GOING THE DISTANCE
Beware! No over-training and no over-racing
Beware! No over-training and no over-racing
Theorising the 2019 running calendar is over and as of next week it is all reality for the road running fraternity. Reality is sometimes a bit harsh, but can be so exciting if one's strategy is sensible.
For 5km to 21.1km (half marathon) result planning is much easier than for those who choose the marathon or ultra marathons. That is because recovery is more simple.
As of now there is a race every weekend leading up to the Two Oceans 56km or 21km.
Should they all be run or raced? Run maybe, raced definitely not.
The ultra marathoners, Two Oceans or Comrades runners, would be advised to run a marathon as a full dress rehearsal for their chosen race. For those who have not yet qualified there is indeed no other option, while for those who did a late qualifying marathon, November or worse still December, they would best be advised to seek recovery.
That said, choosing the best option, provided travel is affordable, makes perfect sense. So my runners are entered into one (only) of the Peninsula in Cape Town, Hillcrest in Durban, the Vaal in Gauteng or Buffs in East London.
The most ideal date of the three is the Vaal on March 3, what was the traditional date for Buffs , now moved to March 10.
That means 6-9 weeks to the chosen marathon.
For those wishing to race Two Oceans it will require control and a planned strategy at the Marathon. Comrades runners much less so.
My recommendation to all is to choose one or maybe two good 10km races and there are four to choose from – one good half marathon of which there are three, but one of which is age group-based and another the half marathon option to the Buffs weekend.
There are other niche races such as Tomato Trot, a Gulu-based trail run and Surfers all of which will receive consideration.
Every weekend there are of course numerous parkruns for those who recognise their value, while weekly club time trials are also available.
Add all that together and it comes down to too much racing, which in turn often results in injuries as does excessive training.
Time trials are of specific interest as we hear of numerous runners doing one, even two or three per week.
Let us look at what Bruce Fordyce did in his heyday. In February he would run 2-3 short distance races 10-15km and a time trial or possibly two.
In March only one time trial, in April one and in May, the month of his beloved Comrades race, he would always race a 12km cross country and one time trial.
The effectiveness of a time trial relates only as a gauge of fitness.
New year resolutions should read: "No over training and no over racing."
Contact: bob@boastrunningsuccess.co.za