Inner space

Running takes us here,
And takes us there;

It opens doors,
And makes us aware.

To some it's joy,
Even escape;
Some find it a ploy,
To wear a cape.

It may be a trail,
A track, road or path;
For all alike,
A journey you craft.

It can take you away,
A smile upon a face;
Bring you back,
From a far away place.

It can be quiet,
Running your forward pace;
Lest we forget,
All find peace,
Running...
The Inner Space.

The Secret to Better Running...

Thirty-two years and 835,000+kms of running, and 25 years of coaching I've learnt a few things.
And, I' still learning; the more you learn the more you realise there is to learn.
I could say I know a thing or two.

I've even learnt a secret or two. Yet do they remain secrets if I tell you? Maybe, maybe not.

There is a secret to becoming a better runner.
It may be a secret you already know.
It may not.


For you, I've compiled over 300 ways to become a better runner. Here...distilled into nine:

1. better training - better progressions, better variety, better pacing
2. better 'smarts' - better strategies, better reviews, better habits, better knowledge
3. better competing (and racing) - better awareness, better strategies, better execution, better fight
4. better plans - better long-term perspective, better structure, better flexibility, less short-cuts
5. better movement: better mechanics, better technique, better form
6. better balance - better life-balance, better balance of all training components, better load & recovery balance
7. better culture: better awareness, better leadership, less following, better fad-detection
8. better coaching - better relationship, better communication, better lesson-learning
9. better self 

Which strikes you the most? Which can you best become better at?

Whichever you choose, there it is -  your secret.   And that's mine, shared with you.

The secret to better running and becoming a better runner is better choices.

But you knew that, right!
Not knowing what you don't know smarts, as does realising that you already know what you wanted to know.

Becoming a runner - thoughts on getting going

Running is the world’s best form of exercise and boasts millions of participants worldwide.

The beauty of running is its simplicity – it can be done just about anywhere by anyone anytime, and at little expense.

Running builds fitness, increases health, promotes a healthy body, improves your state of mind, and makes you more energetic & productive. But this you've probably already heard, read or know.

Running also has the power to rewire your brain, and change your life…setting you on a path, or trail, beyond what you’ve dreamt possible.

So running is a good thing. Starting running can be a challenge: energy, time, past experience, perceptions. Here are some thoughts to color those perceptions...

Become a runner…

Becoming a runner… is about making the decision to start, and letting your feet to the talking and take you on a journey to the future. It isn’t about what you have or haven’t done in the past, nor what you do now.

Becoming a runner… is about moving forward - one foot after the after, step-by-step, breath-by-breath. It’s not about what gear you’ve got, how you look, nor how far or how fast you go.

Becoming a runner… is about doing what you can when you can, and juggling running as a new part of your life – as small or as big as you let it. It isn’t about the ability to focus on a single thing, nor to pretend that the inevitable distractions (and disappointments) of life don’t trip you up.

Becoming a runner... is about getting out the door and, yes, making some effort and taking some time - only to have that energy and quality-time come back more-fold. It’s not about blood, sweat, tears and puking, and reaching the depths of your capacity.

Becoming a runner... is about some is better than none. It isn’t about committing endless hours, running everyday of the week, nor having to keep up with anyone.

To become a runner … you only need the desire to start, a little fire in the belly, and a willingness to share a journey with, alongside, amongst and, and maybe later, against others.

Become a runner. Start running!

The BIG Race 3

Mornings in Melbourne deliver all sorts of things.
Particularly in Winter.

At 7 this morning, when the 10km and 21km Run Melbourne events started, it was crisp and a northerly wind detracted from any bonus warmth the approaching Sun may have promised. Yet, it didn't deter the many of thousands running, jogging and walking.

A handful of us (in2runners) had the pleasure of enjoying parts of our Sunday long run while running alongside the course.

Although few words were uttered, the faces of many told much of their journey. Particularly at the finish-line.

A race is often a BIG thing for athletes; for people that compete against others or themselves, and against the course and the clock. For some it's about participating and finishing.

Yet, what is it that can make a race BIG?

A BIG race can come in all shapes and sizes, obviously. More importantly, the 'big' is more pertinent as to why it is important to the people that enter, participate, race and finish.

Although the origin of the word BIG is a bit of a mystery, it's evolved from a meaning of powerful or strong. I like this idea. It's a different perspective on BIG as large. This sense creates the idea of BIG conviction, strength and determination.

