QT: Developing Consistency in Your Training isn’t Easy

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I’ve talked a few times over the years about the value of consistent training for us as runners.

If you have a pretty regular training routine that works for you, then by all means keep on keeping on.

But if you’re struggling to get into a groove, to find a level of consistency that works for you, hopefully today’s post/episode will help.

Tips for Developing Consistency in Your Training

By definition, consistency isn’t something that happens overnight.

Developing consistency in your training routine takes time, often measured by months and years, and that’s something that is really hard for us living in an immediate gratification world.

Don’t we all.

Sadly, that’s not how this works.

Here are a few suggestions for developing consistency in your training, in whatever area you may be struggling.

Track Your Inputs, Not Your Outputs

Sometimes, when it comes to developing consistency, we are focused on the wrong thing.

Namely, we are focused on the outputs instead of the inputs.

Instead of focusing on your mileage while developing some consistency, focus more on simply going for a run.

Whether you go for one mile or five, as long as you lace up your shoes and head out the door it’s a win.

Speaking of wins…

Celebrate Small Wins

Winning feels good, am I right?

Of course I’m right.

The more wins you have, the more likely you are to keep moving forward.

Or, to put it another way, the more consistent you are likely to become.

Early in the process, there are no wins too small to celebrate.

• Go for a run? Win.
• Run a mile? Win.
• Put your shoes on and think about going for a run? Win.

Wherever in the process you find yourself struggling, that’s where you set the bar for winning the lowest.

And when you pass over the bar? Celebrate the hell out of yourself.

Carrots and Sticks

As you start to feel some motivation start to build, you may want to introduce some carrots and/or sticks to the equation.

This may not work for everyone, but sometimes putting a little skin in the game makes a world of difference.

If you’re staying on track and really feel like you’re making some progress? Give yourself a little bit of a reward.

Not holding up your end of the bargain? Dole out a bit of punishment.

These carrots and sticks can take on a variety of forms, but if that kind of thing helps you then don’t be afraid to lean into it.

Be OK with Imperfection

Too often, striving for perfection gets in the way of making progress.

When it comes to developing consistency, one of the worst things you can do is aim for perfection.

The fact of the matter is that consistency and perfection are not synonymous.

My advice? Aim for a 75-80% success rate and trust that is good enough (because it is).

Don’t Give Up

I don’t care who you are, developing consistency in your training isn’t as easy as we would like it to be.

The biggest key to your success in becoming more consistent?

Don’t give up.

If you fall off track? Start again.

And as you start to see a little traction, keep building upon what’s working.

Do that? And it may not be long before you struggles with being consistent go the way of the dodo.

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What is Your Biggest Struggle as it Relates to Consistency?

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