Less is more when it comes to fitness
After resting last week following the huge Spine Challenger Pennine Way race, this week has seen the start of my new training regime for the year.
It’s a simple formula but one that, if I stick to it, should make me stronger, faster and fitter – and I need all those things if I am to get the most from my 2022 plans.
For the last two years I have run every day. Whilst I loved being outside I now realise that my body just never got a chance to rest, recover and rebuild, so my new weekly plan has me only running four times a week.
In training terms much of what I used to do would be called “dead miles” as they served no purpose (apart from boosting mental wellbeing).
My week now has one six-mile slow run, another six-mile fast, a six-mile hilly run and a longer 12-mile run. Those runs will increase in distance as I become fitter. On top of that I am doing core and strength exercises five times a week, some on the same day as the easier runs but importantly, leaving one full rest day, something I have not done regularly for many years now.
So why the change? Well, my last two big races have not gone as I wanted but I believe I would have lasted longer if I had improved my fitness. Being lighter makes it easier to race and whilst I have no intention of getting anywhere near a podium it would be fun for a change to try to be nearer the front than the back!
I also need to improve my diet. My main meals are fine but I snack too much in the evening so I need to cut that out. Crisps, cheese and biscuits are not your friend when you want to lose weight.
My reward for sticking to the plan this week is spending this weekend at The National Running Show at Birmingham’s NEC (nationalrunningshow. com). I’ll be on the Inspiration Stage today at 10.30am talking about my book Dead Man Running, so if you are there do come along and say hello!
Until next week, Kev
In training terms much of what I used to do would be ‘dead miles’