Intelligent Training

Sunday, August 16, 2015 · Mike Davis

Good morning! During our group training run yesterday morning from the NFLR Center I ran the first half of the run with a very gifted runner, who is also one of the most challenging runners. Truthfully, she is not actually the most challenging runner we have ever had but, her gifted running combined with an undisciplined running approach, challenges the NFLR approach to strong and healthy running. Saying that someone is a “challenge” gives a negative connotation but, we never believe that challenging is a negative thing whatsoever. In fact, nearly every runner presents some challenge to us whether it be a physical one or in some cases a mental one. However, if this particular young woman’s challenges are not addressed they will result in scary bad results (injuries) but, if overcome she is capable of doing amazing things. While this runner is unique in her own way, she is very typical of many of the naturally gifted runners that come our way. Gifted runners, especially ones that are younger, generally approach every run with the same mindset: run! While we all might say that is our mindset as well because, that’s what we do is to simply “run,” but as a certified running coach I would tell you that, that approach can not only be counterproductive, but also quite harmful. Do I have your attention now? Am I talking to you? Is this just about naturally gifted runners and the rest of us can just “run”? Infrequently; if ever, will any challenge be unique to a single runner and this particular one is most definitely a problem for nearly all runners. In this particular case, there are multiple factors that make this one quite problematic if not addressed. The combination of excessive running, one speed and natural ability, not only minimizes the opportunity to improve, but most definitely insures injury. Most runners become guilty of either too much mileage or, running at one pace, and just one of those will undermine our ability to improve our overall performance. While the idea of “less is best” is counterintuitive, our bodies are designed as such that performance improvement requires intelligent training that allows for rest, active rest, specific targets and discipline. Very few, if any, are capable of ignoring intelligent training and getting sustainable improvement. Certainly when we were younger we could see great results by constant pushing, but I have no doubt a young gifted runner would see superior results if they were trained intelligently. Not to condemn or criticize any coach, because there are many great coaches at all levels that get really great results. However, many great young runners are just pushed harder with the idea that they need to be challenged in order to perform better. This same mentality is prevalent with runners and coaches for older folks as well. More and faster are the mindset to most that want to be better runners. I won’t say as a running coach that I don’t believe in increased mileage or faster running, but they are only a part of an intelligent training program. When we design a training program for a runner that is trying to improve, we think stronger. Stronger means: body strong (strength & conditioning), appropriate active recovery, rest, specific leg turnover and mentally strong. Combined these attributes compose an intelligent training plan that brings about the greatest possible improvement. Not everyone comes to us with a desire to improve their 5K time or qualify for Boston, so why worry about intelligent training? Improvement is definitely a result of intelligent training, but just as important (if not more) developing a strong runner means we have created a healthy runner that will most likely minimize potential injuries. No Finish Line Running is first and foremost, about a lifetime of running and our goal is to help all of our runners, run for life. If they are not strong, there will be a far greater risk for injury as well as a sustained life of enjoyable running. Intelligent training is about building a foundation that develops an individual from the toe all the way up to the brain. A problem I have with most training plans that are pulled down from the web or out of a book is that they are far from specific or intelligent because they are not specific to an individual. Healthy and strong running is very much individual specific and one plan that works for a particular individual isn’t the best plan for another. We are all different and are served best by a calculated training plan that fit who we are and what our challenges are. Whether your goal is to run a 7 minute mile or to run forever, “intelligent training” provides the greatest chance of success. During my time running with this runner yesterday she paid me a wonderful compliment about my knowledge of running. That was really nice and I certainly work at understanding the science of running, which I believe will help me guide the team at No Finish Line Running and the development of “intelligent training.” I want NFLR to always be at the forefront of knowledge about running and to continue evolving our training so that we can help all runners become stronger. We somewhat align ourselves with the techniques and philosophy of world renown running coach Jack Daniels. Mister Daniels has helped many runners at all levels through “intelligent training” and as with NFLR that means more and faster isn’t better. “Intelligent training” isn’t a phrase from the aforementioned Jack Daniels or from any other running coach or running source. As we continuously develop as knowledgeable and experienced running coaches at NFLR, the phrase “intelligent training” keeps popping up in my head. We all love the freedom of running without tasking our brains but at NFLR we believe we need to come up with the plan, sell you on the plan and keep you focused on the plan. With some work and discipline we know that we can help all runners get where they want to go and they will enjoy it! So have a great week and see you on the roads! God Bless! Mike