As we reach the end of our online coaching programmes, it’s time to reflect on our progress.
There are many runners still beaming from their achievements but others who feel that time has literally run away on them. Congratulations to everyone who made the effort this new year to fit running into their life - even if the recent snow temporarily halted your progress.
One thing these programmes have taught us is that we can do a lot in eight weeks. When we make a plan, break it down into small steps and progress gradually, we move forward, even if we need to adapt our training to suit our lifestyle and the surprises that life can throw at us.
Time to Reflect
Remember back to the start of January when the plan may have seemed daunting or optimistic. Read through your training diary and note all the setbacks you have overcome, all the excuses you could have made but didn’t, and all the mini milestones you have reached in two short months.
The training diary that I insisted was so important to your long-term running now becomes a tool for reflection, motivation and analysis. We learn something from every run and these lessons, especially when written down, act as reminders and tips for our running future.
The Perfect Start
To be heading into March with eight weeks of solid training behind you truly opens up your running year. You have built a good base and whether you were a beginner or a lapsed runner starting the year, you have moved forward, become stronger and more confident. Think about what motivates you and what you have enjoyed over the past few months. With that in mind consider what running you would like to do and what time you have available over the next eight weeks.
Next Step for Beginners
Don’t rush into long distance if your body is reasonably new to running. Be practical with the time you have and the body you are in. If you are new to running this year and have just competed your first 30 minutes, please enjoy that distance for a while. Get stronger and let the body adapt to this new routine. You have plenty of time in the future to increase distance should you wish. Long distance is not for everyone. 5km is a wonderful distance and don’t feel like you need to be running longer than that if it feels the perfect length for you.
Practice what I Preach
If you are inclined to get side-tracked from running due to everything else going on in your life, consider putting a deadline on your calendar in the form of an event or a running trip. Having something to look forward to will keep your training focussed for the spring. I'm no exception to this and have my eye on the Great Limerick Run to spur me on to prioritise my training.
The more I prepare the more I know I will enjoy the weekend away with some like-minded runners. March and April bring longer, warmer (hopefully) and brighter days. With park-runs and organised races popping up everywhere as well as the always open roads and coastal paths, there is a track out there for everyone.
The Months Ahead
Good luck on your next running challenge. Treat the next few months just like the last eight weeks, a privilege and a treat to be able to pop on your running shoes, clear your head and feel strong, confident and energised. So much about running comes down to our attitude to training.
Maintain your positive focus and who knows where the next few months may bring you.
Sign up for one of The Irish Times' Get Running programmes (it is free!) and Get Healthy for 2018.
First, pick the programme that suits you.
- Beginner Course: This programme is an eight-week course that will take you from inactivity to being able to run 30 minutes non-stop.
- Stay On Track: The second programme is an eight-week course for those of you who can squeeze in a 30- to 40-minute run three times a week.
- 10km Course: This is an eight-week course designed for those who can comfortably run for 30 minutes and want to move up to the 10km mark.
Best of luck!
