burning at high speeds.

Where keto shines is in ultras, back-to-back long runs, and avoiding the wall. It’s about fueling smarter, not necessarily faster.

What Should I Eat During Long Runs or Races?

Here’s my playbook:

• Option 1: Nothing but electrolytes.
  Perfect if your run is under 2 hours and you’re fully fat-adapted.
• Option 2: Fat-based fuel.
  MCT oil, nut butters, cheese (if your stomach can handle it).
• Option 3: Small carb dose.
  10–20g per hour. Won’t knock you out of fat-burn mode if your body’s trained to use both.

Test it all in training. Your gut matters as much as your legs on race day.

Why Are Electrolytes So Important on Keto?

Because insulin drops on keto, and insulin usually helps retain sodium.

Less insulin = more salt loss.

Then add sweating from runs? You’re in an electrolyte hole fast.

My personal fix:

• Salt every meal.
• Electrolyte tablets or powder (I love LMNT).
• Salt tabs on long runs.
• Avocados, nuts, leafy greens = bonus minerals.

I aim for about:

• 3–5g sodium
• 1–3g potassium
• 300–500mg magnesium

Don’t guess. Dial this in or your runs will suffer.

Should I Go Keto While Training for a Marathon PR?

Not if race day is close.

If you’re trying to break 1:30 and your race is in 2 months, keto could wreck your speed while you adapt. That VO₂ max dip? It’s real.

But if your next race is 6–12 months away, go for it. Use your base-building phase to experiment. Train low, race high. I know runners who’ve crushed PRs on a hybrid approach.

But don’t gamble if your A-race is soon. Stick to what works until the off-season.

Can I Build Muscle on Keto While Running?

Yes, but it’s harder—and you have to be smart.

On keto, you’re not getting the same insulin-driven muscle growth that carbs provide. So:

• Eat enough protein (I go for 0.7–1g per pound of body weight).
• Don’t eat too few calories.
• Strength train 2x/week.
• Get protein post-run or post-lift.

I’ve maintained muscle while running 70+ km/week on keto—but I don’t slack on weights or protein.

Common Mistakes Runners Make on Keto

Here’s what I’ve seen—and sometimes done myself:

• Going hard too soon – Don’t schedule intervals in week 1.
• Not eating enough fat/calories – You need fuel. Don’t fear the fat.
• Skipping electrolytes – Major energy killer.
• Keto one day, pizza the next – You’ll never adapt that way.
• Ignoring warning signs – Dizziness or heart flutters? Stop and reassess.
• Testing keto on race day – Huge mistake. Always test your plan during long runs.

Is Keto Healthy for Runners Long-Term?

That depends on how you do it.

Pros:

• Lower blood sugar
• Stable energy
• Potential weight loss
• Reduced inflammation

Cons:

• Nutrient gaps (if you avoid veggies)
• Higher LDL in some
• Thyroid/mood issues for some people long-term

What works for me is cycling. I go strict keto for 4–6 weeks, then reintroduce carbs.

Some do well on 50–100g carbs/day long-term—still low-carb, just more flexible.

Monitor your labs, energy, and mood. If they’re off, adjust.

What If I Panic Before Race Day and Want Carbs?

You can reintroduce carbs—but ease in.

Don’t binge carbs the night before if you’ve been keto for months. Your body might not know what to do with them. You’ll risk a sugar crash or gut issues.

Instead, start 3–4 days out. Try 150–200g of carbs daily—low-GI, easy stuff like sweet potatoes or fruit.

But don’t beat yourself up for taking a gel mid-race if you need it. The goal is to finish strong—not to prove some keto purity badge.

Your Turn:

Tried keto as a runner? How did it go?
What’s your biggest question or struggle with low-carb training?

Drop a comment. Let’s share war stories.
#KetoRunning

One of the wildest things I learned going low-carb wasn’t just about macros or blood sugar—it was how freaking creative you can get with food. It’s like kitchen bootcamp for runners.

Craving pizza? No problem—make a crust out of cauliflower or even ground chicken. Missing rice? Cauli rice is your new training partner. Want noodles? Zucchini and shirataki noodles have your back. Even chips—yes, cheese chips—can slide in as a game-day snack.

Once you start food hacking like this, you realize you’re not giving anything up—you’re just eating smarter.

Here are some go-to swaps that became staples in my kitchen when I went full keto:

Cauliflower is King

Cauliflower’s the MVP of keto swaps. I used to think of it as just a boring side veggie, but now I’ve riced it, mashed it, roasted it, and even baked it into a pizza crust.

Real talk—I’ve made cauli rice by blitzing it in a food processor and tossing it in olive oil with garlic. Tastes great, feels like a carb fix, and no guilt.

For mashed potatoes, I go full-on buttery with cream, salt, and pepper—honestly, I like it better than the real thing.

Even cauliflower pizza crust? Yep, it works. Mix cauli rice with egg and cheese, bake it, and you get a sturdy-enough base for toppings that actually satisfies your pizza craving. Not cardboard. Real food.

Recipe #3 in the list uses this same idea as a base for a spicy shrimp & avocado bowl, and it slaps.

Zucchini & Veggie “Noodles”

I bought a cheap spiralizer and suddenly zucchini turned into my carb-saving hero. Toss those zoodles in a pan for a minute or two and you’ve got a solid spaghetti stand-in.

They soak up sauce like a champ, and they don’t weigh you down. There’s a recipe below that uses them in a cheese and tomato salad—it made me want to spiralize everything in sight.

Spaghetti squash is another clutch move. Once roasted, the flesh pulls apart like angel hair pasta. I’ve used it in carbonara-style dishes—with eggs, cheese, and bacon—and it’s shockingly satisfying.

Cabbage also deserves more credit: shredded, sautéed, and tossed into soups or stir-fries, it’s cheap, filling, and fast.

Lettuce Wraps & Stuffed Veggies

Who needs buns when you’ve got lettuce or eggplant?

I started eating my burgers “protein style” wrapped in lettuce—not gonna lie, it’s messy—but it hits different.

One of the recipes below (Keto Eggplant Burgers) uses thick grilled eggplant slices instead of bread. Not only does it work, it adds this earthy flavor that levels up the whole meal.

I’ve even used portobello mushrooms as burger buns—savory, meaty, and lower carb.

Stuffed bell peppers? All day. I pack them with ground beef and melted cheese for a low-carb meal that feels like a cheat.

