COACH CULPEPPER TRAINING
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D O N ’ T F I G H T T H E W E AT H E R , D E A L W I T H I T B Y A L A N C U L PEPPER
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CM1115_T_CULPEPPER.indd 47
F I G H T I N G I T:
FIG HTIN G IT:
FIG HTIN G IT:
You have planned a long run with a
You have a tempo run planned that you nor-
You wake up on a morning when you
training partner on a standard loop in
mally run at lunchtime, but the weather is much
have a speed workout planned to find
which you know the mile markers. But
warmer than expected. You head out in the heat
that a few inches of snow have fallen
when the time comes to do the run, you
of the day and wind up cooked from your efforts
overnight. You forge ahead with the
find that the wind is blowing at 25 mph
as dehydration and fatigue take their toll over
workout on your normal loop and find
and gusting even harder. Instead of
the next several days.
yourself frustrated by the slow pace due
changing your plans, you forge ahead
to the slippery ground. Not to mention
and get battered by the wind for two
DE A L IN G WITH IT:
putting yourself at greater risk of injury
hours, which crushes your confidence.
Instead of pushing on through the heat, you
from the unstable footing.
consider pushing your workout back a day or D EA LI N G W I T H I T:
shifting the session until later that afternoon,
DE A L IN G WITH IT:
Instead of starting a long run in mis-
when it is cooler. You get the benefits of running
You decide to either simulate the work-
erably windy conditions, you and your
at a sustained tempo pace without the lingering
out on an indoor track or on a treadmill,
training partner delay the run for a few
negative effects brought on by the heat.
or bump the workout to the next day.
hours to see if conditions improve. This doesn’t mean you are weak or lack toughness; it means you’re smart and want to get the benefits of the long run without the detrimental side effects.
Two-time U.S. Olympian Alan Culpepper won national titles from the 5K to the marathon. His first book, “Run Like a Champion,” is available at VeloPress.com.
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
It’s often said that running in harsh weather conditions makes you tougher. But does it? There are times to break from your routine and times to push onward. If unusual circumstances demand compromise, be creative with your training. By adapting your workouts with small adjustments or schedule changes, you can still maximize your training efforts, avoid injuries and maintain your long-term psychological composure.
10/21/15 11:37 AM