Grey areas leave room for grey training

Recent consultations have reminded me about the consequences of setting goals. It seems we all want specific goals but are only willing to use the scientific approach if it fits with our lifestyles. If the goal is specific then the training programme needs to reflect it. What is evident in recent months, everyone is employing the in depth science available but not complimenting it with the necessary detail. Shortcuts on the nutrition, stretching and inability to go to bed by 10pm. These are all adding to the pressures of following a detailed training plan. Frequency, steady and enjoying the process should be most peoples ambition for the goals to be achieved - that is if the goals are realistic in the first place.
So here is what I wrote 4 years ago. The point I'm trying to make; it's good to aim high and have a go. Whichever route of knowledge and application you take will have a consequence on the end result. So choose wisely and be realistic.

WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR WEDDING?
“you’re going to hit the wall between 20 and 22 miles”, “it’s going to hurt a lot and it leaves you feeling helpless”.

Goodness! No wonder the thought of running a marathon can send shivers down our spines. It’s time to think more positively. Gone are the days of ignorance when you may be forgiven for not realising what you let yourself in for. The mass participation events have really grown in popularity. More so than the late chris bradshaw could ever have realised over 20 years ago when he started the london marathon.

Science has accelerated; methods of training have been developed for every exercise level; footwear technology caters for every instep and outstep; nutritional products are in abundance; breathable clothes to keep the body cool as it wickes the sweat away; blister free socks; you can book a race 12 months before so you can plan it with wedding precision!

So, you have no more reasons to suffer the wall, or do you?

What about the factors that science has no control over. The factors that only you influence. These are the true reasons why you may not perform on the day. All the choices you made along the way. There’s nothing wrong with getting it wrong, so long as you learn from it and make it better next time. If you are going to fulfil the ambition of finishing a marathon then why not do it in a pleasurable manner. Become some of the few that get it right. Knowing you could have done more is a lot more rewarding than hobbling out of the physio knowing you did too much!

Personal factors to consider.
Your overall health. Running when you feel out of sorts is not good for health. There are times when you have to listen to your body before your body will listen to you!

Your attitude. If you set a time to finish by, then you are racing. Therefore your training should reflect just that. If you just want to finish then you are participating. Training sessions should reflect this attitude.

“you are what you eat”. If you want to run a marathon from start to finish then you are going to have to eat, breathe and sleep like someone trying to run a marathon. If you end up sinkng the odd glass of wine here and there then you become a particiant. Eating fatty foods because you’re burning so many calories from training? If the answer is yes then you are a participant.

Time for training. Think quality well before quantity. Think easy paced endurance before speed. Think consistency and frequency.(OCT 05)
Taiwan Highlands - 700m climbed in 60 min walking up stairs. They obviously thought it would make more sense to go the direct route. We could have gone a long way round in 2 hours. Are you making the right choices on which way to reach your goals?