And for the wild ones out there—I once hollowed out a cucumber and stuck a hot dog inside. Yeah, that happened. Don’t knock it till you try it.

Almond & Coconut Flour (Flourless Baking)

Bread’s not off-limits if you’ve got almond or coconut flour. Almond flour gives you that nutty, rich base—while coconut flour is crazy absorbent (seriously, use less than you think).

I’ve baked everything from muffins to quick breads using a mix of the two.

• The Garlic Keto Bread (#1 on the list) is legit.
• Cornbread-style Keto Bread (#7)? Tastes like the real deal, minus the crash.
• There’s also a Coconut Flatbread (#13) I whip up on weekends and use as wraps.

My go-to hack was a microwave mug bread: almond flour, an egg, a bit of butter, zap it for a minute, and toast it up. It’s not bakery-level, but once you butter it, you don’t care.

I even found tortilla recipes that are just egg and cheese, baked thin and crisp.

Cheese is Your Secret Weapon (Crusts, Chips, Shells)

Cheese isn’t just a topping—it’s a structure.

One of my favorite keto hacks: drop little piles of shredded cheddar on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. Boom—cheese chips. That’s all you need.

The Keto Cheese Chips (#24) recipe does exactly this. Mozzarella or cheddar, baked into crunchy, salty gold.

Want taco shells? Melt cheddar into a circle, then drape it over something round while it cools. That’s the magic behind the Low-Carb Cheese Taco Shells (#15).

First time I bit into one, I couldn’t stop smiling—it’s like the crispy edge of grilled cheese turned into a taco shell.

And don’t sleep on cheese-based crusts.

The Zucchini Crust Grilled Cheese (#10) blends shredded zucchini, egg, and cheese into a “bread” layer you grill up with more cheese inside. It’s a grilled cheese sandwich, reinvented.

Sweet Tooth Solutions (That Don’t Wreck Your Keto Game)

Let’s be honest—cutting sugar is brutal at first. I’ve got a massive sweet tooth, and during my keto experiment, I had to get creative if I didn’t want to feel like I was constantly missing out.

Good news? You can have treats on keto—just not the kind you grew up with.

I started making these little “fat bombs”—basically bite-sized chunks of high-fat goodness. One of my go-tos was mixing coconut oil, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and a touch of stevia. Toss it in the fridge, and boom—chocolate fudge bites that taste sinful but keep your carbs almost at zero.

When I wanted something fruity, I turned to berries. A couple of strawberries with whipped cream (no sugar, maybe a little monk fruit or stevia) scratched that dessert itch for only about 5 grams of net carbs.

Full-fat Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of walnuts and a dash of vanilla? That became my late-night “ice cream” replacement. Felt like cheating—wasn’t.

Some of the recipes I’ll share below double as desserts, like the Cinnamon Bread (recipe #23). It’s sweet, packed with cinnamon flavor, and if you slap some keto cream cheese frosting on top, you’ve got yourself a slice of cake that won’t knock you out of ketosis.

Now, fair warning: it’s super easy to go overboard on “keto sweets.” Just because it’s low-carb doesn’t mean it’s low-calorie.

I’ve been there—eating five fat bombs in a row because “they’re keto” and then wondering why I wasn’t dropping any weight.

So yeah, enjoy them, but don’t make them your main course. They’re a tool—not a free pass.

Cooking Game Leveled Up

Keto changed how I cook—no exaggeration.

I went from tossing together lazy meals to experimenting like a madman in the kitchen.

Thai curries with coconut milk (no rice—just use cauliflower rice or skip it) became a weekly staple. I started making butter-based sauces, garlic aioli, and pesto from scratch.

Suddenly, boring chicken tasted like a restaurant dish.

And for crispy stuff? I ditched breadcrumbs and used crushed pork rinds. Sounds weird, I know—but try it once and you’ll be hooked. It turned my Keto Fish Sticks (#18) into crunchy little nuggets of joy.

I even started noticing how sweet roasted cherry tomatoes are—no sugar needed. Same with onions (in moderation, since they’ve got some carbs).

Spices became my secret weapon. I wasn’t drowning meals in BBQ sauce or ketchup anymore, so I learned to lean on herbs, salt, garlic, and chili for flavor.

Bottom line: I didn’t feel like I was “giving up food.” I was just learning to build meals differently—smarter.

The Real Secret? Mindset & Creativity

The biggest shift wasn’t just what I ate—it was how I thought about food.

Keto forced me to ditch the bread-pasta-rice autopilot and start seeing meals as protein + fat + veggies. Once that clicked, things got easier—and way more enjoyable.

Suddenly, meals became fuel that actually helped me train, not crash me 30 minutes later.

Someone on Reddit nailed it when they said, “I’m not strict keto, but I eat better, feel better, and enjoy food more now than when I ate whatever I wanted.” That’s exactly how I feel too.

You don’t need to be a master chef or have fancy tools. Just a willingness to try, mess up, and figure out what works for your taste buds and your training.

Alright, enough talking about food—I bet you’re hungry by now.

Time to dig into those top 30 keto recipes I’ve been promising.

I’ve grouped them into categories to make your life easier—because nobody wants to scroll endlessly through a list when they’re starving.

You’ll find everything from protein-packed breakfasts to post-run dinners and smart snacks. These are the exact kinds of meals that kept me fueled during my keto running streak.

And even though I’m not always strict keto these days, a bunch of them are still regulars in my meal prep rotation.

Keto Isn’t a Life Sentence—It’s a Tool in Your Training Toolbox

After about 8 weeks of sticking hard to keto, I started bringing some carbs back—mainly around my workouts. I’d already hit the goals I was chasing: dropped weight, built a better endurance base, and cleared out some of the junk from my system. But now, I was shifting into a new phase—one that demanded more speed and intensity. And that’s where I stopped following the “keto forever” crowd.

Look, I’m not here to tell you keto is bad. I’m telling you it doesn’t have to be everything. I see it like a wrench or a hammer. Use it when it fits. Then put it back in the box when you need something else.

1. Keto as a Reset Button

I’ve used keto like a reset switch. After the holidays or a lazy offseason, when I’m carrying a few extra kilos (thank you, sambal goreng and Netflix), I go low-carb and high-fat for a few weeks. It never fails—I lose some fluff, get my appetite under control, and even stop craving sweets.

Even now, I’ll go keto for 3–4 weeks once or twice a year. I always give myself an “off-ramp,” though. No crash-and-burn. I plan my way out of it, just like I planned my way in.

