Episode 111: Running Performance| Should we focus on our 'Strengths' or 'Weaknesses'?

A different podcast format this week! Yes, you are stuck with me, throwing my thoughts against a wall about a random topic.  A few week ago I came up with a list of topics that I personally thought were both; thought provoking and interesting to brainstorm. I'd like to pursue this particular format regularly(I still don't have a name for the segment?!), so if any listeners have a nagging running training or injury related question that they want me to take a deep dive with, then PM me. This week's topic is:  Running performance| 'Should we focus on our strengths or weaknesses?' Superficially, this looks like quite a basic question but if you listen to my interpretation of the topic, it's actually quite interesting and it illustrates how important understanding 'the individual' is when it comes to optimal running coaching.  Obviously, working on weakness' like: a bad diet, poor sleep routine, work stress, lack of commitment or focus, poor devotion to recovery, a deconditioned body and or inefficient movement patterns will all help performance, this is a no brainer. However today, I really wanted to focus on the fact that at birth we acquire a specific genetic phenotype that predisposes us with certain strengths and weaknesses.  Ask yourself, does 'speed' come easy to you? or does 'endurance'? (All of us are scattered somewhere along this vast speed-endurance spectrum). Initially as a 'newby' runner we just need to do the basics right and we will improve eg. run consistently/rest/eat/sleep and do it again. However, due to 'diminishing returns' we soon need to get a bit more 'specific to the athlete' and 'specific to the event' being targeted if we really want to keep improving long term.  We need to know our own 'plumbing' and train largely 'with it', rather than 'against it'! I hope you enjoy the listen, any feedback appreciated. Happy running, Dane Links referred to in the episode -Max King article: https://www.podiumrunner.com/training/maintain-your-strengths-while-working-on-your-weaknesses/ and let’srun.com messageboards: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=10413068#10413068 You can catch this episode and more through this link or in our bio. 🔗 https://blink.by/runculture/  All things Run Culture and more can be found on the following links: If you feel the podcast adds value to your runs, commute or through what ever means you listen you can now support the podcast for a small donation off $5/month. This donation not only keeps the podcasts and its host running, but will also provide listeners early access to all the latest and greatest interviews BEFORE the general public!! Sign up on Patreon now: https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=11035307&fbclid=IwAR0ULgHkhlqmOJYU4cc5BSlTkfrmg0SIWM0wqKTyVYUNGUfscb7MX_R7KP0   For all your physiotherapy needs… Book in now with host and experienced physiotherapist, Dane Verwey: https://auappts.gensolve.com/run In addition to 1 on 1 Physiotherapy Consultation,  Dane also provides a weekly online strength/conditioning program. With sessions focused on strength, activation and mobility it is great for runners, elite athletes and the general punter alike. Sign up now ($20/month): https://run-therapy.teachable.com  Run Culture Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NGeePSmXrnyU4k6EX4wNv?si=i6FT7VvWQn-pr9TMcNbfZQ  Run Culture Podcast on Apple/iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/run-culture-podcast/id1478354435  Follow Run Culture on Instagram: @run.culture https://www.instagram.com/run.culture/  Like Run Culture on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dsverwey/  All Run Culture Owl athletes can be found on the teams Strava group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/rc-owls