I have had over the years rare opportunities to run with athletes who had the fast run mindset.
What exactly is the difference between a good runner and a great athlete.
I firmly believe that everyone is great in their own right. To sit back and judge is not worth anyone's time or energy.
We all have opinions of what we think ‘greatness' is. Greatness is making the most of the time you have and give 100% effort toward your goal.
That is being great.
It doesn't mean you have to hit a 2.10 marathon, 60 minute half or 13.00 5K to have worth.
to give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift‘ – Steve Prefontaine
Do you have a fast run mind set? Are you seeking to learn how to run fast and get over the performance stagnation?
I have seen runners with such an incredible mind set to run fast that they clearly have put themselves in another realm of athleticism. I named this site Run..Dream…Achieve for that very reason. Runners around the world already know what it takes to run fast.
Stay Committed
They just need, at times but not always, the guidance to get that fast run mind set. They are told doing long slow distance is the way to go. In addition, spending too much time at far too low of an aerobic level. So, the result is they fail to achieve the specific goal race times they seek.
Running easy is certainly important. Also, burning fat or losing weight it cannot be more important.
These are all honorable reasons to want to run slow. That being said, as runners become more in tune with their bodies more is involved on the part of the athlete.
Invest In A RunDreamAchieve Training Plan
Running fast is a mindset you have to have to have in order to get to a new level in your training and racing.
Are you a 5 hour marathoner what must be done to become a 4 hour marathoner? Look at the paces one must hold to go from one level (11.27 pace) to the next (9.09 pace).
So, you need to focus on gradual progression to 9.09 pace. In addition, training well below that effort.
For example, hard fartleks branching out to longer durations. Also, running sprints up hills at paces that are far below 9.09 pace.
Talent vs Hard Work
So, if an athlete is willing to work hard for their goal he or she is going to make it happen.
Do genetics play a part?
Absolutely. That being said, talent that does not work is sacrificing their gift.
Can a 5 hour marathoner ever become a 2.05 marathoner?
The cards are stacked against that athlete for many different reasons. Remember, you don't have to be world-class athlete to not have the fast run mind set.
Runners have so much potential.
I believe there are countless champions out in the world who are going to make massive improvements. These athletes they have belief and desire.
Belief and desire will never be able to be measured on a McMillan or any other pace chart.
Greg McMillan is a great coach and 2.31 marathoner. That being said, he is experienced enough to know these two characteristics cannot be determined.
Determination Cannot be Measured
My best ten-mile, 50.54 is equivalent to a 2.22.53 marathon and 1.07.54 half-marathon. Remember, the best I have run for the half-marathon is 1.07.06) and (2.19.35) for the marathon.
It is up to the athlete to determine how good they want to be. No one was holding my hand telling me to get out and train in the bitter cold Colorado mornings.
Desire cannot be taught in a classroom.
Sure, the desire to want something can be talked about but ultimately it is up to the athlete to make that goal come into being.
I talk a lot about my struggles here on rundreamachieve. In addition, successes for the specific purpose of inspiring my readers to get into that fast run mindset.
You have to experience in training what you hope to achieve in the race. This is fact and cannot be understated. Regardless what your goal is, you have to get motivated about it.
Build Your Strength and Stamina
You need to push your anaerobic limits. In addition, your mindset has to be hard wired for speed and stamina.
We all know how to run easy.
It doesn't take a great deal of effort or skill. Running fast and having a mindset that differs from those seeking easy running is the game changer.
It does not make you or I any better then athletes who run for enjoyment and fitness.
There are three things in life more valuable than anything. Family, Health and Time. Of course, there are people who may be more concerned with the next reality television show on their schedule. How many are willing to get out the door to walk for 10 minutes?
A fast run mindset is one that challenges your beliefs about yourself. It challenges your bodies systems every time you get out the door to do a hard road tempo or track workout. It is the dividing factor between wanting to run well and seeking to run great.
Make sure to subscribe to the RunDreamAchieve YouTube channel. I create new videos each week to help runners such as yourself get to the next level. There are also running courses and monthly, online coaching available here at rundreamachieve. You can view these options by looking at the navigation menu at the top of this website. I hope this post on the fast run mindset has been helpful to you.
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