Why you run may be different than why I run. My hope for this post is to share with you some tips and strategies to ensure you stay positive. In addition, to help you get some new personal bests. Welcome to rundreamachieve.com. I am glad you have made it here. Running takes a lot of effort and time. Of course, many runners deal with burnout and get tired. So, sometimes the best thing to do is to take some time away from the sport.
I recently made a video about burnout I will attach below for you to watch. Make sure to subscribe to the RunDreamAchieve YouTube channel. I created new videos each week to help runners such as yourself get to the next level in their training and racing. Why you run may be to stay fit and to release some stress. That being said, others many run to compete in races and run specific times for their chosen event.
Why Do You Like Running?
I have been competing for over 30 years as a runner and like it for what it has brought to me. Of course, running over 100 miles a week is not always fun. That being said, the journey of testing the body and mind is exciting. What are you capable of doing is the unknown that can only be defined by putting in the work. Of course, I competed at the professional level and jog now for fitness.
So, I like running in that it keeps me in shape and feeling younger than I am. Why you run may be totally different. Perhaps you are aiming for a specific time like a sub 3 hour marathon. Are you trying to get to a specific weight goal? We all run for our own reasons. One of the biggest reasons I see is that runners want to cover their chosen distance as fast as possible.
I have created running courses here at rundreamachieve.com to help speed that process up. In addition, have monthly coaching and training plans available here too. So, if you are aiming to run faster definitely check out the resources available here at rundreamachieve.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRIVATE, MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITYWhat are the Benefits of Running?
There are numerous benefits of running that can be positive. Below are just a few of them.
- Weight loss
- Increases bone density
- You burn calories during and throughout the day
- Enhanced metabolism
- Improves your mood and mental clarity
- Running has the potential to be a very social activity
- Can connect you to nature
- Running helps to improve your confidence
- Assists with improving your mood
- Running improves and builds upon your muscular strength
- Helps you to run faster and with less effort the fitter you get
Why Do You Run?
I have been asked this question several times over the years. The biggest reason for me is that I wanted to compete. So, I wanted to see how fast I could possibly get with the limited talent that I had. You are more than welcome to learn more about my running background by visiting the about page. I eventually ran a personal best of 2:19:35 for the marathon distance.
No, success didn't come quickly and it did take time and effort to get to this point. In fact. I started running in 1992 as a freshman in high school. The first time I ran the 1600m (4 laps of the track) I ran 5:30. I was able to lower than time down to 4:25 by the end of my senior year in high school. My brother talked me into coming out for the track team and the rest is history.
I went on to compete professionally for the US Army World Class Athlete Program. In addition, made two world armed forces cross-country teams as well. So, I ran for a sense of achievement and to stay in good shape. Our health is the most important gift we have outside of love for our Creator and family.
How Do I Run Faster
There are numerous ways you can run faster. That being said, patience is key if you want to be great in this sport. Runners are already highly disciplined and focused individuals. So, getting fast results is what most people seek after. Who doesn't want fast results right? Well, it doesn't always work that with running. You have to have a belief in delayed gratification if you want to see legitimate results come your way.
So, get beyond the idea of quantity being the answer to running faster. I have seen runners who put in 100 miles a wee who don't get the results of someone putting in 30. Remember, it isn't about the quantity as much as it is the quality of the work you are doing. I ran as high as 142 miles in one week. It left me tired, lethargic and frustrated. I broke the 2:20 marathon barrier running 85 to 90 miles a week. So, the focus needs to be on the quality of the work you are putting in to get faster.
What percentage of your weekly mileage are you training at or below your goal race pace? The best middle to long distance runners are running about 40 percent of their weekly volume at these efforts. Why do they make it look so easy? They have trained properly. In addition, they have improved their lactate tolerance. So, race pace no longer feels so aggressive. In fact, it feels more like a tempo run.
CHECK OUT OUR RUNNING COURSESHow to Run Faster Without Getting Tired
Why you run may be to lessen the effects of lactic acid build up. Yes, there are many runners who run specifically to get as fast as possible. I was one of those runners who had that mainly as my focus. So, my goal was to break the 4 minute mile and make it to the Olympics. Of course, I learned with time that I didn't quite have the genetics in order to do that.
That being said, I was able to travel the world and compete internationally. Also, ended up running 4:22 for the mile and running a 2:19 marathon. So, the hard work was worth it. More importantly, I met some incredible people. In addition, trained and lived with some world-class runners including Olympians. You run faster without getting tired by consistent, daily action.
Focus on spending a portion of your long runs at faster paces. For example, spend about 40 percent of your long run running at about 85 to 88% of your maximum heart rate. You will improve your body's lactate tolerance. In addition, build endurance at the same time. Long runs were the most difficult workout that I did. I used this tactic to lower my marathon best from 2:43:36 to 2:19:35. So, I know this works. Remember, always alternate a harder, faster long run followed the next week with an easy long run.
Why Do I Get Tired When I Run Fast?
The body requires more oxygen when you run fast as compared with when you run slow. In addition, you produce higher amounts of lactic acid the faster you run as well. So, it takes time to improve your body's lactate tolerance. Again, patience is key when it comes to getting in better anaerobic shape. The hydrogen ion component of lactic acid is the real culprit as to why we slow down when running faster.
So, to run faster you have to allot sufficient time for your body to adapt to the stresses you are placing on it. Remember, it takes between 3 to 4 weeks for your body to adapt to any stressor being placed upon it. So, the benefits of the workouts you do today will be seen several weeks from now.
Closing Thoughts
So, why you run may differ from the reason I run but maintaining focus and excitement is key. We all have different goals with this sports. Perhaps yours is to qualify for the Boston marathon. You may be want to break the sub 2 hour half marathon barrier or run a 35 minute 10k. The key is to maintain your enthusiasm no matter what you have to deal with along the way.
Of course, running can also be very enjoyable just for getting out the door. It is much more fun to be in shape than to be out of shape. Yes, it does take time and effort to get in great shape. So, be patient with yourself and don't beat yourself up if you don't see results as quickly as you would like. Remember, this is a process and takes time to see legitimate results.
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