Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Focus on what you can control
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Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest ultra runners ever, said this when talking about aspects of her training, “It’s purely effort-based, so I don’t think of it in terms of pace or heart rate zones”
“It’ll be picturing a gauge in my head with levels of green, yellow, orange, and red...”
Many runners focus too much on sticking to a particular pace when training.
Relying solely on pace to dictate training is too reductionist.
It misses the bigger picture.
It ignores other key factors to consider like your sleep, stress levels, terrain, temperature (especially in this time of year), and life demands.
This should be taken into account when training.
This is why you need to embrace HOW you feel when you run.
Understanding your own effort levels will allow you to take account for the things you cannot quite see and measure.
However, just because you cannot see it, does not mean it does not matter.
Utilizing tools that involve effort, such as RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion), can be a valuable asset when navigating training…and life.
So instead of running away from your feelings, tap into them.
You will lean more about yourself and what you are capable of.
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I hope you found this post helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. And please don't hesitate to ask any questions you have for me too.
-
Keep in mind that this is for educational purposes only. This does not replace medical advice.
-
If you are interested in more short form content, check out my instagram (@jpgloria.dpt): instagram.com/jpgloria.dpt
-
Also, I am finally opening up more slots for my run coach services. If you are interested, check out my website: jpgloria.com
Focus on what you can control
-
Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest ultra runners ever, said this when talking about aspects of her training, “It’s purely effort-based, so I don’t think of it in terms of pace or heart rate zones”
“It’ll be picturing a gauge in my head with levels of green, yellow, orange, and red...”
Many runners focus too much on sticking to a particular pace when training.
Relying solely on pace to dictate training is too reductionist.
It misses the bigger picture.
It ignores other key factors to consider like your sleep, stress levels, terrain, temperature (especially in this time of year), and life demands.
This should be taken into account when training.
This is why you need to embrace HOW you feel when you run.
Understanding your own effort levels will allow you to take account for the things you cannot quite see and measure.
However, just because you cannot see it, does not mean it does not matter.
Utilizing tools that involve effort, such as RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion), can be a valuable asset when navigating training…and life.
So instead of running away from your feelings, tap into them.
You will lean more about yourself and what you are capable of.
-
I hope you found this post helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. And please don't hesitate to ask any questions you have for me too.
-
Keep in mind that this is for educational purposes only. This does not replace medical advice.
-
If you are interested in more short form content, check out my instagram (@jpgloria.dpt): instagram.com/jpgloria.dpt
-
Also, I am finally opening up more slots for my run coach services. If you are interested, check out my website: jpgloria.com
