s4/e06 How (& Why) To Increase Your Running Volume with Coach Elisabeth
Feb 15, 2024
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Tips on increasing running volume effectively, importance of balance between volume and frequency, easy effort running, limitations of the 10% rule, varying volume of elite runners, dedication needed for aggressive performance goals, maintaining love for running over arbitrary goals
Balancing volume with effort is crucial for sustainable growth in running.
Gradually increase training volume by adding another day and distributing increases throughout the week.
Maintain a love for running and prioritize personal enjoyment over arbitrary goals.
Deep dives
Increasing Running Volume Benefits Performance
Running more volume is associated with improved performance and faster times, supported by large data sets of marathon finishers and Strava data showing a correlation between higher training volume and faster finishing times. While faster runners tend to run more volume, exceptions exist, with some achieving great race times on low volume training, implying that higher volume runners generally tend to be faster.
Balancing Training Volume and Effort
Balancing training volume with effort is crucial. Increasing running volume is not solely about adding miles but distributing the volume throughout the week. It's essential to avoid overloading any single day, as maintaining an appropriate intensity, frequency, and volume is key to sustainable growth without risking burnout or injury.
Practical Guidance on Increasing Training Volume
Gradually increasing training volume is essential, with suggestions like adding a fourth day of running, starting with shorter, easy effort runs, and distributing volume increases throughout existing runs. Following guidelines like the 10% rule for volume increase can be helpful, but it's important to adapt such rules to individual capacity and avoid overly aggressive jumps in training volume.
Perspective on Running Volume Across Race Distances
For different race distances, specific training volume ranges tend to optimize performance. Starting from 15-20 miles per week for 5K/10K races, moving to 30+ miles for competitive half marathons, and around 40-50 miles per week for effective marathon training. Elite athletes typically reach higher training volumes, emphasizing the importance of gradual progression and personalizing training plans.
Long-Term Approach to Running Volume
Foremost, prioritizing the joy and fulfillment from running is crucial. Slow, progressive adaptation to increased volume, supported by balanced intensity and frequency, sets the foundation for sustainable growth in running. Embracing incremental gains, maintaining enthusiasm, and self-compassion play pivotal roles in the success and longevity of a runner's journey.
Let's run MORE!! Why? In this episode with Coach Elisabeth, we talk about how to increase running volume effectively and the importance of finding the right balance between volume and frequency, and the relationship between volume and speed. Practical tips for adding volume to your training week include adding another day of running and distributing volume increases throughout the week, plus the importance of easy effort running and the limitations of the 10% rule. She also highlights the varying volume of elite runners and the dedication and time required to achieve aggressive performance goals. She encourages runners to maintain a love for running and not sacrifice it for arbitrary goals
KEY TAKEAWAYS!
Increasing running volume can lead to improved performance, but it's important to find the right balance for your individual goals and abilities.
Adding another day of running and distributing volume increases throughout the week are effective ways to increase training volume.
Easy effort running is crucial for safely increasing volume and preventing injury.
The 10% rule is a guideline that can be helpful, but it's not a hard and fast rule and may not be appropriate for all runners.
Volume guidelines for different race distances can provide a general framework for setting training goals. Set realistic goals and consider the time and dedication required to achieve them.
Volume plays a crucial role in marathon training and can greatly impact performance.
Elite runners have varying volume levels, but higher volume tends to lead to better performance.
Maintain a love for running and don't sacrifice it for arbitrary goals.
Increase volume gradually and distribute frequency throughout the week for better results.
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