This week has been a reminder that runners don’t always judge their own limits accurately.
Sometimes we underestimate what we’re capable of. Other times, we push through fatigue when what we really need is to adapt.
In conversations with runners I coach, I’ve seen both sides play out.
One runner recently completed a 31-mile event having gone into it expecting to run only 8–10 miles. Another, preparing for a 33-mile event, felt nervous about the distance but successfully completed it as part of their training.
Both came away with a new understanding of what they could do.
At the same time, I’ve also been working with runners who need to adjust their training, not because they aren’t capable, but because factors like fatigue, life stress, or perimenopause mean that doing more isn’t always the answer.
Running progress isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s about understanding when to challenge your limits, and when to adapt your approach.
In my latest article, I explore how expectations shape our training, why we often get them wrong, and how to find the right balance between pushing forward and pulling back.
Running Coaching Support
If you’re unsure whether you should be pushing harder or adjusting your training, this is exactly where coaching can help.
I work with runners across the UK to build training that fits around their life, their goals, and where they are right now — not just what a generic plan says.
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