Note: The training tips for the next several weeks will focus on the simple fact that as you gain fitness, you'll need to make some minor tweaks to your training.

One of the biggest mistakes runners make when their training is going well and they've gained a new level of fitness is running too fast on their easy days. This is especially true the day after a track session or a threshold run because you've practiced running at a faster pace the day prior and your nervous system can easily get back into that rhythm. But you need to be disciplined enough to say, "Even though I could run faster today, it's an easy/recovery day and I need to make sure I'm ready for my next workout." If you can practice this important aspect of training, you'll continue to gain fitness with each workout because you've given yourself the ability to "absorb" the training by actually going easy on your easy day. The best runners in the world have at least two easy days a week (some as many as four or five) where they consciously hold back, keeping the pace easy throughout the run.

When you gain fitness you can and should be doing workouts that are farther and faster than you previously have, but you need to keep your easy days easy to continue to improve your fitness over time.

*Coach Jay’s advice is provided as general training information. Use at your own risk. Always consult with your own heath care provider for questions relating to your specific training and nutrition.

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