The 1% Better Runner with DLake

Ever wondered what the perfect running shoe feels like? Let me tell you about mine. In this episode, you’ll discover the gear that’s transforming my runs, including my favorite all-around running shoe, an unexpected heart rate monitor upgrade, and a singlet designed to stay in place no matter how fast you go. I’ll explain why the Altra Escalante 3 shoe is my top choice for daily runs and why the C...

Want to run your fastest marathon at 60? Here’s how Ron did it. In this episode, you’ll discover how a 64-year-old marathoner has completed 82 marathons by focusing on consistency, recovery, and mindset. Learn how you can apply the same principles to improve your own running performance, no matter your age. We explore why age is just a number, how small tweaks in your daily habits can make big dif...

Imagine a tool that could instantly upgrade your running game—here it is. As a bonus, we’ll explain Vo2 Max for running to you simply. In this episode, discover how to turn your VO2 max workouts from frustrating guesswork into precision training that delivers real results. You’ll learn how to use a simple yet powerful tool to nail your paces, avoid common mistakes, and build a training strategy th...

Watch and read this here The following African proverb is cliche, but cliche for a reason “Want to fast - go alone Want to go far - go together” In this episode, you will be convinced whether training in a group or training solo is the best thing for you. Explore the unique benefits of each training style, from the control and focus of solo runs to the motivation and community support found in gro...

Ever wonder how just 1% better daily can transform your running journey? In this episode, you’ll learn the art of becoming 1% better... every single day... for a decade. We dive deep into the mindsets, strategies, and core principles that transform running into a powerful tool for growth in every part of your life. You’ll discover how to pick the right races, stay consistent despite life’s inevita...

Watch & Read This Here Looking for a cheat code to get pretty fit without suffering? Welcome to the easiest of the hard workout sessions for runners: the 12x400 interval workout. In this episode, you'll dive into the 12x400 interval workout, a powerful tool for any runner looking to improve their speed, endurance, and overall performance. We break down the science behind this workout, explain...

Watch and Read This Episode Here This is the toolkit that you need to understand everything about strength training so you can perform your best. Strength training like most things in life is super confusing and nuanced. Information is everywhere and with so many options and variations depending on each person. It’s no wonder why us runners tend to get overwhelmed. In this episode, we (me and a me...

Curious if you're using the best method for your training? Find out now! At some point or another, you've been told by your training plan, smartwatch or coach to train by effort, pace and or heart rate. But have you stopped to consider if one is better than the other? If so, does the situation matter when you use the one or the other? Is there another thing that you might not know about that could...

The what, why, when and how of tempo runs so you can beast out on your next race (or just run comfortably faster and get better at it… sometimes) Tempo runs are essential for boosting your race times and daily running routine. They are a critical bridge between aerobic endurance efforts (80% easy running) and high-intensity training (20% hard running). I'll go deep into how tempo runs will transfo...

Watch and Read This Episode Here Ever wondered how the pros manage running injuries? Find out in this episode! Picture this - you’re a runner and you got hurt. You’re searching the internet for quick hacks and fixes so you can keep running but you just get more confused and don’t know who to trust. In this article, we’ll hopefully cut through the sh*t and make it easy for you to get back on the ro...

Watch & Read it all here Unpopular opinion. I love running in hot weather, extremely hot weather. It feels amazing. I know I'm the minority, but maybe, just maybe, there is some science and merit to training in the heat, the extreme heat versus the extreme cold. Or maybe I'm just crazy. In this episode, my goal is to slightly convince you of whatever you believe in, so the opposite of where yo...

Watch and read this here . The ultimate showdown: Mike Trees takes on AI to create the perfect training plan! In the world of run training, the battle lines between old-school human coaching and high-tech AI guidance are drawn. While AI brings the big guns with its data-crunching skills, delivering precision and convenience, it can't quite replicate the human touch. Coaches are like those wise she...

