Do you agree with the mentality "every little thing you do matters" running-wise?

Relaxing is a big thing for me. I never run hard anymore. The speed either flows or it doesn't on a given day. If it isn't happening I won't push it. Sometimes I find being willing to back down results in more energy when I'm ready for it.

Training hard is the easy part, it is doing everything else that entails the life of a distance runner that is the difficult thing. It sounds like you just don't have the dedication to really be the best runner you can be. I don't know how many times I have seen one of my runners take a big step up in their racing when they start doing the "little things".

Everything "matters". Somethings matter more than others. Don't sweat the small stuff. Focus on your biggest deficits and address those first. Having that extra french fry probably isn't going to decide whether or not you qualify for nationals.

I firmly believe that the small stuff matters. The small stuff gives you the edge and keeps you out of injury trouble.

It's important to practice the four items the OP mentioned, PLUS the light stretching, watching your diet, drills/skips, hurdle walkovers, strides/pickups, etc.

Don't hate because some kid is going to outkick you in a race because you sat on your a$$ all day after a run eating snickerdoodles.

i like your list. if your an average runner there is no need to do anymore, have fun!

word. wrote:

2. Eating at least FAIRLY healthy, that is, the right proportion of grains, vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy at the right times

Huh? There is no "right proportion" of grains, vegetables, fruit, meat, or dairy. You could completely eliminate meat and dairy, or even grains, if you wanted and have a very healthy diet.

The small things matter only when you have fixed the big things. People focus on the small things because they want to

make a short cut, i.e. not run high mileage. Focussing on post-race snacks doesn't help you if you run 60mpw and still

think you are gonna win in Brussels!!!!!!!!

By the time you figure out all requisite training elements you'll be competing in the 50-59 age group.

In general yes. The small stuff matters and does accumulate. But I think it is also important to take into account the importance of relaxation and getting away from the normal running routine every now and then.

From a mental point of view it can be exhausting to only eat healthy foods, do a full warmup every practice, etc. I think from time to time changing up the routine or getting an extra snack can be a good thing that is profitable for your mental state. Its all about balance in my book, because a happy runner will recover a lot better than a grumpy runner.

Son, you're either training or your running. One requires 24 hours of focus a day, the other an hour or so.

Don't get them confused.

kents wrote:

Son, you're either training or your running. One requires 24 hours of focus a day, the other an hour or so.

Don't get them confused.

Perfectly said

There are two things you can do to become a better runner: Run more and Run faster. Everything else is window dressing. In other words, your basic mileage and speed work will determine you running ability to about 95%. After that, you can focus more on the "little things" to squeeze out that last 5%. But don't be delusional about it. A very strict diet, schedule of core work, stretching and after run snacks will still only get you that last few percent. It won't change you from 31min 10k guy to Olympic material.

Good point!

Volume is supported by the nonrunning things that make up a healthy life anyway. One is not going to be able to run consistent volume while neglecting sleep and eating like crap. Just as one is not going to be too healthy with these habits in general.

A beer here and there, a cookie now and again, these things do not make an athlete perform poorly.

Laredo Larder wrote:

Volume is supported by the nonrunning things that make up a healthy life anyway. One is not going to be able to run consistent volume while neglecting sleep and eating like crap. Just as one is not going to be too healthy with these habits in general.

A beer here and there, a cookie now and again, these things do not make an athlete perform poorly.

+1. It's better to stay happy than a live with perfect habits. AS long as the majority of a runners lifestyle is healthy, then they are fine.

Laredo Larder wrote:

Volume is supported by the nonrunning things that make up a healthy life anyway. One is not going to be able to run consistent volume while neglecting sleep and eating like crap. Just as one is not going to be too healthy with these habits in general.

A beer here and there, a cookie now and again, these things do not make an athlete perform poorly.

Neither do tons of cookies. There's no such thing as bad food.

The principle of diminishing returns in a situation of limited time and energy plays a role here. If I do the small stuff in running, then I would have to neglect the big stuff in non-running areas of my life. So, I'm 5 seconds slower in my 5K because I didn't do strides or stretch every day, but I gain something else that is important (e.g. time with friends and family, work (yes, I work hard and like it), etc.).

Whatever helps you set your mind at ease is important. If you think that 4 extra seconds of stretching will help, it helps. If you think that it will not help, it will not.

As for sleep, nutrition, etc. Yeah, everything can help. Getting the right amount of sleep (not necessarily most), and eating well can help you push yourself harder and get more out of workouts.

After running roughly the same times for 3 years, I took the 4th year to really hone in on the the "little things" and I dropped my 800 time 2 seconds, mile time 3 seconds and half a second off my 400 split.

I think it makes a difference when you are trying to gain that extra bit to reach your potential. If you are new to the sport, I wouldn't sweat over the little things. Going at it for years, the little things will give you that extra boost.