Julie,

This article is very interesting to me, because at one I time was just a runner. Matter of fact, much of it was sprint running, and moderately fast distance running.
However, as part of training, as some who run can relate. The comes a time when you notice a plateau in performance.
Consulting with a different trainer was the best medicine, she suggested that adding weight to a workout and find resistance, like run in blue jeans, hiking boots, mix up the routine and then come back to the basics of lightweight clothing, and shoes. It worked, trimmed off 00:10 in the mile run. then another 00:04 a week later. Begin to notice no time trimming. A mix up in the routine and in a week, trimmed off 00:18 from the mile run.
I since then have not run as much would like, however, it is never fun trimming off time at all because after the run, the mind games started. Getting better faster, optimizing a 'heal to toe' run that got me the results desired. Even when it looked good on paper, the time was not fast enough for the effort. The mind games took place after the run, because seldom was I ever satisfied with even a successful run. Many times run so hard the whole days eating was expelled in few short minutes. What made the most difference in the whole process of running and running fast; was not the trying to tame the thoughts in the head. It was more of the physical changes and remembering what needed to be done, it took quite the effort.
Optimizing 'heal to toe', magnetic bracelets, massages, icy hot patches on my hip-flexers, Acetaminophen for pain, arch supports, 4 square meals, specific arm bands, the list goes on. Many factors can attribute to a run, and a good run. It was very grueling. For what? Trophy? Name in the paper? Guiness Book of World Records? or just to prove you could run from the river front to the local party store faster than anyone else at any given time?
Mind Games, they happen after a run. If you are really good, even black cats crossing ahead of you won't matter.



Signed

Brandon

Brandon.... thanks for commenting...
Although I dont think a black cat would bother me, maybe I'm not that good . . .I remember deciding not to run a certain race, cause I didn't feel like I was at my best time or shape... My Boss, said: "Just run for the fun of it." AHHH NO... I run in a race to compete... not cause its fun.. smile....

I dont understand a trainer telling you to run in jeans. and hiking boots is just asking for trouble, NOT good Support.
I found P90X to be very helpful in my training... It's Extreme, and if your looking to SWITCH UP your Routine workout... THIS WILL DO IT>>> check out the link below..... ;) (It also has a nutrition plan)



http://www.mybaycity.com/scripts/P3_V2/P3V2-0200.cfm?P3_NewspaperID=0&P3_articleID=2330