Most Recommended Running Posts
I recently shared the Most Popular Running Posts of 2020 from this blog: Resources for Runners. They were the most-read posts of the year based on my website analytics.
Of course, most popular doesn’t necessarily most helpful, or most important. So today I’ve put together my personal “Most Recommended” posts from last year. As a former pro athlete, Olympic runner and now running coach, I wrote these articles to share what I believe is the most crucial training advice for any runner.
Enjoy!
The Greatest Training Tool
(Click article title to read)
The MOST IMPORTANT training concept for runners is learning to understand effort! This is done through a variety of paces. Variety must be part of a training plan for runners who want to improve both speed and endurance.
This blog post includes details on how to do The Cycle Run - an interval workout that will help any runner develop awareness of different effort levels and practice difference paces.
Discipline is reliable, motivation is not.
It doesn’t matter if we want to do the training… what matters is whether or not we actually do the training.
Learn when lack of motivation is something to push through, and when to pay attention to low motivation. Sometimes low motivation is a sign of burnout or overtraining and changes should be made.
We’ve all had at least a few truly awful workouts. We feel terrible from the first steps, can’t hit the paces, need more recovery and usually cut the run or workout short. If we do finish, it’s ugly.
Usually, we label a workout “bad” largely because of inappropriate expectations.
I’ve lost track of the number of conversations I’ve had with runners who call themselves “old.” People often feel the need to “warn me” about their age. Many wonder aloud if they can still improve, or if they are destined to get slower and slower.
Many people who do not consider themselves an old person do consider themselves an old runner. Why is that?
Your Running Injury Needs Treatment
It makes me really sad every time I hear a runner “resting to see if it helps” their injury. Rest (alone) is not a good solution.
Injuries need treatment.
Treatment accelerates recovery.
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.