Training For The Times

Hows training going?

Are you sticking to a strict regimen, ready to sign up for the first marathon that makes a comeback? Or have you been taking it a little slower, lower mileage at a more moderate pace? Maybe you, like so many other runners, are feeling a little lost. Unsure of how to train in these uncertain times. 

Corona Virus is still here, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. While race directors may be doing their best to organize small scale events that work with the local safety guidelines, the large scale events that many of us are used to attending, are still pretty far out of sight. This is a disheartening reality to runners that thrive at large, high energy type events. Not to mention a devastating blow to running communities that have built a foundation under large local races, much like the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. 

Run clubs within a wide radius of Cincinnati usually start off every January with marathon training programs to get their club members ready for the springtime race. A slow build up of mileage that kicks off the year with high motivation and excitement. These communities are rooted in the beloved 23 year old race, and all the traditions it has created. Though the pig hasn’t yet been cancelled or postponed for 2021, the recent postponement of The Boston Marathon, has everyone wary of another year of virtual events. 

Running clubs and individual runners alike are struggling with the same question, how should I be training?

So we offer you this, a short list of new ways to think about training during this time of racing purgatory. 

  • Use this time as the recovery period you always say you will give yourself… but never actually do.

    • Reduce your running volume and try adding in cross training days for active recovery

    • Reduce some of that training time and sleep a little longer or start taking naps

    • Focus heavily on stretching and mobility

    • Stop “training” and run for fun

  • Try that thing you’ve always wanted to test out, If you don’t like it, no harm done!

    • Start a new speed/endurance program that just never seemed to fit your race schedule before

    • Do you always run in Newtons but really want to try HOKA? Try them out now!

    • Do you always run on the road but would really like to give trail running a try? Nows the time!

    • Are you a long distance runner who wants to be faster? Now would be a great time to focus on shorter faster running!

  • Strength Train

    • Start strengthening your weaker/underused muscles. This could be a game changer and huge help in keeping you injury free!

    • Hire a virtual coach/ personal trainer

    • Download a weight training app that will help you learn exercises

    • Check out Youtube for some great free workout videos

  • Join a running club or online running community

    • If you aren’t normally a social runner, joining a club could give you that “race culture” feeling you may be missing right now

    • Join a Garmin or STRAVA challenge! This is a great way to get back into something competitive, from a safe distance

    • A Facebook running group is a great place to talk about running with people in your community, even if they aren’t meeting in person yet

Regardless of whether or not your race is cancelled, postponed, or made virtual, how you choose to train now could have a great impact on how you run when the races start coming back. If you use this pocket of time to strengthen your weaknesses, this could be your most beneficial training period yet!

-Stay safe out there!

Kenzie Bruns