In order to increase your fitness level it’s important to have a year or even several years of a long training plan. Wanting too much too soon is a recipe for injuries and burnout, don’t get greedy and try to make too big a leap in one run, one race or even one year’s training cycle. Endurance fitness is one of the last physiological adaptations that solidifies through training. It may take 1-2 years before a runner is strong enough to step up to the next level of racing. So if you haven’t mastered a 50 mile race then don’t sign up for a 100 mile race. If you’ve never arrived at a race finish-line feeling like you can eat, drink and be merry then you’ve got more work to do before you take the next step to a greater distance or harder course. Be methodical in your training approach and use a running log to have an objective view of the hours and miles that you are capable of completing in a season or year. Review last year logs for clues of how much volume and miles your body is capable of without getting injured. Adding a long term approach to your training plan will keep your fitness level increasing year to year, minimize injuries and having you enjoying every finish line you reach.

Contact:
Cindy Stonesmith CMT ACSM/HFS
Owner and Endurance Running Coach
www.ultrarunnertraining.com