👉 What about you? Have you ever used a diet reset after a rough stretch?

2. Carb Timing for Performance Gains

Once the serious workouts came back—track intervals, tempo runs—I started using a carb cycling approach. On easy or rest days, I’d stay low-carb. But before hard efforts, I’d time a little carb boost. I’m talking 20–30g, like half a banana or a slice of toast, about 30–45 minutes before running.

It made a massive difference. I was still running mostly on fat, but that little hit of glucose gave me enough spark to crush workouts.

The science backs it too: Some studies suggest having 15–30g of carbs before a tough workout—even while on keto—can help performance without totally kicking you out of ketosis. I’ve felt that myself. It’s like tossing jet fuel into a diesel engine… just for the interval session.

3. Keto-to-Carb Race Week: Rocket Fuel Mode

I’ll never forget this 10K I did after a strict keto block. Three days before the race, I slowly ramped up my carbs—some rice, sweet potatoes, even a bit of bread. Nothing crazy, maybe 150–200g per day (still pretty light by normal standards).

On race day? I felt like I had rockets strapped to my shoes. I ran 30 seconds per mile faster than my training pace. It was like my body took the fat-adaptation base and lit it up with carbs.

I remember seeing a post on Reddit that mirrored my experience: someone said they carb-load before races, gain ~2kg of water weight, and run significantly faster the next day. That’s exactly what I saw. This cyclical keto (aka keto cycling or metabolic flexibility) gave me the best of both worlds—lean training and fast racing.

👉 Have you ever experimented with a carb reload before race day? What happened?

4. What Happens After Keto?

This part trips a lot of runners up. They finish keto, feel amazing, then dive headfirst into burgers and donuts. Boom—weight’s back. Sometimes with interest.

I didn’t want that. So I shifted into a “low-carb-ish” maintenance phase—a whole food plan with moderate carbs (~100–150g/day). I brought back fruit, some grains, even dessert once a week—but the ultra-processed junk stayed out. That helped me hold my new weight within 2–3 pounds for over a year.

A line I once saw on Reddit stuck with me:

“Keto to lose. Low-carb to maintain.”

That became my game plan.

5. Listen to Your Body (Not Diet Dogma)

As I reintroduced carbs, I paid close attention. That first slice of sourdough? Magical. But what did my next run feel like? Was I bloated? Was my energy weird?

Turns out, I digest rice and potatoes like a champ—but too much pasta slows me down. Maybe it’s the gluten. Maybe it’s blood sugar spikes. Doesn’t matter. What matters is noticing, adjusting, and finding your groove.

Your diet isn’t your religion. It’s your toolbox. Keto is one tool. Carbs are another. Learn to switch them out like a smart mechanic.

👉 What foods give you a noticeable energy boost—or crash? Pay attention. That’s where your personal nutrition plan begins.

6. No More All-or-Nothing Thinking

Here’s a trap I fell into: guilt. I’d eat some rice and think, “Did I just ruin everything?” That’s diet-culture nonsense.

Your metabolism isn’t a glass house—it’s a flexible machine. If I had a big birthday meal, I’d just go back to low-carb the next day. No shame. No spiral.

Some experts even say that occasional high-carb days can prevent the metabolic slowdown that comes with long-term dieting. Makes sense. The body likes variety. So do we.

7. Make It Work For You Long-Term

In the end, keto gave me a tool I could come back to whenever I needed it. After a lazy summer? Keto sprint. Before a big trail race? Carb ramp-up. I found a rhythm that didn’t mess with my lifestyle or my sanity.

One more Reddit gem sums this up beautifully:
A user wrote they aim for keto “most of the time” but allow 75–100g carbs on harder training days. That’s where I landed too. Flexible. Sustainable. Real life.

👉 Curious if keto can fit into your training cycle? Think about how you want to feel—not just how you want to look.

Keto Running Survival Tips: What Actually Works

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s get one thing straight: keto + running isn’t always smooth sailing—especially in the beginning. I’ve been there. Lightheaded. Sluggish. Wondering if I made a huge mistake cutting carbs. But after messing up a few times and talking to other runners who’ve been through the same, I figured out a system that works. Here’s the playbook I wish I had on day one:

Hydration & Electrolytes: Your Non-Negotiable

When you ditch carbs, your body dumps water and sodium fast. Glycogen holds water, and when it’s gone, your kidneys start flushing like crazy. That’s why you feel dizzy, get cramps, and hit that “keto flu” wall if you’re not careful.

What saved me? I started drinking 1–2 cups of broth or a sugar-free electrolyte drink every day. Salted everything. Before a morning run, I’d literally take a pinch of sea salt, toss it back with water—sounds weird, works like magic. Another keto runner told me, “I slam a teaspoon of salt before I run.” Sounds savage, but it gets the job done.

If you want to avoid feeling like roadkill during your runs, get serious about electrolytes. LMNT or Nuun are solid. Or make your own with water, salt, and lemon. Don’t skip this—hydration isn’t optional on keto. It’s everything.

Give It Time (Seriously)

Your body isn’t going to flip a switch and start running like a machine on fat overnight. When I first started keto, I turned all my intervals into slow jogs. My long runs? They felt like slogs. But that’s part of it. You’re rewiring your engine.

Expect your pace to drop. If you normally run 8-minute miles, don’t be shocked if you’re pushing 9:30 or slower. One Reddit runner said it took two months before <5 miles didn’t wipe them out. Another one warned: “Be ready for 6–8 weeks of it sucking.”

They’re not wrong. For me, by week 5, my pace was only about 15–20 seconds slower than pre-keto—and it kept getting better. By week 8, endurance runs felt normal again.

Stick to Zone 2 runs. Keep it conversational. This is perfect if you’re in a base-building phase anyway. Be patient. The engine will adapt.

Fuel Up—Don’t Starve

Here’s the trap: keto can kill your hunger, and suddenly you’re eating like a bird. Not good. You’re still a runner. You still need calories. Keto isn’t a crash diet—it’s just eating differently.

In fact, early on, you might need more calories. Fat isn’t as quick a fuel source as carbs. I leaned hard on fats and protein. My go-to: 3-4 eggs in butter, avocado, big-ass salad with grilled chicken and olive oil, then a fatty dinner—steak, salmon, veggies drowned in sauce. If I was dragging, I’d slam some almond butter or add more olive oil.

