Every runner is different. Every race is different. And so my version of training is probably different from yours.

And I think there are many variables to take into account when we talk about training:

1. Is this your first race at this distance?

If it is, I would recommend any of the following options:

• • Follow a training plan.
  • Join a running club
  • Get a coach
  • Read some blogs
  • Join some social networking groups
  • Google 🙂

For my FIRST 5k, I joined No Boundaries, a running program sponsored by a local running store.

I downloaded the training plan from the website of my FIRST half marathon and followed that.

And of course, for my FIRST marathon, I downloaded a plan or three, got advice from others who had run the race and joined a FB group for the race.

2. What is your goal for the race? Do you even have a goal?

Do you want to try for a PR, have a course PR, run negative splits or maybe win an age group award?

Or do you just want to finish?

Are you running the race just because your friends are or is it part of a vacation?

My recommendation for training with a goal in mind would be the same as if you were running that distance for the first time.  Plus most likely, your plan would include a variety of drills. What kind of drills would depend on your goal and maybe even the race course and surface.

Many times, my training related to a goal is not worry about anything but enjoy the race and enjoy the runs up to the race.

It is still training in my book because I do complete my runs.  I just may not wear a watch or keep track of my pace.

And then there may be a race where I do want to do my best and try for a course PR.  In these cases, I have joined a training group.

3. Is it a long race or a shorter distance?

Of course distance is relative.  For someone who runs ultras, 13.1 may seem short.

For me, I consider long, any race that is a 15k or longer.

Personally, I do not train for races that are shorter than a half marathon.  In fact, many of my shorter distance races have been part of my weekend long run.

For longer races, my philosophy is to make sure you do your LONG runs.  How I do that is work backwards from the race date.

Half Marathon – 8/10 miles, 12 miles, 11 miles, 10 miles, etc.

Of course, where you start your long runs varies.  That will dictate how many weeks you need to train for the race.

I personally do not pay attention to my weekday runs.  I do them and they are squeezed in (3-4 miles) depending on my work schedule.

I was able to complete the NYC Marathon doing it this way.  But then again, my goal was only TO FINISH.

4. Are you injury-prone (or recovering from an injury)?

No one wants to be injured.  Sometimes they are unavoidable (like a fall) but either way, they impact your training for a race.

My tip for training when injured or recovering from an injury (unfortunately I have experience in this area) is to cut back in your training.

See a doctor.  Do the PT exercises and what else is necessary so you can do your race.

Don’t worry about your training.  Let go of any race goals.

You can skip runs and long runs in this situation.  You will not heal if you keep to your plan (as if you were healthy).

As I have said above, there is no ONE way to train.

I bet that your training has changed as you have run different terrains, different distances and as one ages and becomes a more experienced runner.

I know mine has.

Happy Running! Do you have any other training tips? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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