The late Noel Carroll, Olympian and a key influence in organising the inaugural Dublin Marathon, contributed a series of Training Tips to Irish Runner Magazine that are still worth sharing…
One of the most serious “crimes” committed by runners in training is a blind adherence to fixed schedules and programmes. A famous coach once said that “the only athletes worse than those who do nothing I tell them are those who do everything I tell them.”
The ancient Greeks had a system of training which involved a four day training cycle called the ‘tetrad’. The routine consisted of (a) preparation – a light day’s training with some brisk exercises; (b) concentration – a day for all out effort; (c) relaxation – an easy day and (d) moderation – a day for technical training. This training method looked perfect on paper as most training schedules do. However, the Greeks held so rigidly to their system that Philostratus quotes an occasion when an athlete died because of enforced training.
Many runners today adhere to rigid training schedules and fear modification or alternation. They often confuse rigidity and inflexibility with dedication and commitment. In practice, the genuine runner will only need an odd day’s rest and few periods of restraint. However, those rare occasions could well be the key to progress.
There is a time to pull back and even lie down if need be. But it doesn’t happen that often, we know, as sometimes we run well when we feel bad. However, don’t be too rigid – firm and tough, yes, but inflexible, no. Leave the dead heroes to the Greeks.
