What's New For My Running This Year?

Talking with a good running friend recently, she told me she’s started her training routine for a September race where she hopes to run a PR.  "So what are you going to do differently?”  I asked about her training.  She wasn’t sure.  Then she turned the tables and asked me what I will be doing differently with my training as I prepare for the Chicago Marathon.  I shook my head like it was a few strokes before midnight and I hadn’t set a New Years Resolution. 

Don’t get me wrong, some runners seem to be running well and satisfied much of the time.  However, many of us keep seeking the secret to running, hoping to achieve a breakthrough if we just find the recipe for running success.

I don’t lay claim to the answers for the right mileage, the number of intervals, and the precise training pace.  I’ll always be re-considering those.  But here are the ways I plan to prepare differently for my race this year:

1. Improved Diet.  I mean balanced, moderate eating for fueling my body, including vitamins, and not only more carbs, but the right carbs (fruits & vegetables).
2. Better Rest.  More sleep consistently through the next few months, not just trying to pile on the sleep in the final week before my race.
3. Greater Flexibility.  No not my hamstrings or IT band.  I mean not being a slave to my training schedule at all costs, including injuries, and strained relationships.
4. Ample Recovery.  Re-charging from the demanding training sessions.  Resuming running when my body tells me, not my training log.
5. Cross Training.  Considered for years by many an excuse for not running, the evidence is rock solid that cross training enhances running success.  I’m planning on more biking, walking, and core strengthening.
6. More Learning. I own and have read every book on running written in the last 25 years.  Re-reading my favorite guidance by Joe Henderson and Jack Daniels will ground me in the wisdom of WCPW—What Consistently, Predictably Works.  I also am open to the insights and coaching of my friends.  Oh yeah, not to miss the obvious, blogs, this site and others, are already accelerating my learning.
7. Supporting Others.  Few experiences are more inspiring and mobilizing than rallying around others’ accomplishments.  I’ll be more involved in running in our community, including volunteering as director of a 10 mile race sponsored by our local running club.
8. Greater Enjoyment.  I'm committed to find some new pleasures and satisfaction in my running, particularly progressing physically, enriching my running friendships, and energizing my spirit.

So what do all the above "difference makers" in common?  They are NOT running.  The preparation I'll do differently in my training this year have nothing to do with increased mileage, blazing speedwork, or better tempo runs.  Yup, like a good resolution, they are all lifestyle enhancements without so much as trekking down my driveway. 

If I follow a credible training plan plus supplement my living and running with the eight keys above, it seems impossible to not emerge a better, more capable runner this fall in Chicago.  I'm expecting WOW results.

Back to my friend, who is a disciplined trainer and determined racer.  I believe she’ll achieve her PR and future goals.  Now I need to get back to her about my running resolutions for the next several months.

So what are you doing differently with your running these days?

Photo of New Years 2007 Glasses on Flickr by Dalboz17