Being Consistent with Your Training

April 9, 2018

Running Expert Nate Vandervest extols the virtues of year-round training

Another year has come and gone and it’s back to training — or is it?

The Bellin Run is a great event that gets people motivated and jump starts their springtime training. There is no better incentive than a big goal to get you going! But what if you didn’t have to go through the aches, pains and discomfort of getting back into shape?

This is a phenomenon we see often, and it’s also the unfortunate reason many people stop participating in events and other activities. I know, I’ve been there — it’s hard to get back into shape! Instead, we want people to maintain shape. It’s so much easier than regaining what you once had.

This leads us into being consistent with your training. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to run a 10K race every month of the year, but you do need to keep enough training in your routine that you can easily pick up where you left off.

Training year-round will have its peaks and valleys through different routines, and it is up to you to keep it fresh, fun and challenging. For example, you might have the goal of doing the Bellin Run in June, so you spend the majority of March, April and May running or walking. After the Bellin Run, maybe you switch over to cycling for the summer. Then in the fall it’s back to a combination of cycling and running — and during the winter you might add more strength training but still keep up the cardiovascular workouts a few times a week. Having a plan like this prevents burnout and provides enough variety that training is fun, and doesn’t feel like training at all. You can incorporate any number of activities, including Nordic skiing, swimming, tennis, rowing, etc. The goal is to be as active as possible and to be somewhat prepared for whatever may come next that you specifically wish to train for.

This consistency will lead to overall wellbeing and a healthier you. It might also take you to a level of physical performance you never dreamed of — with the benefit of not having to feel “out of shape” ever again. So lay out the plan for the year: the goals you have, how one helps you build to the next. Best of luck and happy training.

Always running,

Nate Vandervest