Chapter 2 - Training Principles for the Runner

Abstract

Effective training of runners poses a challenging task for the clinician/coach. Every runner must be approached on an individualized basis to fully appreciate their unique ecosystem, goals, and motivation to train which in turn will lend to enhanced communication and therapeutic alliance. In addition to considering a runner's past medical, training, and sport history, it is also essential to appreciate where they may fall on the return to sport continuum in the event they are recovering from an injury. Irrespective of whether a runner is focused on training for general health and well-being or for the sake of performance, consistency of training serves as the foundation of success. While a wealth of options exist in the way of monitoring internal and external workloads, determining the most appropriate monitoring system to meet the desired goals should be a mutual decision between the clinician/coach and runner. Despite the fact that most recreational runners tend to train in the vicinity of three to five times per week whereas elites can reach up to 10–14 sessions, the polarized model of training seems to yield optimal results for improving fitness and performance for those who have been training with some regularity. Lastly, if there is one thing a runner should do outside of their running, the answer is strength train considering its myriad of benefits irrespective of ability.