Simple

Running is simple. Humans have run for over 2 million years. It's in our DNA. We have run to hunt, to play, to compete and to feel alive.

That doesn't mean it can't be made complicated. Wear a smartwatch, create a schedule, are you doing tempo runs or threshold runs weekly? You DO know there is a difference, right? How about fartleks? Are you getting enough time in Zone 2 to build your aerobic engine before ripping quality sessions? Are you staying within 60% - 70% of your max heart rate? What's my max heart rate? Speaking of which, when was the last time you tested your aerobic engine through a VO2 Max test?

OOF. Let's say it again to reset. Running is simple. Put one foot in front of the other and repeat. Not much is needed to run. Running shoes are recommended. That's it.

We uniquely evolved to run millions of years ago. We hold an erect posture, with the ability to swivel our necks. We lost most of our fur and sweat to stay cool. We developed arched feet to simultaneously act as shock absorbers and springboards. So did the Achilles tendons, but in an even more powerful way. We developed big bums to stabilize our trunks and specialized ligaments in our necks to keep our heads stabilized so our vision remains steady while we run. We can run at an easy pace for hours.

What am I getting at? Great question. Running is simple. Worrying about the decimal point digits of your mileage is missing the forest for the trees. Consistency of easy mileage, with a little quality work mixed in, over many months and years is what improves runners. Lengthen the time horizon.

Having one "off session" will not derail a training plan. Heck, one "off week" won't. Missed your Sunday long run? All is not lost. Just do it on Monday. Move your other sessions back a day. Weeks are human constructed concepts that organize time into satisfying structures. Rather than skipping the long run due to a Strava chart looking wonky, get the stimulus in the next day. Over the long run, your monthly and yearly mileage will reflect the progress you seek.

My ask for the week is to lace up your sneaks and get out for at least one phone-free run where you don't look at your GPS watch. Don't pre-plan the run too much and just go by feel. Feel your feet on the Earth and take in the sights and sounds around you. Nothing new here. Yet quietly, this fosters sustainability. Sustainability fosters consistency. Consistency over long periods of time leads to greater endurance, strength and speed. Wisdom as old as time.

Nothing fancy, just simple.