It’s OK to Ditch Your Training Plan
Our strength-running coach recommends occasionally going off script to reach your running goals
Author
Jason Fitzgerald
Jason Fitzgerald is the host of the Strength Running Podcast and the founder of Strength Running. A 2:39 marathoner, he’s coached thousands of runners to faster finishing times and fewer injuries with his results-oriented coaching philosophy. He produces regular training videos and podcasts. He writes The Performance Corner column for Trail Runner.
My Stories
It’s OK to Ditch Your Training Plan
Our strength running coach recommends occasionally going off-script to reach your running goals
It’s Time to Rebrand ‘Off-Season’ for Runners
Without an official definition, this alternative term might be more useful
5 Micro-Training Tweaks for Your Fastest Marathon Yet
These commonly neglected training strategies will increase the likelihood of your fastest marathon—and they couldn’t be easier
Why Speed Training Matters (Even if You’re an Ultrarunner)
Running fast is important, even for beginners and endurance athletes. Here’s why, plus four essential workouts to start.
Your Smartwatch May Be Impeding Long-Term Running Goals
Modern gadgets tell us more about our physiology and recovery needs than ever before, but how might this constant data bath actually work against our training?
Two Golden Rules When Setting up Any Weekly Running Schedule
Running volume is important, but how you structure your training might matter more
Are You in a Performance Plateau? Here’s What to Do About It.
These five red flags might be keeping you from running faster
How to Spot—and Correct—Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome
Is your heart-rate high even on easy runs? Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome might explain why. Here’s how to fix it.
Yes, Zone 2 Training Is Important. (Just Don’t Forget the Other Stuff.)
Expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald wants us to keep our easy runs easy, but not forget the importance of workouts
Busting the Myth of “Junk Miles”
In the latest Performance Corner, our expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains why “junk miles” can actually be a pillar for long-term running health
Here’s Why Negative Splits Are the Key to Racing Faster (and Happier)
In the latest Performance Corner, expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains why it’s how you race that’s equally as important as the final result.
Priming Is The Key to Feeling “Springy” and Racing Faster
If you’ve ever felt flat on race day, it could be that you’re missing some very simple priming exercises that could bring muscle and power back into your stride. In the latest Performance Corner, expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald offers some easy training tips.
How Self-Talk Can Turn You Into a Lifelong Runner
In the latest Performance Corner, expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains how positive self-talk can be ripe opportunities for cultivating a sustainable running practice.
“Capacity Training” Is The Key to Long-Term Running Endurance
In the latest Performance Corner, we learn that to build endurance is to build “capacity.” But what does this look like? Our expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains.
How To Unlock Your Next PR By Recruiting More Muscle Fibers
In this week’s Performance Corner, learn an effective way to think about why hard workout and heavy weight training sessions matter in making you a faster, stronger runner.
Three Essentials Trail Runners Can Learn From Road Runners
In The Performance Corner, our expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains that training regimens for road racing have been honed to a science, and trail runners can learn a lot from them about improving performance.
Tired of Your Strength Program? Here Are Four Ways to Level Up.
In The Performance Corner, if you’ve been doing the same strength work for months (or years!), it might be time to start bumping things up to maximize benefit. Our expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains.
10 Tips For Avoiding Injury And Running Healthy
In The Performance Corner, our expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald shares 10 tips to help keep you running healthy and consistently.
5 Things You Should Do Every Day To Run Injury Free
In The Performance Corner, our expert strength running coach shares five things you can do to build resilience and train injury free.
5 Reasons You Keep Getting Injured
In The Performance Corner, our strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald reminds us that, if we are constantly battling injuries, these five training errors could be part of the problem.
How Should Trail Runners Lift Weights?
In The Performance Corner, our expert strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explores what type of weight training you should and should not do, to improve your stride and make you a faster runner.