A Training Plan Hint That Makes a Difference!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 · Mike Davis

Good morning,

One of the unique differences you will find with an NFLR training plan is that instead of a plan that increases up running by adding mileage, we incrementally increase based on time. This methodology is based on studying various training methods, as well as our own experience and combined we have what the most effective and safest way to train.

Every run is a unique experience and like that disclaimer on a stock prospectus: “Past performance, is not indicative of future results.” Today we are a day older, we have more miles on our body, the atmospheric conditions may be different and I could go on and on with the possible differences that make todays run unique. Like that future of that stock you purchase, your running is based on your next step, not your previous. The idea that running the same effort (pace) for the same distance, makes a run the same is not scientifically accurate. The above listed differences are only a few of reasons that every run needs to approached with greater logic and this can be done by controlling some of the variables. Running a 5 miles 4 times a week may seem like a control variable, however running a certain distance only means that you will attempt to overcome variables that may not be conducive to healthy or effective running on a given day. Treating each run as a unique experience, while respecting that there may be some factors that will affect that run, will insure a more enjoyable and healthy run.

Replacing a paradigm of running for distance with running for a period of time, will help control those factors that runners have no control over or are not even aware of. Replacing that regular run of 5 miles, with a 50 or 60-minute run, will allow your body to manage the stress versus the distance dictating the stress to the body. On a given day, a 50 or 60-minute run may be less than 5 miles, because we tired from not sleeping well, or we have not recovered from that cold, or etc.… On another day, we feel stronger or the weather is better, so that 50 or 60-minute run gets us 5.5 miles. Two runs or the same total time and we run two different distances. Both runs were of similar stress, because we controlled an important factor (time), instead of letting the mileage control us.

The better we control the stress factor on our bodies, the healthier and more enjoyable a run will be. There are many other great reasons that running for time will benefit a runner overall running health, enjoyment, and efficiency, but one of the favorites of most is, the scheduling benefit. With tight schedules, it is much easier to know exactly how long we will be out, as opposed to guessing based on previous runs (when they were younger). Our personal training plans all consider all factors that need to be considered in order to insure the best possible run and contribute to a safe and effective overall training plan. If you want to try a week of an NFLR personal training plan, for free, contact us at info@nofinishlinerunning.com!

Have a great Wednesday!

God Bless!

Mike