I never considered I would delve so deep into running that I would start reading books about running. Hubby had a few running books that he had collected through the years that he had been running. A few editions of The Lore of Running and Born to Run and a few others including non running books about endurance and such. I don't know if you've ever seen the book The Lore of Running but it's a pretty big book. Like REALLY big. The first book I ever bought myself as a runner was The Runner's Body co written by Matt Fitzgerald. It was concise with many illustrations. A quick read with lot's of valuable information about the runner's body. Just the kind of book I like. So, after a bit of research I discovered more books by Matt Fitzgerald.* I even found him on Twitter and Facebook and often joke with him about how he once almost followed me. I have become quite obsessed with Matt Fitzgerald books about running. And well, running.
For the record, it's not just me. Apparently, it has become the obsession of many. Young and old. A quick Google search about running brings up thousands and thousands of links. The content ranges from how to improve your form, how to get faster, how to find the right shoes, how to fuel properly and on and on. When I stumbled upon a Runner's World article about running slow to get fast I had to read it. And actually the article had me from the word "slow". The Big Book of Endurance by Phil Maffetone was again, another REALLY big book. What I got from the sample read: train in a certain heart rate zone for optimal race results. S L O W. To go fast.
As if by telepathy, Matt Fitzgerald announced his book 80/20 Running available for pre order. Even though I didn't exactly know what the book was about, the fact that it was about running AND was written by Matt Fitzgerald was good enough for me. Plus I had just read Diet Cults by him and I have to say that there is just something about his writing that I get. Diet Cults as it's name implies is about every diet you've ever heard of and/or tried. Awesome book.
I waited patiently for 80/20 Running and then the night before the release I got it on my iPad. I started reading and I couldn't get to sleep. The information was flowing into my brain and I couldn't get enough.
I had many questions about 80/20 Running. No. I had many questions about MY running. How much of my running do I spend at a low intensity? And how much at a high intensity, ie speed work, intervals, tempo runs. Do I know know how to gauge low intensity? Or high intensity? So now I'll ask you : Do YOU know how much of your workouts you spend at LI or HI ? Take a guess. Is it close to 80/20? Or is it more 50/50? Or something else? Read on.
I had many questions about 80/20 Running. No. I had many questions about MY running. How much of my running do I spend at a low intensity? And how much at a high intensity, ie speed work, intervals, tempo runs. Do I know know how to gauge low intensity? Or high intensity? So now I'll ask you : Do YOU know how much of your workouts you spend at LI or HI ? Take a guess. Is it close to 80/20? Or is it more 50/50? Or something else? Read on.
The 80/20 formula has been around for centuries,but the term 80/20 wasn't attached to this "formula" right away. Coaches simply put it into play with their athletes. But what is it? Simple. Train 80% at a low intensity. Spend the other 20 at high intensity. Now, I'm not talking about EACH run. I'm talking about your training. Now you're probably asking what is considered low intensity. Well, I will just say that for me, it's slow. Keep in my mind that MY slow is different from your slow. It is very individual. As I've progressed as a runner, my slow is someone else's fast. And my fast is someone else's slow. It's all relative.
With all the books out there about how to improve your form, race times etc., I have not encountered one that tells you how to do that without injury. Until 80/20 Running. Now, he doesn't tell you specifically how to avoid injury, but the formula itself is built around some key items. One being overuse injuries. I can't tell you how many people I know right now that are suffering from some type of running injury. And having been there before, I can tell you it's no fun. At all. Down time means not doing what you love. And I haven't always loved running, but since I have implemented the 80/20 formula to my training I have had little to no running related injuries.
With all the books out there about how to improve your form, race times etc., I have not encountered one that tells you how to do that without injury. Until 80/20 Running. Now, he doesn't tell you specifically how to avoid injury, but the formula itself is built around some key items. One being overuse injuries. I can't tell you how many people I know right now that are suffering from some type of running injury. And having been there before, I can tell you it's no fun. At all. Down time means not doing what you love. And I haven't always loved running, but since I have implemented the 80/20 formula to my training I have had little to no running related injuries.
Let me tell you a little something about myself. I had no running experience whatsoever 3 years ago. None. I once completed a 5k in a sprint triathlon in 2009, but that's it. Fast forward to 2014 and I have completed 2 more half marathons, one being a very difficult trail race, one 10k and my very first marathon. And as of this post I am 260 days into my running streak. Not too shabby for a non runner. But what I have learned about running has helped me become a better runner. Not necessarily a fast runner, but a faster runner than I had been 3 years ago for my first half marathon. Every day is learning day. If you want to be good at running? Run. A lot. Want to be good at swimming? Swim. A lot. Pretty simple right? Sort of. Like anything though, you can have too much of a good thing. Running a lot or swimming a lot, or bicycling a lot leads to BURNOUT. BIG TIME. Plus, the bigger concern of over training which almost always leads to injury.
The beauty of 80/20 Running is the valuable research that went into it. There is no fluff in this book. It is a "meat and potatoes" kinda book. Gives you what you need, including brilliant training plans for any distance, a detailed intensity control guide for 80/20 workouts and so much more.If you would rather get coaching in your ear, head over to PEAR Sports where you can purchase Matt's 80/20 Running training plans.
While I'm okay with never winning any race, it doesn't mean that I can't dream of someday placing somewhere in my age group. Slow and steady in my training will get me there!
*******One lucky person will get a SIGNED copy of 80/20 Running in my #fewofmyfavoritethingsgiveaway happening THIS Friday. (12/5) on my Facebook Page
*Also by Matt Fitzgerald:
The Runner's Body (with Ross Tucker and Jonathan Dugas)
The Runner's Edge (with Stephen McGregor)
Run Faster from the 5k to the Marathon (with Brad Hudson)
Not related to running but a great read:
