Running Half Truths
“The more I run, the better I’ll be. “
Western runners tend to have an overzealous work bias. Culturally, we Westerners think the surest path to success is working hard, which means working more. But more running rarely translates to better performance. Training compounds, meaning modest amounts of running, at high intensity levels, repeated often, uninterrupted has historically proven to be the best approach. Running more is useful to a point, but very quickly it simply becomes useless busy work.
“If it works for him, it’ll work for me.”
The training methods of today’s champions are widely copied, in hopes that some of their magic might rub off. But it invariably ends up rubbing the copier the wrong way. Champion runners are strong, experienced runners whose schedules are tailored to their own specific needs. Training individualization is one the keys to success. A runner is best off when they follow a schedule designed for them and them alone. Even if you can handle the same workouts and volumes as the champion, results aren’t guaranteed to be equal. There are many other factors in a champion’s makeup beside their training plan.
“Resting never got anyone anywhere.”
Workouts damage the body. Repair, adaptation and improvement happen during the relief periods between workouts. Work, only when complimented with adequate rest, equals growth.
“All I need to do is run, no other types of training are necessary.”
Runners, to a fault, tend to overspecialize. The logic goes: the only way to get better at running is to run. Not so. Running should be the main training activity for the conditioning of runners. However, like any athlete, adding strength training, jump training, and mobility work will foster balance, durability, and added conditioning that will help the runner continue running without interruption.