Despite all the convolutions of training -- Lactate Threshold, vVo2max, cadence, foot strike, turnover, etc. etc. etc. -- running is a very simple sport: who can cover a specified distance on foot the fastest? With all the technology and tactics and strategies and training approaches we have today, it's not really any more complicated than that.
So what's my training advice for you? Simple:
Do what makes you feel good.
That good feeling you get in training -- the endorphin high, "full of run," effortlessness; however you want to describe it -- is your body's way of telling you, "I like this. I'm responding to this. I should keep doing this. This is playing to my strengths." You wanna get better? Listen to your body.
What feels good is going to be a little different for everybody. For me, I get that effortlessly good feeling during steady-state type of runs...longer, sustained workouts at an aerobically challenging but not crippling pace. I try to work those into my training often because I know those are the types of workouts that my body thrives on.
Other people have different strengths. I've run with many fast-twitch types who just love blasting intervals on the track. For me those were always stressful (if necessary) workouts, but they could just fly around the track and love it.
That good feeling is how your body lets you know where your natural strengths lie -- and to optimize your performance, you should adapt training to your strengths.
In terms of training, there's an entire spectrum of paces and efforts, from the shortest all-out sprinter-type speed all the way to the long, slow, aerobic endurance. Every effort within that spectrum is important for peak performance; however, the exact mix of everything will vary from person to person even if those people are training for the same event. So how do you know what's the best mix for you? Listen to your body.
Do what makes you feel good. Running doesn't need to be more complicated than that.
So what's my training advice for you? Simple:
Do what makes you feel good.
That good feeling you get in training -- the endorphin high, "full of run," effortlessness; however you want to describe it -- is your body's way of telling you, "I like this. I'm responding to this. I should keep doing this. This is playing to my strengths." You wanna get better? Listen to your body.
What feels good is going to be a little different for everybody. For me, I get that effortlessly good feeling during steady-state type of runs...longer, sustained workouts at an aerobically challenging but not crippling pace. I try to work those into my training often because I know those are the types of workouts that my body thrives on.
Other people have different strengths. I've run with many fast-twitch types who just love blasting intervals on the track. For me those were always stressful (if necessary) workouts, but they could just fly around the track and love it.
That good feeling is how your body lets you know where your natural strengths lie -- and to optimize your performance, you should adapt training to your strengths.
In terms of training, there's an entire spectrum of paces and efforts, from the shortest all-out sprinter-type speed all the way to the long, slow, aerobic endurance. Every effort within that spectrum is important for peak performance; however, the exact mix of everything will vary from person to person even if those people are training for the same event. So how do you know what's the best mix for you? Listen to your body.
Do what makes you feel good. Running doesn't need to be more complicated than that.
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