What do you think is the MOST IMPORTANT training element?

diversity in training.

true, but a rationale/explanation is mandatory to hang out here.

Consistency is key in running.

That boils down to injury prevention, so finding what little things you need to do to keep yourself healthy is absolutely key.

Maybe you need to add some barefoot running, or some targeted leg exercises. Maybe running on asphalt hurts you and you need to stick to trails. Do you benefit from a very specific type or brand of shoe? How much core do you need? How can you supplement your training with a proper diet and how does that affect your ability to perform?

If you can stay healthy year in and year out you will outperform the guy who knows more about training than you do but spends 3 months of the year sidelined.

The ability to balance staying healthy and pushing your body to its limits. That is the key to maintaining an elite training effect. It is important to know when it is time to rest and when it is time to push.

Consistency is the most important part to becoming a better runner. The ability to look back periodically and be able to crush the "old you" will only come through understanding what your body needs and supplementing your training to accommodate your own needs.

Shere hard work, total commitment,dedication,focussed,mental attitude and preparation, live for running, eat sleep and drink athletics, no outside distractions, good relationship with coach- respect each other and work together.

etc, etc

Sleep

... removing molecule by molecule, the rubber from the bottom of your trainers.

Seriously though, miles, and lots of 'em.

Bench press max

This is true in part but if you keep the same mileage year round then you are doing yourself a disservice. Part of peaking involves building up mileage and then increasing intensity followed by a recovery period following peaking. To just run 75 mpm year round is naive

MOST IMPORTANT TRAINING TOOL wrote:

1) Consistent volume - 75 miles per week 45-52 weeks a year is unbelievably better than 100 miles per week for 10 interspersed weeks and 50 miles per week for the other 40-42.

Molybdenum.

Enjoyment.

The wisest word wrote:

Enjoyment.

I'm in pretty close agreement with this one. You have to have some compelling reason to do it. If you really enjoy it, that's one compelling reason. If you'd go to the wall for your coach, that's another compelling reason. Workouts are important, but the difference between good and great, the difference between making it hurt a little while and making it hurt clear through the finish is not a workout--it's something far more difficult to put a yardstick to than that.

Besides the inherent qualities, consistency. So many people have great potential that they never reach because of this.

Have to stress coaching. So many young runners are turned off because their HS/youth coaches are absolutely terrible. For instance one HS team in my area has a max distance run of 6 miles in the summer with all other runs being on the track of 800-1000m intervals (figurative gun aimed at head).

Collegiate coaching is not nearly such a crap-shoot, but at mid-majors and smaller programs you can still find some idiots.

Knowing when to push, and knowing when to take a break. As to prevent injury. Like many have said, consistency is key.

Getting some action with my women on a regular basis.

For maximum performance, intelligence. Identifying how to best prepare for maximum performance in a given discipline trumps all else.

You are missing something major. I'm off to bed but elite runners don't do hills, reps, speedwork just for the fun of it