STRIVE-trips

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This is the correct answer. The reason that the record is so "soft" is because for most professional runners, if they are going to run under 1'07'29, they could go to a medium sized road race and get some prized money. The reason that 8 guys broke 60'00 at RAK this year is because there's hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money on the line, so dozens of guys will go out at sub-60 pace. The reason that none of those guys will go out and run a 65' half marathon tomorrow is because there's no one paying them to do it. While it's certainly not an all-out effort for those guys, it's not easy enough for them to just go do it on a whim with the risks of getting hurt/worn out for no pay. If RAK or USATF or someone put a huge prize out for a treadmill half marathon record, I would guess that the record would be well under 60'00.

For me, the benefit of going after the record is that it raises publicity for STRIVE and the charitable projects we support. To me, it's worth sacrificing a possible pay-day at a big road race to try to raise a few thousand dollars to help fund our Community Center in rural Peru

In one word: consistency.

I started running as a senior in high school and was probably running only about 20-30mpw. Since then, I've been working with the same coach for over 6 years and we've always had a very long-term approach to training. He was great in helping me develop slowly and continuously, as opposed to making big leaps in training to try to maximize benefits in high school or college.

So, the biggest thing I'd say is consistency. Try to gradually increase the intensity of what you're doing - though speed or volume - a little bit every season. Avoid huge jumps in mileage and think long term. I think it was Alberto Salazar who said something along the lines of "If you keep improving, eventually you'll set a world record!"

Hi Velorium!

Great question! I think the short answer is I would still be running at some level. I've always loved the process of training and the intensity of racing - it keeps me level-headed, grounded, organized, motivated, etc. Whether I was training as a professional or simply as a "weekend warrior," I think I'd definitely be running!

In a more practical sense - I have a degree in mechanical engineering. I was particularly interested in thermodynamics and material properties during college (my senior thesis was on performing molten oxide electrolysis to extract rare earth metal from slag), so I could see myself in a graduate program to continue research into that. One of my classmates who worked with me is getting a PhD on this stuff and seems pretty excited!

I do also really love working with people (kids and teens in particular), so I could see myself going into education. My work with STRIVE the last few summers has taught me how fun it can be to work with teenagers - they're at a particular age where they're very receptive to new ideas and are just developing their ideals personalities. I really enjoy being a part of that!

Hi Stephen,

Really good question! The answer is absolutely. I almost feel like a different person sometimes in periods of very high training intensity vs. periods of rest.

For those who might not know, the way that many professional runners structure their years might look something like this: two long periods of intense training of around 5-5.5 months each with a "peak" at the end. This peak could represent something like the Olympics or a big target marathon. Usually after the peak race/meet, the athlete will take a period of rest before beginning the process all over again. This rest can vary from total rest (no running, no exercise) to moderate or "active recovery" (very light running or some cross training). Time for rest periods can range from about 1-6 weeks, depending on the length and intensity of the cycle completed.

For me, the rest period usually consists of a few (read 2-3) weeks where I take a break from TRAINING. This doesn't necessarily mean a break from running, but a break from the MENTAL rigor of knowing that I must get out and run every day. I will go for a jog with my father or my girlfriend or my coach, but only because it's a good excuse to see them and get outside!

So, I think the biggest difference I notice is this kind of forced relaxation. I stick to a very intense training plan during the season - running twice a day and 140-160 miles per week - so forcing myself not to structure my whole day around how to fit in those runs, trips to the gym, watching what I eat, etc. is a huge mental relief for a short time.

I also notice some big physical differences. I sleep WAY less (sometimes I will sleep 10 hours per night during heavy training) and I am much less hungry.

That being said, as much as it's great and refreshing to have a break from that intensity, my personality really enjoys the intensity. After a few weeks, I'm always itching to go back!