With the IAAF Beijing World Championships just around the corner the running world is a buzz. I'm always inspired by elite athletes, their dedication to the sport and their ability to come to a world stage and push aside doubt and go for their big goals. I love watching athletes lay it all on the line in a race. It's so inspiring. Here are a few articles I've found this week that are making me think and keeping me inspired:

Sweat Mobile:Sweat Mobile is a new app created by Nick Symmonds (the 800m runner who won't be in Beijing). It's basically a training log for elite and non-elite runners alike. And gives you a chance to peak inside the training of world class athletes. The app itself seems to be having issues since it's launch last week and has been taken down, but with the promise that it will be back up and running soon. I'm looking forward to following some of the athletes who use it once it's back. You can check out the latest from them on their twitter feed: @sweat_mobile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0AhWucumik

Daring to Dream: If you haven't picked up the latest copy of Runner's World you should. In it Lauren Fleshman shares an amazing article about not letting your dreams die. She talks a bit about the struggle she's faced with injury and how sometimes you get a little cynical and try not to care. But deep down we do care and we want to hang on to those dreams.

The Work Behind the Scenes: I happened to click on this video one early morning last week while I sat in a sleepy stupor checking my phone, waiting to muster the energy to put on my running shoes. I was inspired. But what got me was not just the running, it was all the little things Jenny Simpson does: the drills, the core work, the strength training. It got me and my sleepy butt moving. I may never compete at an elite level, but I've got dreams and goals and I want to keep pushing towards them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-dyeb7NjEg

Take your Training to the Next Level: One of the things that took my training to another level in 2014 was manipulating my carbohydrate intake around and during my long runs. Greg McMillan recently wrote a great article for Competitor explaining how to manipulate your carbs and why it can be effective. It's worth a read.

What's been on your radar this week? What has inspired you?

--Sarah

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