Chill Out, Relax, and Enjoy (C.O.R.E) Running

When pain sets in during a hard, long workout, everyday runners, and even pretty good ones, often get wrapped up in it. They think to themselves, “Oh crap, this already hurts so much and I’ve got a long way to go.” These emotionally charged thoughts can lead to panic . Heart rates rise and muscles tense. As a result, both enjoyment and performance diminish. But for the best runners, like the ones that Steve coaches, it’s a different story . It’s not that elite runners don’t feel pain and discomfort during their hard workouts, it’s just that they react differently. Rather than panicking, they have in their minds what Steve calls a “calm conversation.” The calm conversation goes something like this: “This is starting to hurt now . It should. I’m running hard. But I am separate from this pain. It is going to be okay.” - Peak Performance, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'til your good is better, and your better, best.

"Train, don't strain" - Arthur Lydiard

"Think “fast” not “hard" - Weldon Johnson of Letsrun.com

"In running however, there are not bonus points for running 'hard.' The point is to run fast. There is a difference. Don't forget that." - Weldon Johnson of Letsrun.com

- letsrun.com

"I was pretty lazy but I've learned over the years that you can't be lazy if you want to be the best at your sport. I'm still lazy - with the fact that I can't be bothered to do things sometimes - but I get it done because I still want to be the best." - Usain Bolt

"The foundation of fitness is nutrition, sleep and health. Without these a true peak will never be achieved" - Joe Friel

"Distance is no problem for the best athletes. Anyone can run a long way if they go slowly enough; however, as soon as you begin cracking on the speed you'll soon crack up if you aren't able to run fast." - Gordon Pirie

"People have a misconception on what toughness is. It isn’t about gritting your teeth and powering through an obstacle. It’s not about mud runs and silly things that look difficult but aren’t. Toughness is about making the right decisions under stress and fatigue. It’s about having the ability and wherewithal to slow the world down, make the right decisions or choose the correct coping strategy.

When we are racing, it’s about choosing to push on and cover the surge versus slowing down when we hit halfway in the mile. In football, it’s about having the capacity to stay calm and run your precise route as a receiver with full attention despite being exhausted and beat down. It’s about running it at max speed instead of half-assing your way through the next play because you are tired. Toughness is getting it right when stress, fatigue, and pressure are high. It’s about handling uncertainty and being able to adjust to whatever is thrown at you." - Steve Magness scienceofrunning.com