The Secret to Success

Most runners don't believe they have the "talent" to run fast, so they constantly underachieve.

I always feel as though I am underachieving, and that is why I keep improving: because I believe I should be faster, I allow it to happen.

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Lots of consistency! Consistency will take you to places as a runner you never believe are possible. Believe in yourself and your coach and don't be afraid to take risks and run with the better runners if you are on a college squad or hs. Perhaps in the summer time stick around and train with those better runners, that always worked for me! It may bring you down, but while others are taking many weeks off in the summer you are finding out about yourself and learning to push to new heights. Take the time to explore workouts and ideas of elite runners such as stretching, different ways of training (even cross-training) and allow yourself to find a mileage buildup even if it takes a few years. (Note- All runners cannot do high mileage, and have great success with 60-70 miles), but over time you will find out what your body can handle. Keep consistent and challenge yourself in workouts and keep an open mind that you belong there just as the #1 runner on your team does.

I have learned these are a few keys to success and good luck with finding yours.

Unfortunately, you won't get many replies on a thread like this. There are very few letsrun poster who really want to find out how good they can be, and share their experiences.

Those that do post here and are exploring their potential, tend not to want to talk about it, because so few other letsrun posters understand their mentality, and so a lot of posters will make all sorts of excuses for failure, which has a very negative impact on the value of the good advice that the high achievers are trying to give.

Positive thinking is very important to me, and so is the desire to keep improving.

I have 3 stories to share:

I coached a professional corporate team in Japan under the influence of the late Kiyoshi Nakamura. Nakamura used to always say that becoming a good runner is like spreading a bed sheet (don't laugh yet!). You have four corners to pull; 1) training, 2) proper nutrition, 3) proper care (massage, icing and all) and 4) rest (recovery days as well as adequate sleep). You overlook any one of them, your bed will be wrinkly. Training is, afterall, only a part of a big picture.

I found out myself that, as a weak human being, we tend to overlook proper care when things are going well--you skip taking vitamins, icing sore spots after workouts, doing stretching or strengthening exercises while watching TV at night...things you would do when you are hurt or sick when you get desperate. When things are going well, don't think your luck will continue forever; be humble and continue all the small things that would keep your "luck". Also, when you're down, as a weak human being, we tend to get discouraged and give it up. Have faith that your day WILL come back; continue doing whatever you can do; walk if you can't run, take supplements to make sure you stay healthy, don't skip stretching or other exercises. In other words, train like a contender when things are going great; train like a champion when things are down.

One last thing; when Steve Ovett finished last in the heat of 800m (I think) at either European Champs or Olympics, he got upset and discouraged and yelled, "What do I need to be good!?" His coach, Harry Willson, replied quickly, "Time." It takes time to be a good distance runner. Don't expect to be a good runner in 3 months; pay your due for 3 years...MINIMUM!

Sorry, no secret pill to make you a good runner overnight (or lose 20 pounds in a week without doing anything!). As Arthur Lydiard always said; "There's no shortcut to the top." Perhaps that's the secret...

I agree with Nobby but I'd simplify it. There are two phases to training: stress and recovery. Three of Nobby's "bedsheet corners" fall into the recovery phase. If you neglect or rush recovery you won't reach your true potential.

Couldn't help but add one more thing... I kinda like what I said myself; "train like a contender..." Eye of the Tiger, man! Sure, stupid movie. But I liked it! Eye of the Tiger, man...!!

Sleep is the big thing for me. I never got enough sleep, but I didn't realize that it was hurting me. Over winter break I started sleeping 9 hours a night and my training improved dramatically. I used to go through cycles where I'd feel awesome for one workout and then absolutely dead for the next week. I thought I just didn't recover well. I've made it a point to get a ton of sleep lately and my training has become faster and more consistent.

I agree about the sleep issue. If I feel good in the morning, I tend to feel good all day.