Don’t try to mix calorie restriction, keto, and endurance training all at once. That’s a fast track to burnout. Let the fat do its job. Keep your protein around 0.8g per pound of body weight—I went for 120g at 150 lbs.

Keto isn’t about volume—it’s about energy. Remember: fat has 9 calories per gram. You’ll look like you’re eating less, but you’re not. Fuel first, worry about fat loss second.

Fat Is Your Friend—Get Over It

If you’ve spent years hearing “fat = bad,” this is gonna feel awkward. But on keto, fat is fuel. Skimp on it, and you’ll hate life.

I used to avoid chicken skin and full-fat cheese. Now? Bring it on. I’d eat avocados with a spoon, cook with ghee or butter, drown my salads in oil, and choose fatty meat over the lean stuff. It felt indulgent, but my body finally started humming once I gave it what it needed.

You’re aiming for something like 75% fat, 20% protein, 5% carbs. That’s a lot of fat. If you cut fat and carbs, you’re basically starving—and that’s not sustainable.

So yeah—eat the bacon. Enjoy the brie. It’s weird at first, but once your metabolism shifts, you’ll understand why this works.

Tweak Your Training Early

Weeks 1–3? Forget sprints. Forget crushing intervals. Your body is still learning to burn fat. This is base-building time. Focus on slow aerobic miles, good form, or cross-training. I added easy bike rides and short strength workouts when energy allowed.

After a few weeks, you’ll start feeling more stable. That’s when I slowly brought back intensity—fartleks, hill sprints, etc. No pressure, just play.

Keep an eye on your heart rate. Early keto runs might feel harder even at slower paces. That’s normal. I wore a HR monitor and aimed to stay in Zone 2. Watching my pace improve at the same HR was one of the best signs I was adapting.

Save big races or tough workouts until after the adaptation window. Let your body catch up first.

Have a Backup Plan (Just In Case)

Sometimes, you’ll bonk. It happens. Especially on long runs >90 minutes. That’s why I always carried a couple of energy chews and some salted nuts—just in case I needed a lifeline.

Some folks use MCT oil for a quick fat-based boost. I’d blend a tablespoon into my coffee before long runs. It worked. Gave me a little edge without knocking me out of ketosis.

And here’s the deal—if you’re in a race or a key workout and feel like trash, take a gel. It won’t undo all your progress. You’re not going to explode or fall out of keto permanently. One small carb hit in the right moment can save your day. Just use it sparingly and intentionally.

Do You Need to Track Stuff? Maybe—Maybe Not

Some runners geek out on metrics. Totally cool if that’s your thing.

I messed around with the urine test strips when I first started keto—mainly out of curiosity. When that strip turned dark purple, I had a mini fist pump moment like, “Boom. I’m in.” It was kind of fun seeing my body flip the switch.

But let’s be real—you don’t need to test anything to know you’re adapting. You’ll feel it. Your energy shifts. Your hunger changes. You start waking up less bloated.

That’s your body talking.

One thing I did track was my morning weight and how my clothes fit. Just a quick check-in to make sure I wasn’t losing weight too fast or stalling out.

I also kept an eye on my resting heart rate. Funny enough, mine ticked up a few beats in the first two weeks—probably stress from adapting—but once I got into the groove, it dropped back down, especially after shedding a few kilos.

If you’re a numbers person, these data points can help you adjust.

• Low energy? Maybe eat more fat or salt.
• Dropping too much weight? Add a snack.

Use the feedback, not just the rules.

Recovery: Don’t Skimp Here

On keto, recovery takes a little more intention.

Without carbs, you lose that quick glycogen refill, and your cortisol might stay higher longer. I noticed I needed more sleep—like an extra hour some nights—and I listened.

I swapped high-stress workouts for gentle yoga on rest days, and I doubled down on post-run nutrition: spinach, avocado, broth—the works.

Protein still matters big-time.

I’d mix whey protein with coconut milk or almond butter after workouts. No fancy carb-protein blend—just real food with real fat. And it worked. I bounced back without the soreness dragging me down.

Every now and then, I’d throw in a mini carb “refeed”—nothing crazy.

Once, after a brutal 18K run, I had a grapefruit and some Greek yogurt. That gave me a solid 30g of carbs, plus potassium and a mental lift. I was back in ketosis within a day, no drama.

These refeeds weren’t cheat meals—they were strategic reloads.

If you’re dragging for days, don’t white-knuckle through it. Take the extra rest day. Or give yourself a little carb bump. There’s no badge for suffering.

The Big Picture: Listen Up, Then Listen In

Hydrate like crazy. Be patient. Load the fat. Pull back on speedwork.

And above all—pay attention to what your body’s telling you.

Keto for runners isn’t about strict rules. It’s about tuning in.

I’ve seen some folks thrive on textbook keto (75% fat, 20% protein, 5% carbs). Others—myself included—need a little wiggle room. More protein. Occasional carbs. More sleep. Less ego.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet. It’s a tool.

And once you learn how your body responds, you’ll start running better, recovering stronger, and feeling less like you’re fighting against yourself.

What’s Next: Let’s Eat!

Alright, enough talk—time to eat. 🥓🥬

If you’re like me, you probably hit that early keto moment of “Okay cool, but what do I eat besides bacon and eggs?” Don’t worry—I’ve got you.

What started as carb swaps turned into a whole new way of cooking.

I found meals that tasted awesome and actually worked for my training. And I still cook a lot of them today—keto or not.

Up next, I’m sharing 30 of my go-to low-carb, high-fat meals that kept me going through long runs, lazy mornings, and everything in between.

These are real meals—nothing bland, nothing boring.

Whether you’re a kitchen ninja or just trying to survive weekday meal prep, there’s something here for you.

Q: How long does the keto flu last?

A: Ah, the dreaded keto flu. Most folks feel it creep in during the first couple of days after ditching carbs—usually between day 1 and 3.

For me, it felt like my body was staging a rebellion. You’re low on sugar, and your system’s scrambling to figure out where the fuel went.

For most runners, the worst symptoms—fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle cramps, and brain fog—peak by day 3 or 4. By day 5, it usually starts easing up. The whole thing’s typically over in about a week, give or take.

But here’s the trick: stay on top of electrolytes. I’m talking salt, magnesium, potassium. A mug of salty broth or a no-sugar electrolyte mix can make a world of difference.

That helped me avoid the total crash and made the transition smoother.

