|||
As you’d imagine, running regularly is a good way to make you fitter! The more and longer you are able to train, the fitter you get. The science of running training (as inexact as that may be) attempts to gauge your current fitness, tuning to this a training regimen designed to extend you just enough.
That’s why most programs will include some kind of baseline test; to update that gauge and reset training assumptions accordingly.
Some coaches use a fixed distance time trialm (2km is common), others just use race results. We’re using the Cooper test, just because it’s easy to do and doesn’t take a long time. Behind it is the work of coaching giants that have observed its results and contributed to the body of knowledge that surrounds it.
It’s all still hit and miss of course. Just think of it as a regular, consistent format check in on your fitness that helps update your pacing and workload. Sometimes you’ll feel good and sometimes you won’t. Sometimes you’ll go further than before and sometimes you won’t. Sometimes we think it’s an accurate reflection of your fitness and sometimes we don’t trust it, because we’re aware of some context that the spreadsheet isn’t. It’s a way to structure our thoughts and coaching conversations.
Today I’ll send you an updated program based on your most resent Cooper. It might mean that your T pace is slightly faster than it was. If it’s not (stays the same), don’t worry. You didn’t run a new Cooper don’t worry. There’s no good and bad in this, just measurement and feedback. These are the ingredients of improvement over time, not all at once! Finding out how you can most enjoy your running (sticking at it) is the key.
If you’re running, you’re doing great!