A Tip From The Esteemed Distance Running Coach Jack Daniels

“Practice Doing That Thing”

NCAA runner turned high school coach Hillary Kigar has an answer for all things training–including tips for runners new to the sport.

While esteemed coach Jack Daniels has coached multiple Olympians and NCAA championship teams, he is best known for his no-nonsense, scientific approach to distance running. While listening to him speak at a recent lecture about some basic running principles, I was most struck by his point that “to become really accomplished at something, you must practice doing that thing.” While it may sound obvious, we often just do a workout or exercise without really understanding why we’re doing it. Daniels challenges us to ask ourselves the reason behind each workout and to make sure that it relates to our training goals. For example, if you want to run your first trail race, spend time running trails. If you want to get faster, incorporate short, fast intervals in your training. If your running form could use some work, specifically do drills each day that improve your running mechanics. Own your training, and be sure that you can explain the purpose behind every single training session.

Related:

How Can I As A New Runner Make Running More Fun?

Ask The Coach: What’s Your Best Advice For Trail Races?

I’m A New Runner–Is It Always This Hard?