Earlier this month, I asked you to share with me the one thing you want to know more about when it comes to running, triathlons and fitness. With more than 200 responses, there were 13 key topics that seemed to come up time and time again.

Today, I’m sharing the issues that are on your minds so we can work together to expand our knowledge, share our experiences, improve our fitness and reach our goals. Throughout the rest of 2013, I’ll be tackling these areas here on runladylike.com to help answer your burning questions and start conversations so we can all learn and grow together.

1. Nutrition and fueling
The #1 topic that’s on your mind is how to properly fuel for training and races to ensure your best performance. Many of us seem to be struggling with finding that magic recipe for what to eat and how often to feel top-notch during long runs and races, especially those of you who are new to running. You want to know what to eat, when to eat, how to keep moving while fueling and the best gadgets to carry your fuel in. You want to know how to fuel for different race distances and the best foods to consume to speed recovery. You’re also interested in everyday nutrition to maximize health and performance and want to see more recipes for runners.

During the next month, I’ll be writing about my personal thoughts on fueling and hydration. While there are many scientific formulas out there you can use as a guide, nutrition ultimately comes down to trial and error during training and what works for your body. The longer we run and the more experienced we become, the more we learn what works and what doesn’t. Hydration is also a key contributor along with successful fueling. Below are some posts that you might find helpful. I also keep many other insightful articles from experts and athletes on Pinterest. You can find me on Pinterest here.

• Running and Nutrition: What to eat before, during and after a long run (with a focus on the Paleo diet)
• Rockin’ Recipes for Runners (includes a video on what the elite runners eat and a formula for how much you should eat before a long run/race)
• Post-Workout Protein Smoothies

2. How to get faster
In a very close second to nutrition and fueling, you want to know how to get faster: How to increase your speed over longer distances, what workouts will increase speed and how to master intervals. During the coming weeks, I’ll be sure to write more about this. In the meantime, you can catch an article I wrote last year, appropriately called How to Get Faster. I also love the training plans in Run Less Run Faster for increasing speed.

3. Strength training and cross training
Everyone seems to want to better understand what types of strength training and cross training exercises they should be doing to become a better runner and athlete. From quick strength exercises you can incorporate into your current training schedule to core strengthening and cross training that will boost your endurance, this is a hot topic. I will share in the coming weeks some cross training and strength training exercises I do regularly, as I believe strength training is critical to improving overall power. I also believe that for runners, cross training activities in which you are not bearing weight, such as biking and swimming, are great to incorporate twice per week to enhance your overall fitness level and endurance. I will also be inviting some experts in strength training to make a guest appearance here on runladylike.com to help us all in this area.

In the meantime, check out this great blog series from Equinox’s Q Blog on strength training for marathoners.

4. Triathlons
During the past few years, it seems like running half marathons and marathons has become the new popular trend for people everywhere. And I’m suddenly feeling like the same thing is happening with triathlons. Many of you have expressed your interest in dipping your toe in the triathlon (open) waters. You want to know how to transition from running to triathlons, what gear is needed, the basics of how to get started, how to master transitions and secrets and tips that you only learn from experience. As I train for the Beach2Battleship Half Ironman in October, I’m posting my weekly training schedule every Monday here on the blog. During the next few months, I’ll be writing about how to master a successful transition and how to set up your transition area. I’ll also share some dirty (aka unladylike) little secrets that will help you become a better triathlete (like how to pee while running or cycling, what to do if you encounter a dog during training and how to keep your lady parts groomed to reduce unwanted lumps and bumps *ahem.*

In the meantime, here are some recent posts related to triathlons that you might find helpful:

• Transitioning to Triathlons: What Every Runner Needs to Know
• Triathlon Race Day Checklist
• Triathlete Magazine’s Week-by-Week Training Plan
• Augusta 70.3 IRONMAN race recap
• Mastering Open Water Swims
• The Ugly Truth about Cycling: Saddle Sores

5. Swimming
Not surprising, since you want to know more about cross training and triathlons, swimming was also a hot topic you’d like to know more about. Specifically, how to improve your swim time and technique, the best gear to have, tips for open water swimming and what to do if you have limited access to pools. Swimming is definitely not one of my stronger areas of expertise, so I’m going to invite a certified swim coach and triathlete to come by to talk about technique and efficiency in the coming weeks.