A BIG race, then can be any of:

• a race that is longer or further than you've ever done, or dreamt possible
• a race distance you complete faster than before - an IWR, an Individual World Record (or PB)
• a race or course that only goes up - a mountain run
• a race or course with large changes in elevation
• a race you paid big entry, travel and accommodation fees to enter and attend
• a race with 5-, 10-, 50- or 70-thousand people in it
• a race in a big city: London, Tokyo, Berlin, Rotterdam, Paris
• a famous race: Comrades, Sydney's City to Surf
• one of USA's BIG four: Chicago, New York, Boston
• the only race you do, ever
• your first race, your first marathon; your first cross-country, trail-, mountain-, track-, parkour- or urban-run
• a race you enter and raise money for charity
• the key focus or priority race for your season or year
• your first team or relay race
• the only or first race you beat your training partner, spouse, child, parent, coach, boss
• the race that sends you off to a representative team
• the race that opens the eyes of selectors, recruiters and scholarship providers
• the race you beat your ultimate rival in: Coe vs Ovett, Tergat vs Gabrisellesie, *Scott vs Allen
• a race you need to finish or beat someone for a bet
• a race (event) that see you travel interstate or overseas
• a race set along one of the world's natural or built wonders: by the Nile, the Grand Canyon, the Great Wall of China
• a race at a championship level: school, region, province, state, national, international
• a race at the Commonwealth, European, World championship, or Olympic Games
• a podium finish
• a first place
• just finishing
• a race that provides proof
• a race that let's you know you are okay
•  a race that inspires you
• a race that reminds you of why you run
• an event that reminds you that you're of the human race

Races can deliver all sorts of things. Some are BIGger than others.

Their importance to individuals has the potential to deliver moer than a crisp Winter morning in Melbourne.

At least, they deliver a knowing and warm smile.

And something so small can be so big!

The Line...

It's that time of year.

It's Christmas. Christmas means different things to different people, for different reasons.

For some, it's the storm before the calm of a New Year; it can be the license to let your hair down and your stomach out before starting over; or, even the mayhem before drawing a line in the sand.




That line comes in different forms. It too means different things to different people.
It can be about:

• stating a point beyond which you will not go
• indicating a point where you've had enough (draw 'the line')
• highlighting a time when you're about to change direction, take a different tact; to change
• to highlight something new, bold and adventurous (to put in on 'the line')
• emphasising a point where any further effort is unproductive (end of 'the line')

Yet, I'm not sure if 'the line' really holds it's worth in gold, or sand. It's too easy to forego 'the line' as we frame it for ourselves, or others. While pausing from a cycle (sorry!) beachside this morning I saw a young boy, no more than 4 or 5 years old, drag a stick along the beach. He drew an impressive line: straight, and long. He called to his mum, "Mum, stop. Look!" He jumped from side-to-side over the line, then ran back to the start and did it all again. And again.

His line ended, yet was never-ending. Well, at least until mum got bored and needed her coffee. It was easy for him to make or profess his line in the sand. It was just as easy to step over it, and continue on his merry way.

As we come into the festive season, and the trimmings and trappings and turkeys of Christmas are bypassed for the resolutions of the New Year, what form will your line take?

      Will it be one of action, or of action stopped? 

Will it be one of drive or determination or passion?

Perhaps it will be another case of the never-ending line that fades into the distance, one defined by many and followed by many more? Will you do it because others have, or not do it because other's haven't? Will you follow this line and start again next year, and the year after? And the one after that, again?

Will your line in the sand truly mark a new beginning, or a new ending?

Or, will you - a day, a week, a minor set-back, a month, an injury later - step over your line and wander, walk or run on, back to your old path? And wonder why? 

You may not. But the running gods will.

Be wary, and toe that line!

All sorts...

Runners come in all shapes and sizes.

And speeds and styles.  And outfits and gadgets.

I got wondering about this while out and  about coaching this morning. The pleasure of coaching my in2running squad was magnified by the beautiful sunrise and early morning weather. The Botanical Gardens ('The Tan') in Melbourne attracts runners of all types: runners like you, runners like me, and runners like us.


Some speed by, others shuffle by; some stride past, many sigh past; some ease along, others pant-n-puff strong; yet, all move in their own way, and run along.


After our session I rewarded myself with a an hour-and-some of run/walk. I took my new Garmin Forerunner for a test run. Thank you to in2runners for this generous gift. It's nicknamed the Forderunner, hehe.

