Summer running
Winter has tried to hold on here in Wisconsin but we know summer is coming
Whether now or a month from now, summer will arrive at some point. So it’s time for your annual reminders on safe and productive summer running.
…Training
All things training. Mostly advice and tips but maybe questions, general comments, or who knows what else.
Be willing to skip a workout
We’ve all experienced those days. A workout or long run is in the plan but we’re just not feeling it. What do you do in those situations?
…Progress is not linear
In the spring of 1996, I lowered my 5K PR from 17:06 to 16:08 in two races. Afterward, I could consistently run in the low 16s. However, lowering that PR just wasn’t happening for the remainder of that track season or the 1997 season.
Then, after a year away from track for reasons that had nothing to do with running, I returned in the spring of 1999 and progressively worked my PR down to 15:43. Sub-16 became routine. I took my 10K PR from 34:12 to 32:57 in a single race. A mid-33, a short time earlier over 30 seconds faster than my PR, would now be a bad race.
…Personalized training
For as long as HillRunner.com has been around, I’ve been asked why there are no training plans posted on the site. You know the type people are asking about, your “12 weeks to a 5K” plan that you can find in many books and on many websites. My usual answer is “Cookie cutter plans work for cookie cutter people and I have yet to meet a cookie cutter person.”
…What’s your zone?
I’ve been seeing a lot of talk recently about zone 2 running. In a way, this is wonderful. In a way, this is a bit troubling.
Why? Well, it’s wonderful because people are talking about keeping easy runs easy. This is so important. A majority, even significant majority, of your time spent running should be at an easy pace.
…