The Natural Running Network

Yes, I have been interviewed on the topic of Training The Dark Side before. However, this explanation, in my opinion is the most comprehensive view and rationale for why this training is so effective. Blue Benadum is an elite Marathon runner. He has embraced the concepts of Flow training and in fact, he has decided… Read more → The post What is Training The Dark Side? appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

The Boston Marathon is arguably the most prestigious running event in the United States and possibly the world. Qualifying for Boston is no easy task. I have a conversation with a friend Blue Benadum a highly successful runner who has run Boston 6 times and set a personal best of 2:23 at this event. He… Read more → The post How to get to the Boston Marathon appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

I wanted to have a candid conversation with Nicole Mericle, not so much about her recent win at The Jacksonville Spartan Race which was spectacular by the way. My interest is in her new formation of The Dream Team and The OCR Women’s Development Team. This is a first in the sport and I for… Read more → The post Interview with Nicole Mericle OCR Pro appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

As we all hope, we’re rounding the turn on this insidious pandemic and the summer to fall seasons busting at the seams with races clamoring to occupy what few weekends left for the 2021 season.  Through all of this turmoil, it appears that another event producer is emerging on the obstacle course racing scene.  HILDERVAT… Read more → The post Introducing Hildervat – the new OCR series appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Training the Dark Side – Does it really work? A revolutionary approach to training that has shown to be highly effective for a variety of athletic pursuits. Richard Diaz, author and host of this podcast, decided to reach our to Larry Caldwell an enthusiastic Spartan Race competitor who has taken on the project to see… Read more → The post Training The Dark Side Review, Does it Work? appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

OCW World Championships in 2021, is it going to happen? Who better to share these goings on then the founder of OCRW himself, Adrian Bijanda. It’s no secret that 2020 was a bust for virtually every type of mass gathering all over the world, Obstacle Course Racing was no exception. Leading into 2021 with hope… Read more → The post Adrian Bijanda – OCR World Championships appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Everywhere you turn these days you’ll find CBD for sale the acronym for “cannabidiol”. CBD is the active ingredient derived from a cannabis plant, yes, Marijuana .  Over the past half decade, marijuana dispensaries have cropped up all over the country. The medicinal benefits prove to reduce stress, improve sleep, reduce inflammation and pain associated… Read more → The post Why Every Athletes Need CBD appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

There is much controversy that surrounds the choice of running shoes and how they may or may not protect you from injury. Some say they won’t run on pavement because it hurts their knees or gives them shin splints. In this interview, I speak with Dr Emily Splichal a world renowned board certified Podiatrist and… Read more → The post Are Trails better than Road for Runners? appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Two of the Fittest Women in the World Some may argue, that the fittest athletes on the planet are CrossFit athletes.  I am not going to argue for or against the prospect.  What I will defend is that Lauren Fisher and Jen Ryann have shown the world on many occasion that they belong on the… Read more → The post Lauren Fisher and Jenn Ryan visit The Secret Lab appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Things suck these days if you yearn to compete.  The Corona Virus has everyone around the world in lock down mode.  Finding an outlet for your competitive drive has been a challenge onto itself this entire year.  With so many race companies struggling to stay afloat, not many have given a care for the athletes,… Read more → The post Virtual Racing with OCR Stars appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Breathing – Best practices for performance! Everyone has at one time or another, pondered the idea: What would be the best way to breathe while running?  There are so many opinions on the subject, it’s no wonder so many are confused.  Veejay Jones – Elite OCR athlete and I (Richard Diaz) thought it would be… Read more → The post Breathing – Best practices for performance appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Coach Diaz and Elite OCR Athlete Veejay Jones share details of their OCR Performance Project a virtual group training program for aspiring Spartan competitors.  Aside from this, Coach Diaz also shares some insights into his freshly released book- TRAINING THE DARK SIDE. This book is a great read for any endurance athlete hoping to better… Read more → The post The OCR Performance Professionals appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Everyone is locked down and could use some non contact human interaction right now. Veejay Jones (pro obstacle course athlete) and I Richard Diaz (his coach). Discuss current affairs, home exercise options and what’s the best treadmill to buy for your budget. How about training on the cheap? An equipment purchase under $250 and 5… Read more → The post TIPS ON HOME EXERCISE WHILE YOU… HUNKER DOWN! appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

The Dark Horse program is a highly innovative approach to training for CrossFit and other High Intensity competitions.  Behind the research Coach Diaz has invested in anaerobic metabolism and lactate tolerance training, the reveal is Dark Horse II an 8 week training program. The question is often raised, will this type of training be beneficial… Read more → The post Ryan Fischer talks about Dark Horse II with Coach Diaz appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Who knew?  One day as I was surfing social media, I hear Ryan Atkins mention that Platinum Rig is bringing a 24 hour competition to the states!!!  Like most enthusiasts, I’ve heard of this line of rigs and how formidable they were. Does anyone remember Battle Frog?  They introduced some of these rigs in their… Read more → The post Another 24 hr OCR World Championship hits the U.S.? appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Arguably the most reliable ass kick ass piece of cardio equipment, the Concept2 rower, has been embraced for decades in sport.  It has been a staple in Crossfit and now with 2 additional pieces, the Bike and Ski erg these devices are world renowned for delivering a workout that is… shall I say “setting the… Read more → The post DO YOU? CONCEPT2 appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Will moving Spartan World Championships mark the beginning of the end? Read more → The post TRAINING TIPS AND…DON’T RELOCATE SPARTAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Here we are at the conclusion of 2019 and change is in the air.  I can recall when Spartan Race first made a splash and inspired millions to get off the couch.  Is it possible that from this movement a new challenge has spawned from this rave?  Enter Hyrox, coined as a functional fitness challenge… Read more → The post IS HYROX THE NEXT BIG THING IN FUNCTIONAL FITNESS? appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

During this episode VeeJay Jones and Coach Diaz spoke about Running injuries, Training volume, Black toenails and a whole lot more! Read more → The post BLACK FRIDAY Q&A 2019! appeared first on The Natural Running Network.

Ever wondered what it would be like to have Coach Diaz provide a Virtual Gait Analysis? With the permission of Mark Falcone, we share the experience with you! Unvarnished conversation between a real life client and Coach Diaz discussing the outcome thus far. Like Mark, a lot of Spartan Race Athletes identify that they have… Read more → The post What’s a Virtual Gait Analysis? appeared first on The Natural Running Network.