Nell Rojas, an experienced runner, shares her insights on effective measurement and pacing during training. She discusses the critical balance between pace, volume, and the role of subjective efforts in performance. The conversation highlights the impact of terrain and environmental factors on running, urging athletes to listen to their bodies. Nell also addresses the skepticism surrounding power metrics in running compared to cycling, advocating for personalized coaching approaches tailored to individual needs.
Quantifying training load for runners involves balancing volume, intensity, and external factors like terrain and weather conditions to optimize performance.
Rate of Perceived Exertion offers runners an instinctive way to assess training intensity, enhancing their understanding of personal capabilities during workouts.
Recognizing external variables such as terrain and weather plays a crucial role in adjusting training strategies and preventing frustration in runners.
Deep dives
Quantifying Training Load for Runners
Quantifying training load for runners is a crucial aspect of their performance, given that it differs significantly from cycling. It involves understanding the interplay between volume, intensity, and overall training load, which can all be influenced by external factors such as terrain and weather. Nell Rojas emphasizes the importance of tailoring training plans to individual runners, considering their unique circumstances including access to running surfaces, local climate conditions, and their personal schedules. This individualization helps optimize each runner's training experience while preparing them for specific race goals.
The Value of Perceived Exertion in Running
RPA, or Rate of Perceived Exertion, is highlighted as a valuable tool for runners to assess intensity based on how hard they feel they are working. Unlike cyclists, many runners rely on feel rather than equipment metrics, which Nell advocates for as a more instinctive approach. This method encourages runners to develop a better understanding of their body and its capabilities, allowing them to make informed decisions during workouts. Furthermore, experienced runners can correlate their perceived exertion with physiological data, ultimately enhancing their performance.
The Role of Heart Rate in Training
Heart rate plays a pivotal role in running training, particularly for monitoring athletes during their easy runs and threshold efforts. Coaches often use heart rate zones to help athletes slow down during easy runs, which can prevent injuries caused by overexertion. However, coaches like Nell Rojas stress the importance of educating runners on their individual heart rate responses, as these can vary widely based on various factors, including fitness level and environmental conditions. By acknowledging heart rate patterns, athletes can better understand their training limits and recovery needs.
Adjusting Training for External Factors
External factors, including terrain and weather conditions, significantly impact training effectiveness for runners. Rojas underscores the need for adjustments based on whether an athlete is running on flat versus hilly terrain, which affects pacing and perceived effort. Additionally, considerations such as wind resistance, heat, and elevation changes can alter performance outcomes, making it essential for athletes to remain flexible in their training strategies. Recognizing these external variables helps prevent frustration when pacings don't match expectations during workouts.
Challenges of Training Metrics in Running
The conversation highlights the complexity of using various training metrics in running, including pace, power, and heart rate, which can sometimes lead to confusion for athletes. For instance, while running power metrics like those from Stride may offer some insights, their application and relevance remain contentious within the running community. Coaches often emphasize the importance of subjective measures, such as perceived effort and heart rate, over strict adherence to pace. Ultimately, the discussion reaffirms that multiple metrics should inform running training, but athletes must remain grounded in personal feel and physiological responses.