“Less Is More”

In Robert Browning’s poem Andrea del Sarto (1855), the words “less is more” are used.  No doubt, we all have heard and used these words throughout our lifetime.  Used to describe simplicity as the best approach to things, often times, we tend to complicate an otherwise simple situation.  Whether it is an absence of mindfulness or sheer disregard for the obvious, we find ourselves stuck in the middle of something that we created by our own design that rivals the solution of the Rubik’s Cube.  This is not to say we should peel the stickers off and put them in place to satisfy the task at hand, nor should we pass the opportunity to solve it.  Our approach to solving the cube is what leads to solving it in the first place.

When it comes to running, these words resonate like a mantra throughout the running community.  As it refers to approaches to training, these words could not be more true.  Too often, we take a different approach when leading into a training period.  There is a fear, or a level of anxiety, that creates unbalance and unrest in the mind of the runner.  Runners tend to believe that they need to cover training plans to a tee, thus disregarding other elements that go into training.  Yes, it is important to make sure that a solid base is established meaning our bodies have to be acclimated to the miles and time on the road it will endure for your upcoming race.  But, it must also be coupled with proper rest, cutbacks, and balanced nutrition.  Of course, they are givens, but when focused on training, these things can be overlooked quite easily.  The goal of training is to be prepared for the race.  Being prepared includes staying healthy.  Really, what good is training if we’re injured, tired, burned out, or all three?  The goal is not met if we never make it to the line in the first place.

I am no stranger to this.  I am fortunate to have people around me that aren’t afraid to let me know when I’m overlooking things of this nature… over-training being one of them.  As I approach Zion, my first 100 miler, I entered training with the mindset of “I need to make sure that I take this seriously and follow the training schedule”.  I have other ultra distances under my belt, but, for some reason, I had it in my mind that I should approach this differently.  In reality, yes, it will be my farthest distance, but my approach to training has always been “listen to my body”.  This includes the ideals of resting when needed, cutting back on the miles on certain weeks, and putting in the extra time on the road when I feel good.  I simply overlooked my usual approach and began to create a sort of complexity that defied all logic.  Luckily, my friends put me in check… “less is more”… it brought be back to center.  I began to think about all my other races and my overall training approach.  Less is more.  It couldn’t have come at a better time.  I was about a month into training, and I was locked into tunnel vision.  I let go.  I exhaled and refocused my attention.  I adjusted my training schedule and reminded myself that I have my base.  It’s been there all along… for months and months.

Now, with 9 weeks left, I am rested, strong, and healthy.  I am focused and mindful.  My goal is still intact.  April.  Zion.  100 miles.

Moving forward, my attention is on Way Too Cool 50k in March, which I’m using as a competitive training run.  From there, I’ll be tapping further into my friends for the remainder of my long runs and other training runs that definitely long for the company of others… and to keep me in check.

Less is more.  The mantra for today.