Runner: 1

Running. Some see it as a leisurely hobby, others an exercising tool. I myself, see it as a competitive sport- a sport that exemplifies pure effort and separates the diligent from the sloths. A sport where a minimal amount of skill is needed, but consistent mental strength and motivation is demanded.

As a part of the Fountain Valley High School Cross Country varsity team, “running” does not simply describe what I do, or aim to do. Running FAST is always my goal; and just as the word “fast” is a subjective word, so is it safe to say that I can never truly accomplish my goal.

From time to time though, you may find, that in always aspiring to do better and looking forward, your previous performances, or personal records (PR), will be sub par for your capabilities now. However, improvement does not knock at the door for you to simply accept- it must be worked at and wanted. With good training (at your level) and an adequate eating lifestyle, you will find that running at your previous pace will feel prime and thoughts of running faster will tempt you.

There are two specific categories of workouts that every avid runner should perform: distance runs, and speed training. Both workouts should be dealt with appropriately, according to your physical fitness level. Distance runs can range anywhere from three miles to fifteen miles. As you improve, you will want to increase your mileage on distance days. Speed training consists of very specific workouts that all aim to improve different aspects of running. The main two categories are tempos and intervals (more detail will be given about these in blogs to come). Proper use of these workouts will lead to certain improvement on your running.

In short, if you routinely perform the proper stretching and workouts necessary to improve, you will see fruit in your running ability. I aim to help you improve at running, whether it is a hobby or a sport to you. In the end, just remember, running is all what you make out of it.