Articles

Training – the little things that add up

A lot of our time at runclub is spent focusing on the ‘bigger’ aspects of running, things like good form, fitness and varying the types of training we do. Often we overlook the smaller stuff that adds up to maximise our running and indeed our lives.

Here are a few of the ‘little things’ we can add to our routines, let me know if you’ve got any others.

Supplements: A good vitamin/mineral supplement is vital if you are doing any sort of training or leading a busy life. Despite our best intentions many of us are deficient in vital nutrients that are particularly relevant to our training and energy levels.

 Anyone who has had been hit by a cramp in the middle of a hard session for example is probably a good candidate for a magnesium supplement.

 A good multi vitamin will contain calcium, magnesium and iron as well as high levels of B group vitamins, all of which aid our recovery and performance.

Motivational books: Every time we turn on the radio or t.v these days we seem to be bombarded with negativity, this has a very subtle cumulative effect that can hinder our quality of life and consequently our training.

One way to counter this negativity is to read something motivational or inspiring especially before you go to bed.

Now I know a lot of them are simply American crap! but even the more formulaic ones have some gems hidden amongst the jargon.

 I actually like most of the books by Anthony Robbins and Wayne Dyer (don’t tell anyone!)

 Lance Armstrong’s ongoing autobiographies are fantastic reading and the best book I’ve come across for years is called ‘The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.

Even a running magazine next to the bed can be a great motivator and if you’re a movie nut then ‘Without Limits’ is a great testament to the life of Steve Prefontaine that will have you up at dawn doing laps of the bay.

Positive Self-talk: We all have a little voice /running commentary (tell me it’s not just me) the problem is that sometimes it can be self-defeating rather than motivating. Spend a day or even an hour really being aware of what sort of messages you’re sending yourself “ I know I won’t do that, I couldn’t run that far etc” and if it’s negative then start re framing or changing the script!

One thing that most really successful people have in common is a solid self belief and this starts with positive self talk “ I am a great runner, I will get up tomorrow and do the bay” it doesn’t matter if you don’t even believe it at first what matters is that the script is consistent and POSITIVE.

Organisation: Easy things like arranging to meet friends or leaving your running clothes out and ready can help get you out in the morning and make it harder to avoid a run each day. I know of friends who’ve actually slept in their running gear so they’d be on time for races!

Race your thoughts: This tactic refers to the ability to do something BEFORE a negative thought or excuse pops up, it takes practice but can be fun. Next time you feel like going for a run or doing something you normally find a bit difficult try acting on it immediately. Spontaneity can often be the key to a really fun session- I’m looking forward to the sight of run clubbers diving out of their cars and racing into the distance next time the traffic is banked up around the bay! 

See you at the oval

Tim

Training – What’s your type?

After years of running the bay I’ve started to notice a few distinct sub categories. Next time you’re out for a run see if you can spot any of these legends!

The Conductor

This runner is more skilled than a maestro conducting a symphony orchestra.

Marvel as she maintains an animated conversation on the mobile while simultaneously grooving to her ipod , juggling the small white poodle on a lead that has just run across the path of a 90 year old veteran strider who is shuffling downhill in the opposite direction and still finds breath to berate the hapless boyfriend in his muscle shirt for not keeping up!

Pure poetry.

Hundred Metre Harry  

Years ago we would finish our Sunday long runs at Drummoyne pool carpark and stretch on the grass opposite as we witnessed the birth of this running species. 

The HMH is a guy (always a guy!) who has been trudging around the bay for the last hour or so.

Cresting the hill he sights the finishing point – a bubbler outside Drummoyne rowers, suddenly he straightens up, then, once he has the attention of the crowd of 16 year old female rowers, Harry sprints for the line at 3min K pace elbowing women and small children out of the way. 

Hitting the brakes at a completely random spot, coincidentally next to the girls, Harry doubles over, chest heaving, hands on knees, rips off his shirt and hits his stopwatch in one smooth action as he says to his mate , Fifty Metre Phil, in a loud voice .......

“......24 minutes mate , shouldn’t have jogged the first 5k”....... The girls look at each other self consciously unsure whether to laugh, vomit or both. 

p.s An off duty Harry is easily distinguishable by his early 80’s BRW Triathlon T shirt. 

The Nonchalant Gun

This runner passed me many times in the recent half marathon but is also a bay regular.

He wears boardshorts, Dunlop volleys and an old Vneck jumper. 

As we stretch, discuss our latest racing flats and hope that the girls have noticed us ‘The NG’ runs past to our great amusement.

 22 minutes later he goes past again and this time we’re NOT laughing as we realise he is running 3 minute K’s ,would kick all our butts and worst of all he couldn’t care less.

 Bastard.

Sir Lance I'm Not

Although not strictly a runner, Sir Lance is becoming such a bay regular that he has to get a mention!

 Lance is easily spotted by his brand new $6000 Trek bike and $1500 Discover Channel outfit. 

Grimly clinging to his drop bars he bumps across the Callan Park dirt strip yelling at runners to get out of the way,Lance is doing an individual time trial

Around the bay. 

On a Sunday morning.

 The word WALLY was invented for Lance, look out for an increase in his numbers each year as the Tour approaches.

Last Gasp Gerry

The Gerry is a paradox of our time, often quite fit he/she looks to have been shot 3 times in the torso but runs on as if to deliver a vital message.

 Doubled over with legs askew Gerry stumbles on, breathing as if the next gasp will surely be his last

And yet he keeps going because that is simply how he runs!

Gerrys should be avoided at all costs in races because looking at them is exhausting and their form can be contagious.

A good friend of mine is a Gerry and a very competent ironman triathlete, one year at Foster he found himself being shadowed by the ambulance during the run leg until he was forced to yell

“piss off this is how I run!”

The Car Washer

From a distance the car washer seems to be all over the place form- wise.

 However closer inspection reveals that all is normal except for one of his/her arms which is moving in large circles, seemingly independent of the rest of their body.

I was recently shocked to realise just how common this runner is!

Aptly named for the fact that if one were to insert a sponge into the offending hand they’d do a bloody good job of washing your car.

Look out for them and see if I’m wrong!

The Run Clubber

You didn’t think I’d leave out this vital category?

 Well muscled and tanned an even golden brown the Run Clubber is easily identified by their smooth easy stride and blistering pace.

 The runclubber’s face radiates a Zen Like calm and a wry smile touches their lips as they cruise the bay, lap after lap, mentally checking off different running sub groups.

See you at the Oval.

Tim