Greenlake Endurance FAQ
What makes Greenlake Endurance different from other racing and running programs?
The short answer to this is that we produce superior athletes, not simply runners. Greenlake Endurance, the only official CrossFit Endurance Affiliate in the Northwest, is on the cutting edge of endurance training. We implement practices that are not accepted (yet) by the masses, but which are proving exceedingly more effective on a constant basis.
The foundation of any effective conditioning program is appropriate movement and strength development. For that reason, all of our members attend regular high intensity strength training classes. Then we don’t simply send you out to log miles. As with any other sport, we understand that the fastest and most reliable way to improve performance and avoid injuries is to become more efficient. That is why we teach running mechanics to all of our members first, and then carefully monitor their technique development through drills and video analysis. Once our members develop an efficient stride, we get down to business and develop their speed and stamina through repeated and progressive interval-type workouts.
I have never had any running technique training. Where should I start?
Come to a free introduction at Northwest CrossFit’s Greenlake Gym. The introduction class is at noon every Sunday, and usually runs about an hour, including lecture and drills. Topics covered are basics of movement, running mechanics, and principles of anaerobic training for endurance.
I have never run a race of any distance. Is Greenlake Endurance a good fit for me?
Yes! Greenlake Endurance teaches efficient running mechanics as the foundation of improving performance, followed by carefully monitored strength, speed, and stamina development. Runners at any level benefit immensely from involvement in Greenlake Endurance.
I had to stop running due to chronic injuries. Is this something Greenlake Endurance can help with?
Yes! Most injuries associated with running are due to repetitive use of incorrect mechanics. The efficient running technique we teach our members decreases the impact force on knees by about 50%, and dramatically reduces hip and low back pain associated with running. Aside from soreness due to increased intensity and strength development, our members experience essentially no pain from their training.
Do you do race-specific programming?
Yes. We train our members as a group for certain races each year (Rock n Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon, Seattle Marathon and ½ Marathon, Seafair Triathlon, and one member-elected destination race), and our experienced and professional coaches can also work with individuals who are interested in training for other races.
What will I get as a member of Greenlake Endurance?
You will become part of a community of people looking to get the most out of life and their bodies. You gain access to our expert coaches, who will work with you on an individual and group basis on strength, running technique, speed, and stamina development, including weekly video analysis sessions. Through our official affiliation with CrossFit Endurance (CFE), you will be on the short list of people benefitting from their groundbreaking endurance training practices, and will have the opportunity to be a part of the exclusive CFE Racing Series.
How will video analysis sessions help me improve my running technique?
A vast majority of people are visual learners, meaning they will learn best by visually observing and action or activity. This is especially true when learning movement mechanics, which is why every member of Greenlake Endurance will have access to weekly video analysis sessions with our coaches. It is during these sessions that our members see the greatest improvements in their technique, mostly because the video camera will always show exactly what is happening, while giving you a visual in your head as you practice. It also allows us to slow down and analyze your movement frame by frame, in order to make micro adjustments as you advance.