20: Can You Be “Good” At Every Running Distance?

In this episode of the Running Channel podcast, hosts Sarah Hartley, Andy Baddeley, and Rick discuss various aspects of running performance, specifically contemplating the question: can one be good at every distance? The conversation begins with Sarah sharing her recent experience running the Hackney Half Marathon in Hoka's Clifton 10 shoes, which she praised for their comfort and performance during the race.

The hosts then shift to their personal training, with Rick revealing an upcoming cycling challenge across Wales and his lack of cycling training. This segues into discussing the balance of training for different race distances, noting the intricate relationship between training volume, intensity, and personal performance peaks across those distances.

Each host shares their preferred distances and how their experiences shape their training focus. They agree that one’s ability to handle various distances can depend on the type of training undertaken and the balance between speed work and endurance training. For example, Andy prefers shorter distances like the 1500m, while Rick, recovering from an injury, reflects on transitioning back to longer distances comfortably. Sarah, on the other hand, finds herself struggling with 5k races, viewing the half marathon as her sweet spot due to less stress and discomfort.

Towards the end, they engage with a listener’s question regarding pacing strategy and share anecdotes about personal experiences with pacing in races. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding individual capabilities and how to leverage them in training for both short and long races. The episode concludes with tips and encouragement for achieving personal bests in races.