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Breaking Through a Training Plateau (with Video)

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If you run long enough, you’re almost destined to endure a training plateau or two along the way.

If you’re not familiar with that terminology, basically a training plateau is when you’ve been training just like always but you no longer seem to be making any progress.

Needless to say, finding yourself on a plateau can be frustrating as hell.

So what can you do to break through a training plateau and get back to making progress toward your running goals?

That’s what I’m talking about in today’s video.

What Causes a Training Plateau?

In most cases, training plateaus are a result in continuing to do the same types of workouts over an extended period of time. And what happens is that you body adapts to the demands you are placing on it and what was once difficult/different is no longer taxing or exotic.

Basically, you stop challenging your body with harder workouts and your body stops making progress towards running faster/farther.

And since your progress levels off, it’s said that you’ve plateaued.

Get Off of the Plateau!

Need some suggestions for getting off of your training plateau and getting back to making progress towards your goals?

Press play, and I’ll show you the way!

Have You Been Stuck on a Training Plateau Before?

How Did You Get Off of It and Get Back to Making Progress on Your Running Goals?

We Fear Change

Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Change to Your Running Routine

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As I was going through the most recent (and sadly, the final) issue of Running Times magazine, an article jumped out at me that I had to share.

The article talks about 6 things you can do to make a change to your training/lifestyle that can help you improve your running this year and beyond.

We Fear Change

We Fear Change.

Honestly, there isn’t anything to be afraid of with any of these changes. But any time I get a chance to pay homage to one of my favorite 2-3 movies ever, I’m going to take it.

And in this case, it can be a good thing to make a change.

If you want to check out the full article, here is the link.

If you want the Cliff’s notes, enjoy.

6 Ways to Make a Change & Improve Your Running in 2016

  • Emphasize Endurance: Want to get faster at just about any distance? Run more! Seriously, there are plenty of physiological benefits of endurance training that will help you get faster. No matter what distance you’re training for, increasing your training volume (intelligently, of course) will help you get faster.
  • Make Recovery a Priority: So wait, rest is important? Yeah, it sure is. Getting enough sleep, taking days off, and keeping your easy days easy all play a role in helping your recover (and improve).
  • Become a Complete Athlete: Running is good and all, but we function better as humans (in all facets of life, including running) if we are well rounded. Running can still be the priority, but don’t forget to do some other physical activity once in a while.
  • Switch to High-Octane Fuel: Eating healthy food gives your body the vitamins, minerals, and fuel that it needs to function optimally. You don’t need to eat perfect all of the time, Lord knows I don’t, but making more good choices is only going to help you.
  • Embrace Positivity: Turns out, the Little Engine That Could was on to something. Thinking positive thoughts can definitely help you get through the hard times in a run or a race.
  • Be Persistent and Consistent: Let’s be honest, reaching your peak as a distance runner takes time. If you can be consistent in your training over months and years, you’ll see the improvement much more rapidly than if you only train sporadically. Seems obvious, but it’s a good thing to remember.

Like I said, none of these things are rocket science.

You may already be doing a few of them, and if you’ve been following along here on the blog for awhile you know I’ve been talking about most of these ideas for awhile.

That said, most of us (myself included) can still improve in one or more of these areas.

So if you’re looking to take your running to the next level, in 2016 or beyond, these are some good places to focus on to start!

What are You Doing to Make a Change to Your Running Routine to Help You Improve?

No Such Thing as Too Much Running? Actually, There Is. It’s Called Overtraining.

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As runners, especially distance runners, we run the risk of overtraining because we always want more.

We want to run farther (more distance).

We want a new PR (more speed).

And often in the pursuit of more, we do too much which leads to our bodies breaking down.

In this week’s video, I’m talking about the common causes of overtraining and some of the signs and symptoms of overtraining that you can be aware of to prevent yourself from doing too much.

Odds Are, There are Runners In Your Social Circles that are Guilty of Overtraining. Click a Button or Two Below to Share This Post/Video and Help a Fellow Runner Know When to Say When.