If you’ve been around running for more than three minutes, you’ve realized there are a plethora of systems, plans, methods and philosophies concerning what to do and how you should prepare for your first, seventh or fiftieth race. If you ask three people, you’ll get four opinions.
USATF (United States Track and Field) says one way and Brooks-Hanson’s Project give another way. RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) says run slow, Maffetone method says run slower, and Galloway Method says to take walk breaks. Then there is always your brother in law’s advice who has completed two 5K’s in the last 20 years.
Who is right? They all are. Who’s is wrong? They all are. Is one way better than the next? It depends.
You’ve been to a book store and seen the many books on running, nutrition and exercise. There are so many choices which one is good? And not helping are the monthly magazines who need to write an article each month so they will directly contradict what they said to do last time! Assess your own needs and running history and find what works best for you. If you pick on and don’t like it, drop it and move on.
This is where I will make a plea for each person who is looking in to a training plan, to work with a Coach. A Coach can assess your current level of fitness and aerobic capacity. A Coach can see your strengths and areas to improve upon and then create a program that is right and appropriate for you and your Goal race. A Coach will incrementally increase your regimen to get you your desired results and keep you injury free. The right plan should get you to the finish line in a timely manner and achieve your Personal Best.
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