Running coach

I'm doing everything wrong! Or maybe I should say I have so much I can still improve on my running!

I had asked in the Thursday Night Hill group if anyone knew of a running coach, as I figured maybe if I could get some coaching, I would get fewer injuries. And one of the runners themselves, Dafydd, turned out to be one (recommended by Dyfed; yes we’re in Wales). And he lives close by. We agreed I would pop by on a Monday evening.

He had mentioned he has a treadmill, so I figured I needed to show up in running gear. Which makes it reasonable to run there. And I thought he only lived a stone’s throw away, but when I got to the road in question, I noticed it didn't have house numbers that went up high enough. Oops! Then I checked and realised he lived in Rachub, which has a road by that name too. I texted that I was going to be a bit late; was that okay? Luckily it was. And it was a cold night, so now I regretted not having brought gloves. 

I found it, and was greeted by Dafydd, and his partner and his dog (who had also come running last time). And he offered me a cup of tea. And we just chatted for a bit. Then we got down to business. First he showed me a training plan he had developed with some other runner. There were quite some easy runs on there, and then sometimes something rather high-intensity. He spoke a bit about heart rate zones. I figured I was accidentally doing that bit quite well; most of the time, my exercise is my commute, and my heart rate doesn't go up an awful lot when I do that. And then I have the Thursday night run, and then generally stuff in the weekends. And he said that as a general rule of thumb, one short intense thing and one long relaxed thing is great for a weekend. Like a Parkrun on Saturday morning, and then on Sunday a long slow run.

He also said something about taking it easy in the week before a big race. Your body needs to have rested before it gives a big performance! I don't normally do that. I suppose I am too impatient.

He also spoke of nutrition. I never bother with proteins; I assume I get enough of them in my diet. Even though I barely eat meat, and rarely eat eggs. I do eat cheese, beans and nuts, though. But he said that your body really wants a bit of a boost after some serious exercise. So for instance, on the Thursday, I should really have a protein bar or a protein shake when I'm done. And that also holds for races or big training runs.

We hadn't even got to the actual running yet and there was already quite something to think about. But then we went to where he keeps his treadmill, and I got on it for a joke when he filmed me. And then he really went for it! He explained that I should raise my head and my knees, tuck my elbows in. And have my feet wider apart (laterally, although having bigger strides might also help). So much to think about! He also said that if you have a permanent running coach they probably only try to get you to change one of these things at the time, and it would take weeks.

A still from the treadmill video

When that was done we went back to the living room and we had another cup of tea. And then I was on my way again. I have a lot to think about! But I'm glad we had that session. I am confident I can make changes that will help me avoid injuries. And that would be fab. And it also was just really nice to have a chat with both and cuddle with the dog. But watch this space! The proof of the pudding is in the indeed not getting injured…