Then, I got to coach some speedy and agile football players, both Soccer and Australian Rules Football. More different shapes and sizes and speeds. And needs.

To this point, we've looked at some basics of program design. Let's take it a little further. As we do that let's be clear on the different types of running. Strangely enough their are different types of types of running. What the?

There are types defined by differences in gait, technique and mechanics: walk, jog, run, sprint.
There are types defined by distance: sprints, middle-distance, long distance, ultra-. Each of these have their own classifications and event names.
There are types defined by obstacles: hurdles or 'sticks', steeple-chase.
There are types defined by terrain: hill, trail, cross-country, even orienteering and rogaining.
There are types defined by outcomes: health-related, fitness-related running, performance-related running. Some even run for it's contribution to aesthetics.
There are types defined by relationship: individual, team, age-group.
There are types defined by no definition, yet for the exhileration and the experience.

Training effectively for each of these different types of running simply requires us to understanding running in context: who it's for, what they're training for, and the demands of their event.


A one-approach to training for running does not fit all people, nor does it fit all athletes or all events. It certainly doesn't fit all outcomes or goals, and nor should it remain the same for all people over time. This is Training Programs 101, 102 and 201.


Although sprints, middle-distance and endurance events all involve running...training for them requires different and individualised programs over time.  Yet, each effective program will be based upon sound athletic development principles of training.


In blogs to come I'll share my experiences with you about program design for endurance events.


Endurance runners come in all shapes and sizes.

What sort are you, and me?

Programs 201: Good stuff...

It's happened again.


A coach cut-and-paste a program from the internet over the weekend. He asked, "Is this a good program, Fordy. Could I use it?"


"Of course", I replied, "you could use it!"
More to the point, simply by using it because you can doesn't mean it is good. So...I had him think about if he 'should' use it. Very different question.


Back to what makes a "good" program. You may recall that what a program is depends upon your perspective, experience and, importantly, your expectations. Therefore, your judgement of "good" (or not) depends upon who you are, your running and training (and injury) background, your running capacity, what you know or have experienced, what you value, your lifestyle, and what you're aiming for, at the least.

It depends upon your context, and how you go about framing your view of a program.  The coach had began to frame the program in terms of accessibility, clarity, and presentation. All understandable given the practical and practicable nature of us coaching-types. But....no context.

Helping the coach appreciate what he'd found in a more relevant context, I explained the three fundamental elements of a program (1) it's a journey - a planned, reflective, reactive, respectful, and robust trip; (2) as a journey it has a destination; it considers your/team's current situation; and, considers your/team's past; (3) it must be planned - providing direction and based upon fundamental training principles.

The program he found had no reference to his larger sport's program nor was it directly relevant to the athletes he coached. Knowing what existed, it couldn't have been relevant to the elements or outcomes of his program. It wasn't a journey for him to take, yet simply a snap-shot of part of someone else's journey. It had taken no stock of the past, current and future situation of his athletes.

He got it! He needed to plan his program from the bigger perspective first: at 5, 3 and 1 year levels. He had to consider and map out what his juniors (12-13yo) and seniors (17-18yo) were to achieve as young people, as athletes, as runners. Then consider the backgrounds of his athletes, the resources he'd have, and what time frames were available.

Once he knew where he was going, who was likely to take the journey with him, and what resources he had...he could construct a program. Implementing it, and reviewing it against objectives and criteria over time, would bring it to life. And, a planned, living, breathing and effective program is a "good" program.

A "good" program is not one to cut, copy and paste. It is one to plan, implement, individualise, review and re-work...all with the destination in mind. It is all of smart, knowledgeable and wise.

Nor is a "good" program a simple routine of increasing distance, repetition numbers and speed, and reducing rest periods.

Dependent upon why you run and what you're aiming for, a "good" program is determined solely by meeting the objectives it sets out to achieve for you. It is likely to require you to complete a developmental sequence of progressive and varied sessions and activities relevant to you, your capacity, and the demands of your event. This developmental sequence will be based upon the creative or artistic application of scientific training principles over time.

Yet, you can have the most scientific based, most comprehensively thought out and planned, intricately detailed, varied, colourful and expensive program in the world yet, if you are unable to follow it, don't like it, give up on it, get injured through it, or it is too hard, too easy, or too boring for you, then it isn't worth the little bit of cyberspace you cut-and-paste it from.

Of course...it's 'no good' if it doesn't work for you.    Don't let that happen...again.