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Jul
29
Running Two a Day
Filed Under Running, Training | Leave a Comment
Many runners up their mileage by running twice every day. I have heard many opinions on the helpfulness of two-a-days. Some people believe running twice in a day is more hurt than help.
This article on two-a-days goes through the benefits of running twice and when you should start your new training.
My personal opinion is that it can’t hurt to run twice a day, but if you are on low mileage maybe only run two-a-days on 2-3 days of the week.
Jul
11
To the Pain
Filed Under Running, Training | Leave a Comment
Distance running is largely about learning how to manage pain. There are many runners who are physically fit but lack the mental toughness it takes to be great. These runners will never quite reach their potential.
Part of training is building muscles and stamina, but an equally important part is building mental toughness. Mental toughness will allow you to train harder and to race faster. Here are some questions to determine how mentally tough you are:
Do you always have enough energy left at the end of the race for a really strong kick–stronger than those around you? It could be that you will always have enough energy to do a fast sprint at the end. However, I believe that if you normally have that much energy, you could probably run faster for the rest of the race and get a better overall time. I certainly believe this is the case if you are always passing people at the end of the race. If this happens, try a different strategy. Go out a bit faster and pass people at the beginning. Find someone who is normally faster than you and stick with them. You may surprise yourself. If you have a weak kick at the end, at least you know you’ve left it all on the course.
When you go running on your own, do you find yourself running more or less than the goal you set out with? Running on your own can be mentally demanding. There is no one to distract you. There is no one with whom you can compete–only yourself. Usually you’ll have a goal of how long or far you want to run. Meet that goal! If you can, go a little further. Sometimes I will force myself to run a certain distance by heading in a straight line away from my house and not turning around until I’ve completed half of my goal. If I’m tired on the way back, I have to learn to face my doubts and negative thoughts and go all the way, after all, there is no short cut.
Have you developed ways to eliminate negative thoughts? Many runners allow negative thoughts to destroy them. This is evident when a “good” runner has a terrible race. A truly good runner can run well even when he or she doesn’t feel well. One way I maintain positive thoughts is by singing positive songs in my mind. Another good way I’ve maintained positive thoughts is by designating points on the course that are mine. For instance, for one race I found a turn out of which I decided I would accelerate. During the race, we hit that point and since I knew it was my turn, I gained an advantage over my opponent. A final way to find positive thoughts is to watch inspirational movies. Two that I recommend are Gattica and Rudy, but try to find your own.
Do you slow down when someone passes you? One strategy I use during races is to speed up when I’m passing. It can really destroy the mind of your opponent. But don’t get on the wrong side of that tactic! Know your strategy and stick to it. If someone passes you unexpectedly, either speed up or maintain your speed, but don’t slow down.
Do you find yourself looking back at the end of a race? Believe me, I’ve looked back and I know exactly what it means: “I don’t want to go any faster and I won’t go any faster unless someone is going to pass me.” Boston knew what they were talking about–don’t look back! Leave everything on the course. Don’t be lazy. Go as fast as you can so that the person that might be behind you gives up.
The Tour de France is in full swing. Michael Barry, a professional cyclist, wrote in a New York Times piece that:
Everybody in the Tour de France will suffer; the winner will probably be the one who is prepared to suffer the most.
The same is true for distance racing. Don’t think that it’s just a runner’s stamina that got him/her first place; it was also his/her mind.
Jul
6
The Importance of Stretching
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
One rookie mistake that many runners make is not stretching. Stretching is a fundamental part of running. You should stretch before and after every run. Not only does stretching feel good, it makes you less susceptible to injury, have a wider range of motion, and reduces soreness after hard workouts.
- To stretch more successfully, go on a 5-10 minute easy warm up. This causes the muscles to literally warm up, making them easier to stretch.
- When you stretch, you should go to the furthest that you can without overextending the muscle. Hold that position for 20-60 seconds.
- Stretch both sides of the body the same amount, not doing so can hurt your form and cause injuries that you are trying to prevent.
- Do NOT bounce when stretching. This often causes overextending of the muscle and can cause injury.
If you currently have poor flexibility, don’t worry! Adding stretches to your running routine makes you a more flexible person over time.
Stretching after your workout is another important thing to do. After a workout your muscles are warmest. They will take the stretches easier and it will feel great! Post-workout stretching reduces soreness later.
Add stretching to your routine. Some great stretches for runners can be found on this webpage.
Stretch you Curious Runners.
Jul
1
Nick Symmonds Qualifies for Beijing
Filed Under News, Quote, Running, Spotlight Runner | Leave a Comment
Nick Symmonds shot past competition to take first in the 2008 Olympic Track & Field Trials at Eugene,
Oregon. Symmonds ran the 800 in a time of 1:44.10, the second fastest 800 time ever run in the United States.
“It’s one thing to say that I have the potential to do it. It’s another thing to do it on the night everyone else is trying to.”
-Nick Symmonds
Something I admire about Nick is that he knows you cannot truly win unless you have to compete. I have known many runners who win races but do not run their hardest. They don’t set personal bests, they don’t feel tired after the race, but they get first place and are satisfied.
Run your hardest every race, don’t settle for what you know you can do. Remain curious.
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About
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This is my blog where I write about running, training, races, and anything else running related. Because I run for Mountain View High School I may write about my team and opposing teams in the Treasure Valley. Everything written in this blog is my personal opinion and does not reflect the views of my coaches, my teammates, or my school.