| Coach Jerry |
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| Joined: 14 May 2007 |
| Posts: 8 |
| Location: San Diego |
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Long run? What long run?
There is nothing I would rather do than run long distances. Do you want to know the secret to feeling this way about running? SLOW DOWN!
Learn to run slow and include walk breaks, as Coach Felipe suggests in his motivational tips. Running slow, for longer distances, is the key to increasing aerobic endurance for long runs. If you get tired, then walk for a bit...this is not rocket science. Don't pressure yourself into a situation where you feel as though you must run a certain speed to feel accomplished or that you must run every step.
I will tell you this my friend....the term "Long run" is relative. Learn to develop a slow, enjoyable pace. Run longer...drink, eat, and enjoy the world around you. Run with a friend...keep the pace slow enough to where you can talk and carry a conversation. I like to make phone calls while I run or send text messages. No, I'm not crazy. Analyze your pace...now slow it down and enjoy it. I would be willing to bet that you may rediscover how enjoyable running can be.
Over time, that slow pace will increase. If you stay consistent, you will soon be running longer "long runs" and doing it at a faster pace. I started training for "long runs" of 10-12 hours about two years ago. I jogged 10 minute miles from the first minute I started running, taking about 5 minutes per half hour to walk. This allowed me to slowly increase my tolerance for distance and time.
You can greatly improve your ability to run long distances in the same manner....be patient. Let me know if I can help.
One last ultrarunner view....a "long run" is in the eye of the beholder. You may be limiting yourself because of the limitations other people put on themselves..or that which you see around you. Let it be known that athletes in the ultra world run 6 day races, with total mileage in excess of 600 miles. They are not crazy...they are not stupid. They are conditioned athletes and they NEVER place limits on themselves. They seek that glass ceiling that bridges the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual mind. They break through that ceiling repeatedly....and make others look like lackluster mortals. Be more....break through those mental limitations you are currently placing on yourself.
Coach Jerry
coachjerry@cox.net  |
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