By Noel Carroll
The late Noel Carroll contributed a series of Training Tips for past issues of Irish Runner magazine that are still well worth sharing.
What is Steady Running? We often read in a Runner’s Diary or see in a training schedule- 4 miles steady running or 6 miles steady running or something similar.
Steady running clearly plays an important role in all serious runners’ routines. But what does it mean?
Does steady running mean simply running at the same pace throughout the workout? Or does it mean a strong, demanding pace throughout the journey? The answer is that it should mean both.
For steady running to be useful, it must be not only even-paced, but strong, even paced. You must up the tempo slightly, but up it you must if you are to benefit from a steady run. This is where a lot of runners fall by the wayside.
They simply do not tighten the screw beyond the point of comfort. Deep down they evade the discomfort of that extra effort. They do not want the strain of greater concentration or the commitment to a more demanding pace.
But this is what steady running is all about- a demanding pace. How long and how well you hold such a pace determines your progress.
Steady running is the rock on which all successful distance running is built. It is testing, however, and it does demand application and discipline. It also requires a decision.
So think steady and hold it. Keep a grip on the pace. If you go out too bravely, you will blow it. If you go out too timidly you will shirk it. But if you go out at a firm, solid, steady pace, you will have to endure, but you can, and you will, last the pace.
Don’t let yourself get distracted thinking of nothing but the finish. Steady running has everything to recommend it- but don’t just do it, do it right.
