Results of Intelligent Training

Sunday, December 13, 2015 · Mike Davis

Good morning, This is a text I received yesterday morning: “Thanks, Mike. Great coaching! Thank you. I never felt this much confidence with my running.” The text came from Mark Arsenault, one of our NFLR runners that ran the Jingle Bell Half Marathon yesterday. In a separate text Mark also said that he ran a PR (Personal record) yesterday as well! Am I going to gloat on NFLR’s “Intelligent Training” strategy and draw upon Mark’s “PR” as support for our skilled training and philosophy? Nope, that is the least significant factor of Mark’s race experience yesterday. When Mark and NFLR finally connected this past fall there was not a clear goal for a particular race. Mark had run Boston and other races with a level of success and yet he was not specifically looking to prepare for Boston again. While not having a race or a specific goal in mind might seem challenging for a coach, I knew what he was looking for despite his lack of clarity. His struggles with direction and clarity in his running were both mentally and physically wearing him down. Our challenge would be to reign in his running, while also helping him become a better runner. Those two challenges often clash mentally with most runners and Mark would be the first to confirm that. Our task as running coaches is to instill trust and confidence in our runners that helps them to run with a purpose. Not to just push themselves every time they put on their running shoes and think they will improve as a runners. I slowed Mark down considerably for many of his runs and that was/is a challenge for him. In his mind he struggled with how this would benefit him and we had to have a few conversations about the purpose of his various training runs. Again I was not focusing on trying to get Mark faster but instead helping him become stronger and more disciplined. When I drew up my race pace strategy for Mark Thursday, he responded with a bit of skepticism of whether he would be able to actually execute my laid out plan. I however was quite confident that he was strong and ready to reap the effects of his intelligent training. I also didn’t really care about the results as much as I wanted to challenge him and validate the work he was putting in. The results were all but one mile Mark was able to execute the goal paces and as he said, he felt confident and strong doing it. Great coaching is really about great runners and yesterday Mark showed the results of a runner that has put the work in and has stuck with a specific plan. I am really proud of Mark and I told him that yesterday. Not necessarily because he broke his previous record for a half marathon but, because he showed great trust and effort. Mark is a great runner and fun to work with but, he is wants to get more out of his running and he is definitely moving in that direction. The fact that the ran a personal best on a challenging course is no coincidence but, the way he felt was far more telling as far as where he has come in his training. No Finish Line Running is certainly about helping great runner like Mark Arsenault. However, we will continue to use a philosophy that helps all levels of runners with direction and accountability with the ultimate goal enjoyable and strong running. Race results are only a fun tool along the way when it comes to helping any runner. Great job Mark! The week ahead is full of opportunities to enjoy some runs with NFLR. Our “Winter Running Group” is open to all, Wednesday night at 6pm (7th Settlement Brewery) and Saturday morning at 8:30am (NFLR Center). I will also be at the track Tuesday at 5:30pm for a workout and would welcome you to join me for some 400 repeats. However, Pilates will not happen this week as Erica will be taking a much deserved vacation. Have a great week and thanks for having coffee with me! God Bless! Mike