Evidence-Based Guides

Sports Science Guides

In-depth guides reviewed by certified sports scientists and dietitians. Built for athletes who want to understand the research behind their training.

Running8 min read

Running Pace Chart: Every Distance from 5K to Ultra

Complete running pace chart for every common distance. Convert pace, speed, and finish times for 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and ultra races.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Health7 min read

What Is a Good VO2 Max? (By Age, Sex & Sport)

A good VO2 Max for men aged 30–39 is 39–43 mL/kg/min. See complete ACSM classification tables by age, gender, and sport, plus how to improve it.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Nutrition9 min read

Creatine Loading Phase: Complete Evidence-Based Guide

Creatine loading: 20g/day for 5–7 days saturates muscle stores fastest. Complete guide to loading protocol, maintenance dose, and what the research actually shows.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
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Health9 min read

Heart Rate Zones: The Complete Training Guide (2026)

What are heart rate zones and how do you train in them? Complete guide to the 5-zone system with charts, calculators, and training protocols by certified sports scientists.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Nutrition8 min read

How Much Protein Per Day? Science-Based Recommendations

How much protein do you actually need per day? Complete evidence-based guide with intake recommendations by goal, body weight, and sport from a board-certified sports dietitian.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
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Running7 min read

What Is a Good 5K Time? By Age, Gender & Fitness Level

Is your 5K time good? Complete breakdown of average and good 5K finishing times by age group, gender, and fitness level — with data from major races and training benchmarks.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Running10 min read

Beginner Marathon Training Plan: 16-Week Blueprint

Complete 16-week beginner marathon training plan with weekly mileage, long run schedule, pace guidance, and nutrition strategy. Reviewed by a certified sports scientist.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Health7 min read

Strength Standards: Are You Weak, Average, or Strong?

How strong are you really? Strength standards for squat, bench press, and deadlift by body weight, age, and gender — data from Strength Level, NSCA, and competitive lifting.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Health10 min read

Zone 2 Training: The Science Behind the Most Important Workout

What is Zone 2 training and why do elite athletes swear by it? Complete guide covering the science, protocols, and how to find your Zone 2 heart rate.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Nutrition8 min read

Carb Loading for Marathon: The Evidence-Based Protocol

How to carb load for a marathon the right way. Science-based protocol with exact gram targets, food choices, timing, and what to avoid the week before race day.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
Read Guide
Running7 min read

Running Cadence: What It Is and How to Improve It

What is running cadence and what should yours be? Science-based guide to optimal steps per minute, how to measure your cadence, and drills to improve running efficiency.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Running9 min read

Lactate Threshold Training: The Key to Faster Race Times

What is lactate threshold and how do you train it? Complete guide with testing methods, tempo run protocols, and how improving LT translates directly to faster marathon and 10K times.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Running7 min read

What Is a Good Half Marathon Time? By Age & Gender

Is your half marathon time good? Average and good half marathon finish times by age group and gender, with data from major races and Boston qualifier equivalents.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Running9 min read

10K Training Plan: 8 Weeks to Your Best Time

8-week 10K training plan for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners. Weekly schedules, pace targets, and the science behind training at every level.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Running10 min read

Half Marathon Training Plan: 12 Weeks to Race Day

12-week half marathon training plan for beginner and intermediate runners. Weekly schedules, long run progression, pace targets, and race-day strategy reviewed by a certified sports scientist.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Cycling9 min read

FTP Cycling: What It Is, How to Test It, and How to Improve It

What is FTP in cycling? Complete guide to Functional Threshold Power — how to test your FTP, calculate training zones by watt, and improve it systematically.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Health7 min read

What Is a Good Bench Press? Standards by Weight & Age

Is your bench press good? Bench press strength standards by body weight, age, and gender — with data from competitive powerlifting and sports science benchmarks.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Health7 min read

What Is a Good Deadlift? Standards by Body Weight & Gender

How much should you deadlift? Deadlift strength standards by body weight and gender — covering beginner through elite levels with data from competitive powerlifting.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Health7 min read

Average Squat Weight by Body Weight, Age & Gender

What is the average squat weight for men and women? Squat strength standards by body weight and age — from beginner to elite — with programming advice to improve.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Health9 min read

Body Recomposition: Lose Fat and Build Muscle Simultaneously

Can you lose fat and build muscle at the same time? Complete guide to body recomposition — who it works for, how to structure nutrition and training, and realistic timelines.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Swimming7 min read

Swimming vs Running Calories: Which Burns More?

Does swimming or running burn more calories? Full calorie comparison by pace, body weight, and duration — with research-backed data on fat burning, appetite, and weight loss.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Running10 min read

Beginner Triathlon Training Plan: Sprint & Olympic Distance

Complete beginner triathlon training plan for sprint and Olympic distance. 12-week schedule covering swim, bike, and run training with pacing guidance and race-day strategy.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Nutrition8 min read

Electrolytes for Runners: What You Need and When

When do runners need electrolytes? Complete guide to sodium, potassium, and magnesium needs during running — with sweat rate testing, replacement strategies, and race-day protocols.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
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Nutrition8 min read

Pre-Workout Meal: What to Eat Before Exercise (Timing & Foods)

What should you eat before a workout? Complete pre-workout meal guide with timing, carb and protein targets, food choices, and what to avoid before training.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
Read Guide
Running7 min read

Sub 4 Hour Marathon: Pace, Training, and Race Strategy

How to run a sub 4 hour marathon. Exact pace per km and mile, weekly mileage targets, long run schedule, and race-day strategy to break the 4-hour barrier.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Running6 min read

Running Pace Per Mile Chart: Complete Reference for Every Distance

Complete running pace per mile chart for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. Convert between min/mile and min/km and find your finish time for any pace.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Health6 min read

Resting Heart Rate by Age: What Is Normal and What Is Good?

What is a normal resting heart rate by age? Complete chart for men and women, athlete vs. non-athlete benchmarks, and what a high or low resting heart rate means.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Nutrition7 min read

Protein for Runners: How Much Do You Actually Need?

How much protein do runners need? Evidence-based protein intake guide for endurance athletes — daily targets by mileage, best food sources, and timing for recovery.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
Read Guide
Running6 min read

Negative Split Running: What It Is and How to Execute It

What is a negative split in running? Learn how to run the second half of a race faster than the first — with pacing strategies for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
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Cycling7 min read

Cycling Watts Per Kg: What It Means and How to Improve It

What is a good watts per kg in cycling? Complete guide to power-to-weight ratio — standards by level, how to calculate yours, and the fastest ways to improve W/kg.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Health7 min read

How to Measure Body Fat at Home: 5 Methods Compared

How to measure your body fat percentage at home without expensive equipment. Compare 5 methods — Navy formula, calipers, BIA scales — with accuracy ratings and step-by-step instructions.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide
Nutrition7 min read

What to Eat After a Long Run: Recovery Nutrition Guide

What should you eat after a long run? Complete post-long-run nutrition guide with the best recovery foods, timing, carb and protein targets, and meal examples for runners.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
Read Guide
Nutrition6 min read

How Much Water to Drink While Running: The Evidence-Based Guide

How much water should you drink while running? Evidence-based hydration guide with sweat rate testing, fluid targets by run duration, and how to avoid over- and under-hydration.

SK
RD · CSSD · NCAA Division I Consultant
Read Guide
Running8 min read

How to Improve Your 5K Time: Proven Training Methods

How to run a faster 5K. Eight evidence-based training methods to improve your 5K time — with specific workouts, weekly structure, and realistic improvement timelines.

JC
Ph.D. · NSCA-CSCS · ACSM-EP-C
Read Guide

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