6. Cycling
Similar to #5, you also want to know more about biking – everything from the basics of how to get started and how to purchase the right bike to tips on getting faster and more efficient. The bike is my weakest area of the 3 triathlon sports, so I’m right there with you on wanting to become more efficient and speedier. With the help of some experts, I hope to share some workouts and tips that will help us all improve when on 2 wheels.

7. Half marathon and marathon training
Because many of you are training for half marathons and marathons – whether for the first time or the 50^th time – you want to read and learn more about training and racing. How to effectively and safely build endurance and mileage, how to stay motivated on long runs, how to train for multiple races at the same time, how to master race day, training plans that work and how to control your breathing. You’re also interested in hearing more about other runners’ favorite places to run and race as well as how to set race goals and race schedules.

8. Injury prevention
A common theme among running newbies and seasoned marathoners is that everyone wants to know the secrets to prevent and recover quickly from injuries. Many of you expressed common concerns with shin splints and IT Band Syndrome. I recently posted a 5-part Injury Prevention Series, featuring injury prevention basics, sports massage, shoe selection, yoga for runners and a story from an athlete that came back stronger after a traumatic back injury.

9. Stretching
Going hand-in-hand with injury prevention, you want to know more about effective stretches for runners. I’ll share with you my favorite stretches soon and talk about tools like the foam roller and other gadgets that can help you recover quicker.

10. Balancing training and life
If anyone figures this one out, please let me know. Immediately. It seems that we’re all in the same boat when it comes to juggling life, family, work and social obligations with our training. How do we fit it all in? How do we stay motivated? I’ll try to tackle this during the next few months, and I’d love to hear your suggestions as well. Ultimately, I believe it comes down to discipline and flexibility. Doing what you say you are going to do but remaining nimble and flexible when life’s many unexpected challenges and obligations arise. It is about MAKING the time to do the things that are most important to us and prioritizing. All we can do is the best we can do in the 24 hours we have each day. Every day can’t and won’t be perfect.  Know what is most important to you in life and in training, and try to do your best. Be your own superhero. And don’t forget to have fun.

11. How to survive the heat
As we find ourselves in the height of summer heat, we are all talking about how to survive the hot temperatures, humidity and their effects on how we feel when we’re running or exercising. I love these Must-Know Tips for Working Out in Hot Weather from POPSUGAR Fitness. I also recently wrote about how to adjust your goals in the heat and how to prevent dehydration. During the next 2 weeks, I’ll be tackling how to keep your core body temperature down when running in the heat.

12. Shoes and running form
As someone who’s much more comfortable with words than numbers, there certainly are a lot of you out there who want to know more about the science of running as it relates to the shoes we wear and how we run. You want to know how pronation, foot strike and shoes affect your running. You want to understand the science behind selecting the right shoe and when to wear different kinds of shoes for different runs. You’re also interested in the effects of long-distance running on the body.

13. Conquering your mind
Last, but certainly not least, many of you want to know how to discipline your mind in the same way you do with your body: How to stay motivated to fight mental boredom. How to prevent self-doubt. How to keep pushing when your mind wants you to quit. Keeping our head in “it” and mentally preparing for a big training day or race is just as important as the physical strength we’ll need to conquer our goals. I’ll start a conversation about this in the coming months. In the meantime, you can check out my 26.2 run happy mantras and my thoughts on how to avoid a mental rut. I frequently look at my Run Happy and Discipline Pinterest boards when I’m feeling weak or doubtful.

Thanks to everyone who shared your thoughts and feedback with me. We have much to cover during the next few months, but we are going to learn a lot together along the way. I hope you’ll follow along and check back regularly to be part of the conversation.

Is there anything else you want to know about that I haven’t covered above? If you’ve ever written about any of these topics or have a favorite article that provides guidance, share the link in the comments below. Feel free to also share the names of experts in these areas who you think are getting it right and delivering great advice.