To continue with our series on "How I Became a Faster Runner", we arrive at part 3: LSD Run.  No, we're not lacing our shoes, nor are we tripping for this run.  This is our Long Slow Distance (LSD) Run, most commonly known as the Long Run.  This is the final main run in many training programs along with Speed Work, and Tempo Runs.

For part 1 (How I Became a Faster Runner - Speed Work) - Click here.
For part 2 (How I Became a Faster Runner - Tempo Runs) - Click here.

When I started training seriously and was part of running groups, we would have a speed session, and tempo or hill session, and then on Sunday's, we would go out for our long run.  I dreaded these runs as they were typically twice as long (sometimes even thrice as long) as our mid-week sessions

For part 1 (How I Became a Faster Runner) - Click here.

In our last post about how I became a faster runner, I ran through (pun intended) my five point plan/different running workouts which helped me go from a runner who struggled to run 1 kilometre without the need to rest to completing my first half marathon in 18 months.

Now I say 18 months because initially I never intended to complete anything more than 10k.  My reasoning was that I never wanted to run more than an hour.  That made my goal of a sub-60 minute 10k the ultimate running goal for me.

However, (and I'm sure many of you have experienced this too), but when around other runners, especially post-run coffees, you get the itch and next thing you know, you've signed up for half-marathon races left, right, and centre.

I am very competitive by nature, especially when it comes to sport. I had to be the best I could be so that the team could win. In training, I would make sure I was the fastest, most vocal, could jump the highest (or farthest in the long/triple jumps), score or assist the most goals/points, and so on.

​You get the picture...

When it came to running, I was no different. Each run had to be faster than the last. That was because I used to think that there was just one type of run. Just lace up, head out the door and run the streets (or treadmill). My genuine belief back then was that over time, you naturally got faster as your body acclimatized to running, and thus having more stamina and more power, which to me would result in faster times. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, I would grow as a runner with each run to become faster and run farther.

This mentality is very dangerous, and I have quit running a number of times because of it.

You’ve been there before haven’t you?

Frustration because you can’t train the way you want to, with injuries and niggles limiting your ability to train consistently. It feels like your body can’t do what you want it to be able to do, no matter how much your mind is willing it on.

Injuries can be the biggest frustration because ultimately it’s taking away your ability to do what you want to do. It limits your freedom and takes away the joy of running and the feeling of vitality it provides.
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In this article I’m going to help solve your problems with a list of 6 simple steps you can take to begin building the habits that will reduce the risk of injury as a runner.