Now, if you’re still down and out after 10 days, it might mean you’re cutting carbs too aggressively. In that case, back off a bit—ease in slower—or talk to someone who knows their stuff.

Q: What does ketosis feel like?

A: At first? Like someone unplugged your battery.

I remember my first week—it was all fog and fatigue. No spark. My runs were sluggish, and my brain felt like it was wading through soup.

But once my body flipped the switch and started running on fat? That’s when things changed.

Suddenly, I had steady, all-day energy—no more afternoon crashes or ravenous snack attacks. I felt light on my feet during runs, like I wasn’t dragging around a bloated belly anymore.

That “hangry” monster that used to roar after a long session? Gone.

Mentally, it’s like flipping on the high beams—clear, focused, even a bit euphoric. I’ve heard people call it the “keto high,” and honestly, they’re not wrong.

So if you’re wondering what it feels like:
Early ketosis = struggle bus.
But once you’re in? It’s cruise control.

Q: How do I know if I’m in ketosis—without a meter?

A: You don’t need fancy gear. Your body actually drops hints—if you’re paying attention.

Here are the signs I look for:

• Weird breath or taste – That fruity, almost nail polish remover smell? That’s acetone, a ketone, being exhaled.
  My girlfriend once told me I smelled like a Sharpie. Dead giveaway.
• Less hunger – You skip a snack and don’t even notice. Smaller meals satisfy you. That’s fat-adaptation kicking in.
• Dry mouth and peeing more – That’s water loss. Ketosis drains glycogen, and glycogen holds water. Electrolytes go with it, so stay hydrated.
• Quick weight drop – Mostly water weight in the first week, but it’s a good sign you’re depleting glycogen.
• Mental clarity – Like I mentioned earlier, you go from foggy to focused.
• Bathroom changes – Constipation or loose stools can both show up early on. TMI? Maybe. But it’s real.

Individually, none of these confirm ketosis—but stack a few together, and yeah, you’re likely in.

I usually trust the breath, hunger changes, and my energy levels the most.

Q: Can I train while going through keto-adaptation?

A: You can, but don’t expect to crush workouts during week one.

When I first went keto, I tried to hit the track like nothing had changed—bad move. I felt flat. No fuel in the tank.

During the first 1–2 weeks, keep it light. Think walks, easy jogs, low-intensity cycling. This is your build-the-engine phase, not time to set PRs.

Gentle workouts can actually help ease the symptoms—boost your mood, get blood flowing. But if you’re dizzy, cramping, or dragging, listen to your body.

By weeks 3–4, you’ll start to notice a shift. Energy feels more stable, and long efforts don’t drain you the same way. That’s your fat adaptation taking root.

Electrolytes are a non-negotiable. I sip salted water during longer workouts. And don’t skip your post-run meal—protein, fat, hydration. Recovery matters even more while your body’s learning to burn fat.

Give it time, scale workouts smart, and your endurance will catch fire.

Q: Is ketosis safe to stay in long-term?

A: For most healthy people? Yeah, it’s safe. But like anything—do it right.

Keto’s been used medically (especially for epilepsy) for years, and a lot of folks live this way for decades. I’ve coached athletes who’ve stayed keto for years with no issues—as long as they stayed smart about nutrition.

Where people go wrong?
They cut carbs but also cut out veggies, fiber, and real food. You end up low in key nutrients—magnesium, potassium, even B-vitamins. That’s when stuff like fatigue, hair loss, or mood swings creep in.

• Do regular blood work
• Eat whole foods
• Load up on leafy greens, quality protein, and don’t be afraid of real fat

For runners with medical conditions—like Type 1 diabetes or gallbladder issues—it’s a different ballgame. Always talk to your doc.

Also, let’s be real: we don’t have 30-year keto studies on endurance athletes yet. But current data (up to 2 years) shows no organ damage, and plenty of upsides—lower triglycerides, better blood sugar control, even fat loss.

So yeah, keto can work long-term if it works for you.
If you’re starting to dread meals or feel restricted, maybe try cyclical keto or reintroduce carbs more mindfully.

Q: What if I eat carbs—am I screwed?

A: Nope. You’re not starting from zero again.

One off-plan meal or even a whole cheat weekend doesn’t undo everything.

You’ll step out of ketosis, sure—but getting back in is easier the longer you’ve been fat-adapted.

After a carb splurge, I usually feel bloated and sluggish. It’s a sharp reminder of why I stay keto. But I don’t beat myself up—I just dial it back in: clean meals, light fast, maybe a walk or two.

Here’s my bounce-back strategy:

• Short fast (16 hours or so)
• Some low-intensity training
• Rehydration + electrolytes
• Back to clean keto meals

By day two or three, I’m usually back in ketosis.

The key? Don’t spiral.
Don’t make one cheat meal turn into a cheat week. Just realign and keep going.

Fun fact: Once you’re fat-adapted, your body remembers. It learns to flip the switch faster. That’s called metabolic flexibility, and it’s a sign of a healthy system.

So breathe.
You’re not broken—you just took a detour. Get back on the path.

Leg Day and Running: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Start Squatting

If you’re like most runners I’ve coached—or me, ten years ago—you’ve probably asked, “Won’t leg day wreck my runs?”
The soreness. The fatigue. The fear of being too wiped out to hit your mileage.

I get it. I used to dodge the weight room like it was a speed workout in the rain.

But here’s the truth: if you care about running stronger, staying injury-free, and actually getting faster—you need to hit the weights.
Especially for your legs.

I learned that the hard way.

The Morning My Knee Gave Up

It started with a 5K jog. Just an easy one, or so I thought—until my knee lit up like a fire alarm halfway through.
Couldn’t even finish.

That pain forced me to confront a reality I had ignored for way too long: mileage alone wasn’t enough. I was pounding the pavement without giving my body the support it needed.

No strength base, no backup system. Just bones and ego.

So I sucked it up and stepped into the gym. I remember staring at the squat rack like it was a torture device. I was the skinny runner in a room full of heavy lifters.

I tried squatting the empty bar—just 20 kilos—and it felt like my legs were going to collapse.
Walking down stairs after? Comedy show.

But something clicked that day. That soreness wasn’t weakness—it was my body waking up.
And I realized: this was the missing piece.

I’ve been preaching strength training to runners ever since.

You’re Not Alone—Other Runners Are Waking Up Too

I recently stumbled on a Reddit post from a runner who could’ve been me, a decade ago.

