Wednesday, November 22, 2006 @ 6:35 PM
Hi ppl,
I’m here to share with you guys a few issues on training. Pls spend some time to read through and ponder over them.
Firstly, I shall commend you guys on punctuality. No late comings recently, keep up the gd work!
Okay, from trainings, I have noticed that some ppl find it rather tiring. I can only say that training is meant to be tiring, if you are not tired then it means that you are not working hard enough for your training. No pain, no gain.
Recovery Run
Some of you have requested for longer recovery during the training. Like I have mentioned, you are tired so you would want to rest longer, this is normal. However, in order for the training to be effective, the recovery should not be that long. Recovery run is not meant for you guys to have a full recovery, but to allow you to rest a while and catch your breath. In a race, there’s no time for you to rest, so for now, there’s still at least the recovery run. Also, pls jog for your recovery run, no walking as that will cool you guys down. As you get better, you will be taking a shorter time for your recovery.
Positive Thoughts
Next, pls think positively. Some of you have complained in trainings and said things like “I’m sure to die for this type of training.” Then right from the beginning, your approach to training is already wrong. By doing this, you also demoralises the team unintentionally. Here’s a quote: Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. Therefore, you should try to plan out how you are going to carry out the training, how you are going to pace yourself instead.
Also, I believe most of you when doing your run, you will tend to think “Why is the training so long?”, “I’m dying from this.”, “Can I stop?”, “There’s still so many intervals later.” But having such thoughts is not going to help you in any way, instead, it will only make you feel worse. Why not think on the bright side? You can tell yourself that you have accomplished how much and everything is coming to an end soon. During the run, you can think of how you can continue to maintain at a constant pace and also look forward to crossing the finishing point. With that, you should be able to complete your run faster. Remember: If others can do it, why can’t you?
During recovery, you guys can also reflect on your performance, how you fare for your run. Did I hit my target? Was I faster or slower than the previous run? From there, you guys can then better prepare for your next run. There’s some factors that may affect your performance. For example, pacing not consistent, like started too fast and in the end no energy to continue. If your pacing is consistent, then the run will be easier for you as your breathing will be constant, so will be your leg movements. Breakfast also, pls don’t eat too much, only you yourself can judge how much you should eat, so plan well. If you find that it’s b’cos your legs cannot ran fast even though your pacing is quite consistent, then you would either need a speed or strength training. Staying up late the night before and also affect your runs as your body does not have sufficient rest it requires for a hard training. So, do slp early!
Timings
Those training under me, pls try to take your own timing b’cos each and everyone’s run and recovery pace is different, so you can just run by yourself if you are taking your own timing. If only one person is taking timing, then everyone would have to sacrifice their training to wait for the last person right? Pls pass me your timings after every training so that I can track your progress and plan for your future trainings.
Goal Setting
Try to set goals for yourself. For example, short dist ppl can set a target for the respective distance that you are going to take part. Long dist ppl can set targets for 2.4km, 8km, 10km, etc. With a goal in mind, there will be motivation to train for it. Ya, you may say that it’s impossible to win those ppl out there. But you can set yourself realistic goals, to improve your personal best, to make it to the main team, to be able to qualify for the nationals track, etc.
Health
Some of you have been falling sick. Pls take care of your health. Reason: Falling sick= no training= fitness level drop. If you keep falling sick then you will realise you can’t improve much as you will have to train to get back to the fitness level before you fall sick, let alone making progress.
Once again, be more optimistic! If you tie a dead knot in front of you, there’s no way for you to proceed further. Hope everything make sense to you guys, if not, you guys can come and clarify with me.
Hmm, think that’s all for now. Nic, now my entry seems longer than yours.
Take care,
Meiqi
