QT: Sticking to the Script vs Coloring Outside the Lines

One of the things I’ve noticed as a running coach is that my runners occasionally struggle with sticking to the script.

That got me thinking about runners in general, and I’m assuming that the folks I’m working with aren’t the only ones that like to color outside of the lines on occasion…

Nothing Should be Set in Stone

I’m a firm believer that nothing in your training plan is ever set in stone.

There is always room to tweak the workouts based on how you’re feeling on any particular day, and maybe that is part of the issue that I experience with my runners.

I want to empower them to make adjustments on their own based on how they are feeling on any particular day, especially on the days when their legs don’t want to cooperate.

But what about those rare days when running feels completely effortless. Is it ok for runners to color outside the lines instead of sticking to the script?

Trust the Process

Sometimes I need to remind the folks I’m working with that there is a method to my madness.

There have been several occasions in the past few months where a runner was doing his or her workout, everything felt good, and they ended up going longer and/or faster than their plan called for.

On the surface, that may not sound like that big of a deal. And in most cases, it really isn’t THAT big of a deal.

But if you regularly find yourself going above and beyond with your training, it may be time to reign yourself in just a little bit.

Communication is the Key

If you’re working with a coach, keeping the lines of communication open is key to the ultimate success of your relationship with your coach.

If you stop sticking to the script and add a few miles to a run, you need to let your coach know so he or she can make any adjustments downstream that may now be necessary.

But communication is a two way street.

The coach can also work to improve his or her communication style to ensure that the runner understands whether or not they can go longer on a particular day if they are feeling good.

What I like to do, especially for long runs, is give my runners a window. So perhaps for a long run I’ll put the distance at 12-15 miles or 75-90 minutes. The lower end of the range is what I’m expecting them to do unless they are really feeling like crap on that particular day. The higher end is the ceiling for the day.

This way they have some wiggle room to go a little farther on the days when everything is simply clicking.

Most of All, Have Fun

I think it’s safe to say that most runners really do enjoy running.

And at the end of the day, making sure that you continue to enjoy running is the most important thing you can do.

So if you’re having one of those days, when you’re feeling better on your run than you’ve ever felt before, it’s ok to go overboard on your run.

Just know that things are going to have to be adjusted down stream, but those adjustments can usually be made without too much difficulty.

Stick to the script or go willy nilly: things to keep in mind when you're having an effortless run. #runchat Click To Tweet

How do You Overcome an Occasional Lack of Motivation?

Want to Support the Continued Growth & Production of the Show?

Check out the support page for ideas and suggestions of ways you can help me grow the show. And remember, not all support involves money. Some of the best ways you can show your support are 100% free.

Subscribe to the Show

Never miss another episode of the Diz Runs With podcast by subscribing to the show, and for my fellow Apple fans out there, it’s never been easier now that the podcast app is native on the new operating system. iPhone/iPod/iPad users click here. Android users click here. SoundCloud users click here.

Please Give Me Some Feedback!

Take the 6 question listener survey to help me shape the future of this podcast.

Register for a Free Race Training Plan

Every month, I’m giving away a FREE training plan for the race of your choice. For details/information, and to sign up, just click here.

Join The Tribe!

There’s always room for more members of the tribe! Both the Facebook group and the email group provide opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else. The Facebook group is still small, but it is a great way to connect with fellow runners and foster community amongst like minded individuals. The email group is THE way to stay up to date about future guests on the show, as well as getting some other freebies and offers that aren’t available to anyone else. If you’ve got questions about either/both, just let me know!