The marathon of patience

Gains are the product of consistent effort and a long-term approach

The life of a runner is a testament to patience and discipline. It's a journey where each step forward is earned through dedication and perseverance. In a world obsessed with quick fixes and instant gratification, the realm of running is a reminder that true gains take time.

When it comes to improvement as a runner, the yardstick isn't days or weeks but rather months and years. According to statistics, the average time it takes for a recreational runner to see significant improvements in their performance ranges from six months to a year. These gains aren't instantaneous; they're the product of consistent effort and a long-term approach.

Our bodies have limits, both physical and physiological. Improvement in running isn't just about pushing harder; it's about allowing our bodies to adapt gradually to the stresses we place upon them. Attempting to expedite progress beyond these limits leads to overtraining and injury. 

Research shows that approximately 60% of runners experience an injury each year, many of which are attributed to overuse and excessive training.

To avoid falling into this trap, it's crucial to embrace a sustainable approach to training. This involves following a structured program that includes periods of increased intensity followed by adequate rest and recovery. 

By adhering to the principles of the stress-recovery-adaptation cycle, runners can optimise performance gains while minimising the risk of injury.

The model above shows how we can improve our fitness by carefully building up load and putting ourselves outside our comfort zone, placing stress on the body and its systems to stimulate change.

A key aspect of this approach is recognizing that training is not static; it's cyclical. Heavier periods of work impose stress on the body leading to gain; however these must be followed by lighter periods of work that allow recovery and for absorption of new potential.

Think of each of the cycles above as a training cycle for a specific event. It might start with an 8 week training plan for a 5k race. Then a 12 week plan for a half marathon. And so on.

Now zoom out and imagine repeating that process over a year, and then five, and you get an idea of how much change is possible with a longer lens.

This iterative process lays the foundation for long-term growth and development.

Personal anecdotes underscore the power of patience in achieving running goals. Take, for example, my own experience with the Darwin City to Surf race. Over four years, I managed to slash my time on the 12.5km course by a total of 15 minutes - about a 25% improvement!. This wasn't the result of a miraculous breakthrough but rather the culmination of consistent training… and patience. From time to time I look back at old results to remind myself how far I’ve come.

As time passes, the magnitude of improvements tends to diminish. Small gains become harder to come by, requiring even greater dedication and persistence. However, these incremental improvements are a testament to the enduring power of consistency. Even a modest improvement of a few seconds in a race can be a cause for celebration, knowing that it was earned through months of hard work and perseverance.

It's essential to cultivate patience not only in pursuit of running goals but also in life. The journey of a runner is a metaphor for the broader challenges we face—a reminder that success is not always immediate but is the product of sustained effort and resilience.

So, the next time you lace up your running shoes, remember: patience is not just a virtue; it's the cornerstone of progress.

It’s vital to keep sight of this bigger picture as you grind through another repetitive “easy” run and start to question why you got up to run at 6am on a dark, cold morning!

Embrace the journey, celebrate the small victories, and trust in the process. For in the marathon of life, it's not the swift but the steady who ultimately triumph.

To find out about how Inner Best Running can design a training program that works for you, get in touch via the link below.