Becoming a Complete Runner

I came across an article in Running Times that talked about runners becoming "complete runners". In the sense of being able to run well and compete in different lengths and distances, under any number of conditions. Instead of focusing on training for a specific event like the marathon by running long runs, or training for the mile on the track by doing speedwork... to think of it in terms of becoming a better runner at any/ and all distances.

For me I have been combining longer runs about once a week with speed work sessions on a local high school track. Trying not to always focus on what the exact benefit of a specific work-out will have on my training for a set race (such as a 5K I did July 11th), but more so on how my overall fitness level as a runner will be improved.

Also tempo runs, sprint work after a 6-7 mile run, the occasional "two- a - days". How I can improve my overall physiology as a runner, and become as the article termed it, more of a "complete runner."

The OBX Marathon lies ahead in a little over three months. By doing the running and training that is necessary to be able to finish the race, I know in the long run I will be well on my way to becoming a better and more effcient runner in all aspects of my running.

Logging the Miles---

Put down about 55 miles last week- most all year. Did a long run of about 15 miles midweek, and another long run of 12.6 miles on Saturday. Took off Monday, and then did a speedwork session on Tuesday up at the Ashely High School track. 6 X 400 meters, plus ended with an 800 meter interval. Tough conditions in the brutal morning heat (highs were in the mid 90s). Ran a tempo run Thursday morning-- hard pick up of the pace for a good tewnty minutes or so in the middle of a 6 plus mile run that I do which loops through some trails in the state park. Also went an easy 2.5 miles after work near dusk.

Friday evening I laced up the shoes and went out for another evening run. Have been going mostly in the mornings, but my schedule got bumped up so I decided to do my run/ work-out in the evening instead. For the most part of my running career, I have run in the evenings, so it was sort of "nostalgic" to slap the asphalt and pound the dirt trails as the sun was on its way downward, and not on its upward climb.

Got onto the main road into the state park after coming off of one of the trails in the woods and the view ahead suddenly was breath taking. The light of the setting sun coming thru the pines and decidous trees that border the mouth of the Cape Fear River... the shafts of light coming thru the tall saw grass ...the moorish dark murkiness of the swamps on the adjacent side of the raod.

And I recalled ultimately why I am out here. It's not to chase after medals and age group wins and PRs... not to minimize, and I'd be lying if I didn't say in thier own right they are important to me. However its the metaphysical highs I have when I come upon such natural beauty as I did this evening... I can't put something in my body, or read something in a book, or see something on the big screen... that can make me feel the way I feel when I can immerse myself in the undiluted, pristine world that surrounds me for those fleeting, precious moments in time.