She’d spent over 10 years running on and off, always hitting that wall when mileage crept past 12 miles per week. Injury after injury.

Then she started doing short strength workouts—four days a week, nothing fancy.

A few months later, she was clocking close to 30 miles per week, pain-free, and her race times were dropping.

Her words? “Game changer.”
Same thing I said after those first shaky squats.

Why Strong Legs Matter (and What the Science Says)

This isn’t just feel-good anecdote stuff. There’s real data behind it:

1. Less Injury, More Consistency

When your muscles are strong, they help absorb the pounding. They keep your joints happy.

According to a big sports science review, strength training can cut overuse injuries by about 50% across endurance sports.

That means fewer cases of runner’s knee, shin splints, or surprise layoffs right before race day.

Some studies are mixed, sure, but in my years of coaching, the runners who lift last longer and miss fewer weeks. Period.

2. Better Running Economy (AKA Free Speed)

Running economy is runner speak for: how smooth and efficient you are at a pace.

With stronger legs, you burn less energy at the same speed.

A 2024 meta-analysis showed that runners who added heavy strength work or plyos significantly improved their running economy.

Translation?
You run farther, faster, with less gas burned.

That’s like upgrading your engine without changing your fuel.

3. More Power When It Counts

Ever feel like you’ve got nothing left for the final stretch of a race? Or like every hill chews you up and spits you out?

Stronger legs give you that extra gear.

Think of squats and deadlifts as force generators—they build up your glutes, quads, and calves so you can push harder off each step.

I still remember a half marathon in Java—mile 10 had a brutal hill.
But after months of lifting, I powered up it and passed folks I normally chase.

That’s the kind of power you can build.

4. Cleaner Form, More Control

Running is basically a series of one-legged jumps.

If your hips wobble, knees cave in, or feet slap the ground awkwardly—it shows when fatigue sets in.

Strength training fixes that.

One of my PT friends once told me: “Running is a one-legged sport.”

Single-leg exercises like lunges or split squats help balance out your left and right side, especially if you’ve got a dominant leg doing all the work.

I’ve felt this myself on Bali’s rougher trails—after doing more single-leg drills, my stability and confidence on uneven ground shot up.

Strong Legs Make You a Better Runner—No Question

When you build leg strength, everything just… works better. You bounce less, stride smoother, and push harder.
You feel more in control—even when your lungs are screaming. You trust your body.

And that trust?
That’s what keeps you going when it’s mile 11, the sun’s in your face, and the finish line feels miles away.

1. Start Small. Stay Consistent.

I’ll be honest—I messed this up early on. I was piling on heavy leg days 3–4 times a week on top of running big mileage.
Dumb move. My legs were toast, I couldn’t hit my workouts, and yep—I got injured.

The fix? Doing less, but doing it consistently.

Now I stick to two leg sessions a week. No more, no less. That’s where the magic happens.
Research backs this up too—just two quality leg workouts weekly is plenty to build strength without killing your running legs.

Even one session a week helps keep your strength during race season, but if you want gains, shoot for two.

I treat leg day like I treat a tempo run—it’s on the calendar, no excuses.
You show up, even when you’re tired.

Your move: Commit to 1–2 sessions a week. Don’t try to be a hero. Just be consistent.

2. Time It Right (Or Pay the Price)

Here’s a rule I live by: Hard days hard. Easy days easy.
It’s simple, but most runners mess this up.

If you’re hammering speedwork or a long run, don’t sneak in a leg day the day after. That’s how you end up limping through your key runs or burning out fast.

I usually tack leg strength onto an easy run or do it later on a speed day.
For example, I might do intervals in the morning, then hit the gym for squats in the evening.

The next day? Total recovery—light jog or full rest.
That keeps my legs progressing without getting wrecked.

A Reddit runner said it best: they did heavy lifting the day before a 20-miler and regretted every step.
And it checks out—your body can take longer to bounce back from weights than even a hard run (runnersworld.com).

I’ve learned to give myself a solid 48-hour buffer between heavy lifts and important runs.

And whatever you do, don’t turn your rest day into leg day.
Recovery is sacred. That’s when your muscles repair, hormones reset, and progress happens.

If you’re doing lunges on your “rest” day… you’re not resting.

Your move: Pick 2 leg days, stack them smart, and protect your recovery days like gold.

3. Pay Attention to Soreness (But Don’t Fear It)

Let me say this straight: sore legs aren’t always a bad thing—but you’ve gotta learn the difference between soreness and warning signs.

After my first real squat session, I could barely sit down. DOMS (delayed soreness) hit like a truck about 48 hours later.

My thighs felt like jelly and I was waddling around like I’d run a marathon backwards.

But that kind of soreness fades as your body adapts.

These days, a tough session might leave me a little stiff—but I’m not crippled the next day.
That’s what happens when you train smart and give your body time to adjust.

If your runs are always sluggish, or you’re dragging for days, it’s time to back off.
Drop the weight. Do fewer reps. Start with bodyweight exercises.

You’re not weak—you’re being smart.

A marathoner online put it perfectly: “You’re not elite. Don’t train like you are.”
That one stuck with me.

Strength is built slowly. Don’t blow it by going too hard, too soon.

Your move: Respect the soreness, adjust when needed, and remember—this is a long game.

4. Ditch the Ego. Don’t Train Scared.

I’ve fallen into both traps—lifting too heavy to impress myself (or others), and avoiding leg day altogether because I didn’t want to feel sore during high mileage weeks.

Both led to setbacks.

I once tweaked my back going for a personal best on deadlifts with sloppy form.
Lesson learned.

Now, I focus on clean reps, smart progressions, and single-leg work that mimics running.
That’s how you actually get stronger for the miles—not by chasing barbell numbers.

Also, here’s a solid tip: train your weaker side first during single-leg stuff.
If your left leg is lagging, start your lunges there.

That way you don’t just reinforce imbalances by always favoring the stronger side.
Picked that one up from a sharp Reddit coach, and it’s made a difference.

Your move: Lift with purpose, not pride. Form before weight. Start smart, and keep it runner-focused.

How Often Should You Train Legs?

• 2x a week is the sweet spot for most runners.
• If you run 5 days a week, strength train on lighter run or cross-training days—think Tuesday & Friday.

Running daily? Do strength work after short/easy runs or stack it on hard workout days (aka “hard day, hard”). Some experienced folks do mini sessions 3–4x a week—but for most of us, two focused workouts is enough.

