Stop running those miles!

Sunday, July 01, 2012 · Mike Davis

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning, as I sit here with my puppy Roy. The past week was a blur with work, running and life. I have to really strain to recall my running from the past week as I was off a little bit because of moving the previous weeks long run to last Sunday. Monday is usually a run day for me, but because I ran on Sunday, I ended up taking this past Monday off. I then ran Tues, Weds, Thurs and back to Saturday for my normal long run. In some ways I’m back to the beginning with my training as I’m not averaging a lot of miles a week. This past week I ran something like 20 miles, with my long run being 7 miles Saturday and the previous week I ran 29, mile. This week will be interesting as we will be camping for a few days over the 4th of July, but I would like to get in at least 25 miles.

Is it all that important to get caught up in your weekly mileage? No not at all! I must admit that I am a goal oriented person and I enjoy setting the bar high and then exceeding it. I tend to coach and teach differently, but most the time my purpose is to keep my runners healthy and happy. Everyone is wired differently and my wife would tell you I was wired by a dropout from electrician school, but most people do get caught up with how many miles they ran during a given week or particular run. Some like me are just way to over the top. Again is it important? Maybe, but there is actually better ways to train or even just run for recreationally.

If you work with me, I’m going to ask you some pointed questions about your running history and your current running condition. I will look at your goals, schedule, and timeline, and then I will devise a personal training plan that will get you to the finish line however you desire. However, contrary to most of the cookie cutter training plans available, I will focus far less on mileage and more on time on the road. I won’t get into the considerable details that bounce around in my large head, but I will tell you that your body will hold up far better if you think 45 minutes instead of 4 or 5 miles. If you typically run a 10K race at 60 minutes and you are training for a 10K race, you know how long you should run your long run! Not 6.1 miles, but instead 60 minutes.

I know, it’s not easy to get your mind wrapped around, but keep it simple by thinking about your previous experiences in a particular race. Take that 60 minute finish time and that should be your ultimate goal for your training as that will be how long you will have to be running when you run your 10K. If it’s a different length you adjust accordingly and so on. Obviously I am here to serve you and do all the calculating but this method can also work in your everyday recreational running. Instead of thinking you have to get in a 5 mile run somehow, look at your available time and if you only have 45 minutes to run; run for 45 minutes. The distance is unimportant, but instead you get a relaxing 45 minutes in or running.

This week when you don’t think you have enough time to get a 4 mile run in, change your mind set and tell yourself; I can get a 30 minute run in and then go run for 30 minutes. Simply run out 15 minutes and then turn around and run back. Do this a few times this week and you will feel the stress fall right off your body! Mileage will take care of itself and running will be exactly what it should be: fun! I certainly welcome you to seek me out if you need some help with a running plan that will give you more in-depth guidance and specificity. I think anyone that is looking for success in their running will find my running plans to valuable for their particular goals.

Don’t forget, Monday nights in Dover I hold training sessions for all level runners. This week will be some track intervals that will improve your ability to breath with less strain for runs of all distances. Come on out and have some fun with me!

Have a great 4th of July and God bless America!

mike