Fall 5K-10K Races, Courtney in Kona, and Off-season Strength Work
This past week, we went looking for some fall colors, which, in Arizona, means heading up to 7000’ Flagstaff, where cacti are replaced by aspens mingled with ponderosa pines. The changing leaves mean fall marathon season is here, with Chicago this past weekend and New York around the corner, maybe followed by a few months of downtime and holiday festivities. Grab your pumpkin-spiced whatever and check out these Halloween-inspired local races for some autumn revelry.
October 24 The Great Pumpkin Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon Portland, OR
October 25 Tricky Treater 5K, 10K Eugene, OR
October 25 Run Scared 5K, 10K Seattle, WA
October 31 Halloween Trick or Trot Run 5K/10K/13.1 PHOENIX Phoenix, AZ
October 31 Halloween Trick or Trot Run 5K/10K/13.1 SEATTLE Seattle, WA
Courtney Dauwalter, undeniably a GOAT in the running world, made an appearance around Kona during Ironman World Championship week, sparking rumors that she’s turning to triathlon. While that remains to be seen, she gave a delightful interview with Bob Babbitt at the pre-race venue, where she talks about her multi-sport history, the mental side of long-distance events, and her return to road marathons this year at the California International Marathon.
Courtney Dauwalter: Breakfast with Bob from Kona 2026
A little off-season strength work can go a long way to keeping you fit and ready to build miles again when you’re ready. This simple guide to varied movements and basic periodization will “help you build a foundation that enhances your endurance, power, and resilience for the upcoming race season.”
Off-Season Strength Training for Endurance Athletes
If a couple of gym trips a week isn’t doable, a few minimal pieces of equipment can give you plenty of at-home options for effective sessions. “Kettlebells are a great tool that can revolutionize the way you do strength training, whether that’s in the gym, at home or wherever else you bring yours with you.” Our house has 3 sizes of kettlebells (15, 26 & 35 lbs) for lunchtime workouts or mini strength “snacks” scattered through the day.
Are Kettlebells a Hack for Triathlon Strength Training?
Our Favorite Gear: I haven’t quite embraced high-carb fueling for myself (though I understand the benefits for high-intensity racing), but I am trying to fuel more during my everyday runs and rides over an hour or so. This summer, I started using Precision Fuel & Hydration’s Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix for a good portion of my calories, which helped fuel Paul through Leadville 100 MTB last year. It goes down easily, has a light flavor, and sits well in my stomach. Each scoop delivers 15 grams of carbs (from maltodextrin & fructose), so you can choose how many scoops to add to your bottles depending on the day and your body’s needs.
Photo by Alora Griffiths on Unsplash