Sample Week Plan

• Monday: Easy run or rest – no lifting.
• Tuesday: Leg strength session #1 (can be post-easy run).
• Wednesday: Mid-distance run or cross-training.
• Thursday: Hard run – intervals or tempo.
• Friday: Leg strength session #2 (after a short, easy run).
• Saturday: Long run (you’ll be fine with 24+ hours since last lift).
• Sunday: Total rest or recovery jog.

Feel free to swap days—just avoid lifting heavy right before your longest or hardest runs.

How to Progress Over Time

• Weeks 1–4: Focus on form. Start with 2 sets, then bump to 3 sets.
• Weeks 5–8: Add weight, go up to 4 sets, or try harder variations.

You’ll start noticing the difference—faster easy runs, stronger hills, and smoother form.

Race Tapering Tips

• Big race coming? Back off leg strength 10–14 days out.
• Drop the weights, or just do bodyweight stuff + mobility.
• Some runners stop lifting entirely two weeks out—I personally stop heavy lifts about 10 days before a race.

Off-Season vs Race Season

• Off-season = build strength. Go heavy, focus on gains.
• Race season = maintain. Drop volume to once a week.

The good news: keeping strength is way easier than building it.

Recovery Tips After Leg Day

• Eat protein, drink water, and sleep well—basic but effective.
• Foam roll sore muscles the next day (I hit quads, hamstrings, calves).
• Light jogs or swims help flush out DOMS.

Feeling sore? Good. It means you’re building.

Bottom line:

Strength training works—but only if you recover well and keep it consistent.
Treat it like you do your long run: a non-negotiable.

KT Tape for Runners: My Hard-Earned Lessons (And a Few Painful Mistakes)

Let me say this upfront: taping your knee isn’t just about slapping on some fancy-colored strip and hoping for the best. KT tape can be a game-changer when used right, but it’s also easy to screw up.

I’ve had tape peel off mid-race, chafe my skin raw, and even make things worse when applied poorly. So here’s everything I’ve learned—through trial, error, and a few “what the hell was I thinking?” moments.

1. Start with Clean Skin (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

Think of your skin like a dry wall before painting—if it’s dirty, greasy, or wet, nothing’s gonna stick. I always clean the area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry fully before applying.

Especially here in Bali, where I’m sweating buckets just walking outside, I keep alcohol wipes in my bag to prep before every taping session. One quick swipe makes a huge difference—don’t tape over sweat or sunscreen.

2. Round Those Edges

If you’re cutting your own strips, don’t leave sharp corners. Square edges lift way too easily, especially if your shorts brush them while running.

Grab scissors and round ‘em out. It takes five seconds and saves you from having tape unravel mid-run. Pre-cut strips usually come rounded, but if not, get trimming.

3. Don’t Yank It Like a Maniac

One of the biggest rookie mistakes? Stretching the tape too much.

I’ve seen folks yank it like they’re trying to hold together a busted bumper. Nope. That over-stretch causes skin irritation and makes the tape pop off faster.

I usually go with about 50% stretch on the middle section and zero stretch on the ends. If anything, it’s better to underdo it—you can always redo it with a bit more pull if needed.

4. Rub It In (Literally)

Once the tape is on, don’t just leave it there. Rub it down. This activates the adhesive with heat.

I use the backing paper (the non-sticky side) to rub over the tape for about 30 seconds per strip. It helps the tape bond better to your skin.

Skipping this step is like making a smoothie without turning the blender on.

5. Do a Test Run Before Race Day

Never, ever try a new taping setup on race day. You don’t want to find out at mile 9 that the tape is digging into your skin or flapping like a flag.

I always test a new taping job during an easy mid-week run before trusting it on race day. Learn how your skin reacts and whether it holds up through sweat, motion, and distance.

6. Shave… Or Regret It Later

Tape sticks to hairy legs. It also rips out hair like a wax strip.

I’ve run with tape on unshaven legs plenty of times—it works, but removal sucks. If you’re extra hairy, trim or shave the area a day before taping. You’ll thank me later.

One buddy of mine calls his removal sessions “tape therapy”—because it’s so painful it makes you reevaluate your life choices.

7. Don’t Finger the Sticky Side

Try not to touch the adhesive side too much when applying. The oils from your fingers weaken the glue.

Tear the paper backing in the middle and apply as you go. Treat it like a giant sticker—peel and stick bit by bit, not all at once. Sounds small, but it makes a big difference in how long it lasts.

8. If It Keeps Falling Off, Something’s Wrong

If your tape keeps peeling off mid-run, don’t just blame the tape. Troubleshoot it.

Was your skin sweaty or oily when you put it on? Did you forget to round the edges? Did you stretch the ends too much?

Sometimes it’s the brand too—some cheap tapes just don’t stick. I once bought a budget roll that peeled off 30 minutes into every run. Switched to a reliable brand and problem solved.

Also, give the tape time to settle. Apply it 30–60 minutes before your run if possible. One Reddit runner said their tape always falls off after an hour—usually that’s because of poor prep, not some universal tape curse.

9. Don’t Leave It On Forever

Most KT tapes advertise “up to 3 days” wear. Personally, I find 48 hours is the sweet spot for knees.

By day 3, it starts to fray, get itchy, or collect gunk. If it bugs you at night, take it off. Sleep matters more than tape.

But if it’s still comfy, I’ll sometimes leave it on for a full two days—especially if I’m dealing with swelling or soreness.

10. Peel Like a Pro (Not Like a Sadist)

Don’t rip it off like you’re in a comedy scene. Peel slowly in the direction of your hair.

I hold the skin down with one hand and fold the tape back on itself with the other. Do it in the shower or under warm water if you’re sensitive.

Some folks use baby oil or adhesive remover. I just roll it off with my thumb, like nudging a sticker off a bottle.

11. Pain While Taped? Stop and Rethink

If your knee hurts more with the tape on—or new pain shows up somewhere else—it’s a red flag.

One athlete I helped taped their knee but ended up with a weird calf cramp. Turns out the tape was changing their gait just enough to cause trouble.

We adjusted the stretch, re-taped more gently, and the issue disappeared.

12. Tape is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Tape can help—but it’s not a magic solution. Combine it with hip and glute strength work (hello, clamshells), mobility drills, and rest days.

Ice after long runs. Stretch your quads and IT band.

My go-to recovery setup: tape in the morning, easy run, stretch, ice, then later some hip strength work. Leave the tape on to fight swelling.

