Getting Fit
Training for runners is both simple and complex.
It’s simple because the best way to train is to run — sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
It’s complex because the human body is complex, and doesn’t always respond immediately or in a predictable linear manner to training.
Getting fit is both simple and complex.
It’s simple because all it takes is being consistent with your training over a period of years.
It’s complex because we tend to think there are magical workouts which will accelerate this process. So we give into our impatience and fall for the quick fix. But often the quick fixes cause fatigue, illness, or injury and derail our progress.
I talk a lot about non-running workouts such as strength training and plyometrics. But this type of work only accounts for 10% of training for runners I coach. The other 90% is running. Much of it fast, but some of it slow.
Non-running training is only meant to enhance and fortify the running training. Its purpose is to provide upgrades in ability which will result in better consistency in training.
Running is developmental, and no matter how much talent you bring to it, the results you get will come from hard, steady work more than anything else. Almost anyone can become a runner and achieve success up to a point. Every run and workout is a learning experience. As runners, no matter of ability, we are constantly seeking and treading the fine line between running too much, too fast and running just enough, fast enough.