Watch and Read This Episode Here If your running sucks, it might be because you're weak AF... just kidding, not really. Look, we all want to be better runners—to run faster for longer and feel like we're cruising while everyone is huddled over a trash can hurling up their GU gels. But here's the hard truth most runners don't want to admit: they are weak. Don't worry—I've got the fix with 10W2S's f...

Watch and Read This Episode Here Trigger warning: All runners need to run in the morning. All runners need to run in the afternoon. Which one made you angry? Which one did you agree with? I hope you’re screaming at your screen with your answer and cursing me out. No… I don’t hope that, but yeah, engagement for the algorithm right? In this quick episode, I’ll touch on; Morning Habit Formation &...

Welcome to the one percent better runner. I've spent the last 12 years researching, experimenting on myself and talking to experts to get 1 percent better in my training, racing, and life. All to make it a bit easier for you to try to do it on your own.  I'm Daren DLake runs a lifelong runner and all-around performance optimizer of all things. In this episode, the tables were turned, and...

Watch and read this here In this episode you’re going to find out what happens at the intersection where science meets the pavement – the quest for ultimate running performance. We’ll dissect the importance of power and speed in your resistance/weight training. I’ll answer the question for runners; where does power, speed, strength, muscle endurance, and hypertrophy fit in to an already crowded tr...

Read and Watch this HERE As runners and endurance athletes (Hey triathletes and cyclists!), we all love knowing what you should do! But sometimes it’s nice to look at the inverse. Inverse just means the opposite. In the context of running and training, knowing what IS NOT good for you is just as effective as knowing what is. The point of this episode is not to embarrass anyone, but to get you to t...

Which is better - run or bicycle commuting? What if I told you that your commute, yeah… that same old route you take every day, could be your new secret weapon in your running arsenal? It's time to change up your mentality on what you think you know about getting from point A to point B. Welcome to the dope world of run commuting, where every step isn't just a path to going somewhere else, but a l...

Watch and Read this here The More is More Paradox of Training and Life. If I told you that less is more, you would probably believe me, right? Unfortunately, most people’s brains think more is more . It just makes sense. The more you work the more returns you get out. The hedonic treadmill in its most purest form. As a runner or even in your career/school life you work hard you get the results. Fr...

Watch or Read This Here Kickstart your year (or running journey) with dope insights on how running can enhance not just your fitness but your entire life, making you healthy, wealthy, and wise. In this video podcasting, while running a conversation with my American Sydney-sider friend, Stacey Trock, a passionate runner, we delve into how consistent running practices, smart financial habits, and co...

Back when I ran track in college, I had a decent amount of raw genetic talent to run faster. But as I graduated to endurance running, my inefficient overstriding led to some serious knee injuries. Imagine how fast I could have been if I actually worked on my form. In the 80s it was mostly thought good running form was a natural talent and not a skill to be worked at and acquired. If you compare my...

Get 1% better everyday with deep dive tips and tricks from my FREE newsletter https://dlakecreates.com/news If you want to save 25 years of embarrassing run failures and mistakes, please keep reading (or watch or listen to it here). I decided to return in time to one year ago and finally finish that list of those 40 things about running that I wish I had known 25 years back. In part one, some epic...

Watch and Read this here Most runners know the importance of shoes to run. If you don't know how important they are, try running really fast or long in non-running shoes, and you will quickly find out. But have you ever stopped to wonder the role that feet and in particular, what role shoes play in the quest to perform better as you age? Find out how critical feet and shoes really are and more in...

We are now on Youtube! Watch and/or read it here (if you like to consume your content like that) Are you a short and sweet type of person or do you like to go until you drop? Who’s wrong? Who’s right? What do you do? Does it even matter? This debate has been around for as long as running has existed. In this podcast, we'll dive into the debate and see if we can help you choose (or validate your si...

Want to become an endurance machine? Or are you looking to hit a 5k PB? It’s all about the base, ‘bout the base… base training, that is! You can do all the speedwork in the world, but if you’re not putting it on top of a solid foundation of consistent, aerobic base training, you’re wasting your energy. We’re talking with Mike Trees about how everyone – from beginners to the most committed runners...