The Coaches Tip

Runners World
New Guide to Distance Running:
The Relevance of Running
Carolyn W Clarke
Limiting worldly possessions. Philip Slater, like Reisman, is a theorist- and a pessimistic one at that. In his book,The Pursuit of Loneliness he sees a society obsessed with the acquisition of material goods. But this study surely excluded the runner who heeds the words of Marcus Cicero:" Beware of ambition for wealth... There is nothing more honorable or noble than indifference to money."
Now don't be misled. It is not that the runners lacks an appreciation for fine furniture or cars. It's simply that by running daily and stretching properly , he doesn't have time to acquire them. The runners needs are basic: gallons of fluid, pounds of chocolates, and an absence of the number one enemy- pain. His affinity? It is not with those who have equal rank or wealth, but rather with fellow sufferers of sore knees, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.
And what about the runner's clothes? Writer George Sheehan states that before he began running he was a card-carrying member of the fashion conspiracy. But his running changed all that. He replaced his stylish clothes with long-johns, large size turtlenecks, skin-tight Levis, and over-the-calf hose. After experiencing the comfort and practicality of such attire, Dr Sheehan vowed never again to buy another dress outfit.
And finally the runner's feet. These marvels of engineering surely deserve the best of care. With the increased mileage comes blackened toenails, raw blisters, and fallen arches. Therefore, the runner's tendency is to match dress outfits, not with fashionable slingbacks or platform shoes, but rather with a good, solid, multi-coloured pair of training shoes. And if, heaven forbid, the runner suffers from that dreaded affliction known as Morton's foot, you just may see him wearing his Adidas Oregans at all times. As a runner function- not fashion- is the ultimate consideration.

Runners World
New Guide to Distance Running:
The Relevance of Running
Carolyn W Clarke
The other directed man/woman: Writer David Riesman states members of today's society are ynduly attentive to and influenced by peer-group pressure. But then emerges the runner. Has he ever curtailed a workout for fear of what people will think? The answer, of course is "no." Oblivious of the opinions of others, he is in his ultimate glory as he lopes across the land.
Why does he run? According to George Sheehan, " The runner does not run because he is too slight for football or hasn't the ability to put a ball through a hoop or can't hit a curveball. He doesn't run primarily to loose weight or become fit or to prevent heart attacks. He runs because he has to."
And during his period of fantasy and flight what does the runner get? "Joy and Pain," replies former Boston Marathon winner Amby Burfoot. " Good health and injuries. Exhilaration and despair. A feeling of accomplishment and a feeling of waste. The sunrise and the sunset."
: A sense of movement," replies British marathon champion Ian Thompson. " You lose a sense of identity in yourself. You become running itself." Perhaps Thompson speaks for all runners as he continues, " I only have to think of putting on my running shoes, and the kinesthetic pleasure of floating along, the pleasure of movement starts to come. I get a feeling of euphoria, almost real happiness." Thompson concludes, " It's the platonic ideas of knowing thyself. Running is getting to know yourself to an extreme degree."

"New Guide To Distance Running."
Editors of Runner's World Magazine.
Jim Lilliefors.
Slow down- Perhaps slowing down one's thoughts is more important than slowing down one's pace. If thoughts are running too fast while running, much is missed. Take time to notice the trees, the grass, and the scenery around you.
Don't force yourself. If a run isn't enjoyable, don't force yourself beyond what is comfortable. This will quickly lead to a weariness with running.
Test: For building confidence, "test" yourself- whether in a race, or just an extra fast or long training run. This should take place naturally, and only when the runner feels the inclination.
Part One.

A little food for thought:
A lot of runners get a VO2MAX reading from their sports watch. It indicates a running potential that is generally a lot faster than what you believe you are capable of. Start easy and gradually build up your speed work over various distances and be amazed by the results in your running times.