Quantified runner is the new normal, banded knee drive, new rules from BAA and much more!
#WhatsUpThisWeek?
The Quantified Runner isn’t a trend, it’s the new normal. Our analysis of over 9,000 Strava uploads from the Mumbai Marathon reveals the data at #GeeksonFeet
Banded knee drive helps runners improve hip flexor strength, core stability, and running form. Know how to do it right at #WoW
Planning to race the Bengaluru Marathon / Half Marathon, we have prepared a self-paced training plan for you at #Runstrong
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced key updates to rules for the 2027 Boston Marathon. This and more at #RunSHORTS
Happy Reading!
#GeeksPoll
Runners, what’s your take on run and rave/social run clubs (runs ending with EDM, DJs, party vibes)? #geekspoll
Answer Live Poll Here.
The results of last week's poll on what they think of Garmin’s training status are here.
#WoW - Banded Knee Drive
Banded knee drive helps runners improve hip flexor strength, core stability, and running form by promoting proper knee lift and alignment. This leads to better stride efficiency, increased power, and reduced risk of injuries like IT band syndrome. The exercise also enhances balance and coordination, making it a valuable drill for overall running performance.
How to Do It:
Place a resistance band around both feet.
Stand tall, drive one knee up to hip level while maintaining balance on the other leg.
Keep your core tight and avoid leaning back.
Slowly return and repeat on the other side.
We have bundled Thoracic mobility workouts for easy access for runners.
https://youtube.com/shorts/FiWu1C6FJLY?feature=share
@GeeksOnFeet: The Rise of the Quantified Runner 2025
Our analysis of over 9,000 Strava uploads from the Mumbai Marathon reveals a significant increase in the number of “Quantified Runners”, individuals who track, analyze, and optimize their runs. Strava uploads have increased by 126% from the 2020 edition, with half of the runners now sharing their race data on Strava. GPS watches are the preferred tool, especially among marathoners, with Garmin dominating the space. COROS is gaining ground, and Apple Watch finds favour with lifestyle runners. The Forerunner 245 remains the most-used device. Even a decade-old model like the FR235 still makes the top 10. The Quantified Runner isn’t a trend, it’s the new normal.
Read the full story at geeksonfeet.com
RUN STRONG - Training Plans
Prepares you for the course evaluations
Personalised for your goals
Customised to your fitness
Can be planned per your schedules
Access the plans now at https://runstrong.geeksonfeet.com/training-plans/races/bengaluru-marathon
https://runstrong.geeksonfeet.com/training-plans/races/bengaluru-marathon
Smart strength. Stronger running. Compliments to all RunStrong members.
#RunSHORTS
Boston Tightens Rules for 2027 Qualifiers – What Runners Need to Know
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced key updates to rules for the 2027 Boston Marathon. The new policy will apply to qualifying races with significant net downhill. If your race drops more than 1,500 feet (~457 m) to 3,000 feet (~914.1 m) from start to finish, your qualifying time will be adjusted by 5 minutes for moderate downhill and 10 minutes for steeper courses up to 6000 feet (~914.2 m). Races with more than 6,000 feet of elevation drop will no longer be accepted for Boston qualification. These changes aim to level the playing field, as downhill courses have been shown to give athletes an unfair time advantage. The 2027 qualifying window opens September 13, 2025, just one day after 2026 registration closes. If you’re planning a Boston-qualifying attempt, check your course’s certification and elevation profile to ensure it counts. More details at baa.org.
ASICS to boost India sportswear production to 40% amid import restrictions
Japanese sportswear giant ASICS will ramp up India manufacturing to 40% from 30% over the next few years to ensure a steady supply, a top executive told Reuters, as the country's regulations force global brands to pause imports of footwear. The Indian government has mandated certain standards for various footwear segments, requiring both domestic and foreign manufacturers to obtain quality certifications. ASICS, which has also paused imports, said bringing in footwear from any country is not feasible without government certification. For the financial year 2024-25, ASICS reached 30% local production, a government-mandated threshold that allows foreign brands to operate their single-brand stores in India. Read more here
Boston Marathon's first official female champion Nina Kuscsik dies aged 86
Nina Kuscsik, the American trailblazer in women’s distance running and the first official female winner of the Boston Marathon, has died at age 86. According to reports, Kuscsik passed away on 8 June due to respiratory failure after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Kuscsik played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers for women in long-distance running. She ran the Boston Marathon unofficially between 1968 and 1971, during a period later acknowledged as the Pioneer Era. In 1972, when women were officially allowed to compete, she won the race, a moment that helped change the landscape of women’s athletics. Read more here
Race Calendar
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#TipOfTheWeek: Don’t Overreact to a Bad Workout
Bad workouts happen to everyone, even for elite runners like Scott Fauble. He often talks about days when his legs feel heavy or he simply can't hit the paces. His coach, Ben Rosario, says it's normal to feel tired during marathon training. You are not supposed to feel great every day.
Struggling or even dropping out of a workout can be a sign that you're training hard and pushing your limits. Some of Scott’s best races came after tough sessions where things didn’t click. On the other hand, training that felt “perfect” sometimes led to flat race-day performances.
What matters is consistency over time. One bad day does not undo months of solid work. Training is about building, not proving. So when a workout goes badly, don’t panic. Trust your training, listen to your body, and keep showing up. That’s how long-term success is built.
(Source: Inside a Marathon By Scott Fauble and Ben Rosario)
#TriviaOfTheWeek: Garmin
The name “Garmin” actually comes from the combination of its founders' first names—Gary (Burrell) and Min (Kao): Gar-Min. Founded in 1989, Garmin initially specialized in adapting military-developed GPS technology for civilian use, first dominating aviation and boating markets before revolutionizing GPS watches for runners.
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Contributors to this edition: Aditi Pandya, Karthik Nadar, and Aravind Yarra