I attended an interesting talk last Saturday. Mr. U.G. Murthy, my running coach, told us about Sustainable Running.
Sustainable Running isn't exactly what it sounds like. These days, the word sustainable often has environmental connotations. Sustainable running is something else altogether. It has more to do with being a runner for an extended period of time with no negative side-effects. Although a concrete definition for sustainable running probably doesn't exist, it isn't difficult to jot down a couple points outlining your own understanding of the term.
As a fledgling runner who is 27 years old and aspires to continue running for the rest of his life, here are a few things which I think constitute sustainable running:
As a fledgling runner who is 27 years old and aspires to continue running for the rest of his life, here are a few things which I think constitute sustainable running:
1. Having the physical ability to run long distances at age 65 (for argument's sake; it could be higher than that).
2. Having the enthusiasm to run long distances at the same age as above and in the intervening period.
3. Improving as a runner throughout said period. This improvement need not exclusively be in terms of speed or distance.
I don't mention injury free running among my points. I think it's impossible NOT to have a few injuries along the way. However, it is not impossible to minimise these injuries.
So, having established what sustainable running means to you, how do you practice it?
Mr. Murthy's presentation highlighted some points that should seem obvious, but often get obscured for various reasons. They included keeping expectations realisitic, training according to level of fitness with slow and steady increment, and consistency. It's easy to overlook these pointers, especially when you're a beginner and full of enthusiasm.
For example, I recently started using Instagram and started following several running accounts. A lot of the runners on these accounts have finished sub 4- hour marathons on their very first attempt. The phrase 'qualifying for Boston" is thrown around with alarming frequency. Ultramarathons happen around the world in exotic locations. All put together, beginners such as myself might be led to believe that distance running is easier than it looks.
This is where having a coach, as opposed to a mass-produced online training plan, is really helpful. While there are certainly those who might be able to achieve excellent marathon timings on their first attempt, others without such talents could injure themselves quite seriously if they pick up plans that are too intense.
So what am I going to do to make my running sustainable?
1. Try and keep the injuries away for as long as possible. I will do this by running a relatively small amount each week, gradually raising the bar as I improve. I'm at the ~40 km/week mark at the moment.
2. Include core, leg, and general strength training in my running training.
3. Have a lot of fun while running! For example, one of my motivations in lugging myself out on Sunday mornings for a long run is the delicious Koshy's breakfast of appam and stew.
I don't mention injury free running among my points. I think it's impossible NOT to have a few injuries along the way. However, it is not impossible to minimise these injuries.
So, having established what sustainable running means to you, how do you practice it?
Mr. Murthy's presentation highlighted some points that should seem obvious, but often get obscured for various reasons. They included keeping expectations realisitic, training according to level of fitness with slow and steady increment, and consistency. It's easy to overlook these pointers, especially when you're a beginner and full of enthusiasm.
For example, I recently started using Instagram and started following several running accounts. A lot of the runners on these accounts have finished sub 4- hour marathons on their very first attempt. The phrase 'qualifying for Boston" is thrown around with alarming frequency. Ultramarathons happen around the world in exotic locations. All put together, beginners such as myself might be led to believe that distance running is easier than it looks.
This is where having a coach, as opposed to a mass-produced online training plan, is really helpful. While there are certainly those who might be able to achieve excellent marathon timings on their first attempt, others without such talents could injure themselves quite seriously if they pick up plans that are too intense.
So what am I going to do to make my running sustainable?
1. Try and keep the injuries away for as long as possible. I will do this by running a relatively small amount each week, gradually raising the bar as I improve. I'm at the ~40 km/week mark at the moment.
2. Include core, leg, and general strength training in my running training.
3. Have a lot of fun while running! For example, one of my motivations in lugging myself out on Sunday mornings for a long run is the delicious Koshy's breakfast of appam and stew.
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