It’s not just about slapping on strips—it’s about smart recovery.

13. And Don’t Be Ashamed to Wear It

This one’s more mindset than method: Wearing tape doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken.

I used to feel self-conscious, like I was broadcasting an injury. Now? I wear tape like a badge of smart training.

At group runs, it often sparks conversations. “Oh, runner’s knee? I’ve been there.” Suddenly you’re swapping tips with someone who gets it.

Final Thought:

Taping isn’t rocket science, but it’s not something you want to half-ass either.

Treat it like part of your gear prep, not a last-minute fix. Respect the tape, learn how your body responds to it, and it’ll return the favor.

How about you?
Ever had a tape fail mid-race? Or did KT tape help you get through a tough training block? Drop your story—I’d love to hear how you’ve used (or misused) it.

Promoting employee wellbeing at work is central to a healthy, productive, and engaged working population. Workplaces can integrate strategies promoting employee wellbeing to develop an environment within which staff members can feel valued, cared about, and motivated. By attending to wellness, organizations gain benefits like improved morale, reduced absenteeism, and improved performance. From mental health initiatives through flexible working, strategies can be tailored based on employee needs. In this article, we will examine key strategies organizations can use to promote wellbeing, raise employee engagement, and develop a healthy workplace culture. Understanding and investing in employee wellbeing has benefits for both the individual and organization. Leaders and professionals with an emphasis on HR can use this advice as a practical reference point for building a caring and healthy workplace.

Importance of Workplace Wellness

Many employees experience feelings of overload with heavy work demands, firm deadlines, and constant pressure, leading to stress and burnout. This emotional toll can make it difficult to remain motivated, focused, or engaged at work. Without adequate support, employees can become isolated or unvalued, which hurts morale and productivity. Without adequate workplace wellness strategies, many struggle with their mental and physical health and job demands. This exacerbates a cycle of cumulative stress, energy drain, and general job discontent. Comprehension about workplace wellness is central to breaking this cycle. When organizations prioritize employee health and wellbeing, they foster an environment of support allowing for resilience, motivation, and a sense of belonging. Wellness strategies and caring approaches help employees deal with stress and improve their quality of job life. Investment in workplace wellness has payback for employees and organizations as it produces stronger, more productive teams.

Mental Health Support Strategies

Addressing mental health is a key strategy to support employee wellbeing in the workplace. Companies can create a healthier work environment by offering mental health resources such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and employee assistance programs. Providing access to professional help encourages employees to seek support when needed, reducing stigma and fostering a culture of openness.

For employees facing serious challenges, connecting them with specialized care is essential. Facilities like rehabs in North Jersey offer comprehensive treatment programs that support recovery and long-term wellness. Encouraging employees to utilize such services shows a company’s commitment to holistic health and recovery.

Additionally, integrating mental health days and promoting work-life balance can significantly reduce burnout. Regular check-ins between managers and staff help identify early signs of stress, allowing timely intervention. Creating quiet spaces or mindfulness rooms in the office gives employees areas to recharge and manage anxiety.

By prioritizing mental health through these strategies, businesses support emotional resilience and improve overall productivity. When employees feel cared for and supported in their mental wellness, they are more engaged and motivated. Mental health support is not just a benefit—it’s a foundation for a thriving, successful workplace that values the whole person.

Physical Health Initiatives

Promoting physical health is an essential part of supporting employee wellbeing in the workplace. Here are some simple tips to encourage healthy habits and improve overall wellness:

• Provide opportunities for regular movement, such as walking meetings or stretch breaks
• Offer access to on-site or subsidized fitness facilities
• Encourage healthy eating by providing nutritious snacks and meal options
• Promote ergonomic workstations to reduce physical strain
• Organize wellness challenges to motivate physical activity
• Share educational resources about the benefits of exercise and nutrition

Implementing these physical health initiatives helps employees feel energized, reduces the risk of illness, and boosts morale. Small changes like these create a healthier workplace environment where employees can thrive. Focusing on physical wellness supports better concentration and productivity, making it a win-win for both staff and the organization.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

One company that invested in creating a positive work culture saw significant improvements in employee wellbeing and business performance. They introduced initiatives focused on recognition, open communication, and inclusivity. Employees felt more appreciated and connected, which boosted morale and collaboration.

A recent employee survey revealed that 82 percent of staff reported higher job satisfaction after the company emphasized a supportive culture. This increase in satisfaction translated into lower turnover rates and improved productivity.

Leadership played a vital role by modeling empathy and encouraging transparency. Managers received training to foster trust and address workplace conflicts constructively. The company also implemented regular team-building activities to strengthen relationships and promote a sense of belonging.

Experts agree that a positive work culture reduces stress and creates a more engaged workforce. When employees feel valued and supported, they bring their best efforts to the job, improving overall company success.

This case study shows that building a positive work culture is not just about perks—it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and motivated. Businesses that focus on culture build stronger teams and are better equipped to face challenges. Investing in a healthy work environment leads to lasting benefits for both employees and the organization.

Common Questions About Employee Wellbeing

What are effective strategies to support employee wellbeing?
Effective strategies include providing mental health resources, encouraging physical activity, offering flexible work arrangements, and fostering a positive work culture. These approaches help reduce stress and improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity.

How can companies create a positive work environment?
Companies can create a positive work environment by promoting open communication, recognizing employee contributions, offering opportunities for growth, and ensuring inclusivity. Leadership plays a key role in modeling supportive behavior and addressing concerns promptly.

Why is employee wellbeing important for business success?
Employee wellbeing is crucial because healthy, engaged employees perform better, take fewer sick days, and contribute to a more collaborative and innovative workplace. Prioritizing wellbeing leads to higher retention rates and overall business growth.

These answers provide clear guidance on how organizations can enhance employee wellbeing and build a healthier, more productive workplace. Understanding these basics helps businesses implement effective programs that support their teams.

Prioritize Employee Wellbeing Today

Workplace strategies supporting employee wellbeing enable healthy, high-performing teams. Investment in mental health services, physical health, flexible working schedules, and a healthy culture enables organizations to build workplaces from which their employees can flourish. Attending to wellbeing produces high employee engagement, enhanced productivity, and sustainable business success. Start now to implement these strategies and watch your organization flourish as a healthier, happier, and productive force develops. Put employee wellbeing at one of your core values and unlock the full potential of your company.