Coach Atul Godbole answers your training related questions…

Q. Rajkumar asks: “I train only on tracks. I find that I am not able to hold pace in half marathon and fade towards the end – could always running on the track be the reason?”

A. That could be a very minor factor. Bigger factors are the elevation profile of the course and your training. If you do not have sufficient volume/mileage in the proper structure, then its difficult to hold a given pace (that you can hold for say 5km when training) for the entire race (of say 21K/42K).

In any case, its advisable to do some of your training runs on the road to mimic the specific conditions and demands of a road race.

Q. Ashish asks: “Should I be doing a fast finish during long runs to improve my endurance?”

A. The purpose of a fast finish is to recruit unused/rarely used muscle fibers when other muscle fibers are fatigued from the long run. It helps you develop the ability to remain strong or even finish with a kick during races. However, you can only do a fast finish if have are enough endurance to be relatively strong towards the end of a long run. Thus, fast finish long runs are not really for endurance.

To improve endurance, increase your weekly volume/mileage in a safe and structured manner.

Runners and triathletes, have training, diet, nutrition related queries? Send email to askthecoach@motiv8coaching.com