Summer Miles Week 5

 

Running is a simple sport, right?

Put on some shorts, shoes, and a shirt and head out the door; put one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be tearing up the racecourse…umm, don’t we all wish.

If you’ve ever done any running before, you know that this is utter nonsense. Trying to run faster can be complicated, tricky, and downright frustrating at times.

However, there is one common theme at the heart of running faster, no matter your talent level or training background…run with a purpose. Instead, I am referring to having a purpose, or more specifically, something you hope to get out of each training session.

It’s important to remember that whenever you go out for a run – whether it be an easy day, steady run, tempo run, or speed session – it’s vital that you ask yourself the question, “what is the purpose of this workout?” before you head out the door.

If you, or your coach, can’t answer that question, then I suggest you stop for a second and think about the reason for your run.

Once you have figured out why you’re going to run the prescribed distance and pace, then you can go out and execute the purpose of that session.

This means that easy days should be easy, tempo runs should be on pace, and interval sessions should be at the right effort and recovery.

Doing so will maximize the effectiveness of each training session and help keep you healthy and running faster.

"Running with Purpose" can mean many things. Let me start by saying that having a purpose in anything you do is one of the most contributing factors to overall success. Having purpose in running puts training in perspective. It’s present when you need to be reminded of your goals, whatever they may be.

Some examples of internal purpose include improving fitness, training for specific races, and mental wellness are intricate parts of external purpose. These components help with direction and motivation when training and life get tough. Reminding yourself of your purpose will make the journey much more enjoyable, all while helping with obtaining your goals along the way.

Having a purpose in your running is important but rarely talked about. The first question I would like to ask you is - "What motivates you?" Take a moment to ask yourself that very question. Now take another moment to write down the things that motivate and drive you. This is YOUR purpose! Of course, your purpose may change and evolve over time.

The second part of running with purpose is understanding how specific training will help with development over time. Not understanding the purpose of your training can lead to confusion, and ultimately burnout or injury. Runners who understand their training tend to be happy and healthy, which leads to solid long-term development.

The biggest takeaway is that running is just as much mental as physical. Set yourself up for success from the beginning.

Finally, the purposeful runner recognizes there are going to be obstacles to completing a training plan or even a daily run. We all need purpose to continue doing something as strenuous as running. It can be health, it can be competition, or it can be a combination of the two, or the purpose can be something else altogether. Whatever the purpose is, finding purpose will make your running more meaningful and more enjoyable.

FIND YOUR PURPOSE!!!! RUN HUNGRY!!