Brilliant article. I am such a grinder and not a lot of game. This resonates a lot and something I need to work on - 'These are grinders who learned that executing a race is just as important as the training buildup.'
Hey Sam. I think it's a mindset thing. It's like studying for an exam and then getting to the exam and thinking why do I have to do the exam when I have done all the study. I also think it's a confidence thing. Been using the Hanson plan for marathon training and I love it but the long runs top out at 16 miles and I think the confidence of doing a few 20 milers would help.
Yeah, I feel you! One thing I used to think about when I was doing a lot of exam study was something that my band director used to always say: "don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong". I found that to be a great mindset for connecting the prep work with the performance work. If I've really put in the work, all I've got to do now is execute.
And yeah, my 2¢ is 16 miles is too short. Ideally, you get some 20-22 length runs in there, and, if possible, with some race-pace running mixed in after 13 miles. But of course you've got to balance that with your own body and recovery. :)
I hadn't thought about it just this way before, but you are right about these two groups, and also about learning to do both. I'd add that there are ways to turn the grind into a game (or ideally, an array of games — streaks, lifetime totals, heart-rate PRs, etc.). Nice post.
Brilliant article. I am such a grinder and not a lot of game. This resonates a lot and something I need to work on - 'These are grinders who learned that executing a race is just as important as the training buildup.'
Hey, thanks so much, Mark! What do you think would help you get more of that gamer mindset for performance?
Hey Sam. I think it's a mindset thing. It's like studying for an exam and then getting to the exam and thinking why do I have to do the exam when I have done all the study. I also think it's a confidence thing. Been using the Hanson plan for marathon training and I love it but the long runs top out at 16 miles and I think the confidence of doing a few 20 milers would help.
Yeah, I feel you! One thing I used to think about when I was doing a lot of exam study was something that my band director used to always say: "don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong". I found that to be a great mindset for connecting the prep work with the performance work. If I've really put in the work, all I've got to do now is execute.
And yeah, my 2¢ is 16 miles is too short. Ideally, you get some 20-22 length runs in there, and, if possible, with some race-pace running mixed in after 13 miles. But of course you've got to balance that with your own body and recovery. :)
Thanks Sam. That's great advice. Race pace after 13 miles on the long runs is not something I have ever done. Gotta give that a go.
Really enjoyed this Sam, in particular how you tied it up at the end. (And thanks for re-sharing the podcast with Varner!)
Thanks so much, Mario. Love that convo!
I enjoyed reading this!
Thanks so much, Sabrina!
Thank you for the shout out, Sam! Appreciate you reading + sharing. And thank you for this post; I loved reading it!
Hey, thanks so much, Devin. Really love all your reflections on learning. Much to ponder and beautifully written.
I hadn't thought about it just this way before, but you are right about these two groups, and also about learning to do both. I'd add that there are ways to turn the grind into a game (or ideally, an array of games — streaks, lifetime totals, heart-rate PRs, etc.). Nice post.
That's a smart thought re. gaming the grind!
Love the gamers and grinders metaphor. It fits with competitive sailing as well. Loved the tweet of the week with the pic from Master and Commander! 😂
Your graphics are excellent. Love the style. I'm an artist, so I appreciate the sketch-like quality. What is Midjourney Generation?
Thanks, Brittany, but don’t give me any credit for them as they are AI generations. I do love that pencil-sketch style!