by Trainer Adam Pangrac
I used to always think that the more I did, the faster I’d get. I tried finding new workouts and put them on top of what I was already doing. I was expecting my body to perform at the same level or better with added intervals and longer miles. Ultimately, I was setting myself up for failure and frustration. There was no way my body could keep up with what my mind wanted and was forcing it to do. In distance running, sometimes less is more.
Too High of Pace: My problem is partially in that I only have one speed. Ask anyone who knows or trains with me and they will tell you I go too hard, too often. This makes it almost impossible to perform at the preferred level for high intensity intervals. I have read about elite runners who are capable of running 60-62 min half marathons. On their easy days and recovery runs, they have no problem dialing it back and running 8-9 min miles. In order to run fast, we have to run slow too. I still struggle with this and like to go all out, but see true value in taking it down a notch when necessary.
Too Frequent: Rest is more important than maintaining mileage. When you exert yourself too often, your body doesn’t have time to fully recover and actually help you improve. Even after a perfect night’s sleep and stretching/rolling, your body may need more time. My watch has a built in recovery adviser that lets me know how many hours I should put between workouts. It monitors heart rate, pace, and various other factors to estimate how long it will take for the body to rebuild. Listen to your body, recovery is vital.
Too Much Stuff: One of the greatest aspects of running is its simplicity. With watches, shoes, and other equipment, it is easy to get overwhelmed and worry about what you have or have to do. Sometimes it is best to leave it all behind. When you utilize your run as a break from structure, it can become more fun and free your mind. Take it all in and enjoy the sense of freedom that comes with being a runner.
Too Much Negativity: The key to a sustainable running lifestyle is the ability to minimize negative associations. If you can pin point anything about running that you do not enjoy, try and cut it out. If you aren’t a morning person, try afternoon or evening running. If you get sick of the same old route, mix it up. If you don’t like running in the cold of winter, look for a gym to join. Try pushing positivity and focus on what you particularly enjoy about running.
I am not saying that you should cut out everything that causes a slight discomfort or doesn’t fit ideally into your schedule. Sometimes we just have to gut it out through the tough portions of a run. Speed workouts, tempo runs, and cross training are all necessary. They are designed to improve fitness and get you across the finish line faster. However, I do believe that sometimes we get so caught up in the things we feel we “should” be doing, that we forget why we do it. By seeking balance and rolling with the punches, we can better ensure a sustainably healthy lifestyle.