Coach Atul Godbole answers your training related questions…

Q. Pratap asks “Is it advisable to run everyday to improve running?”

A. While run frequency and volume (miles per week) definitely help, it has to be introduced gradually. The thumb-rule of not increasing volume by more than 10% week over week is a good guideline. It would also be advisable to introduce additional run days gradually, instead of starting to run all of the sudden.

All this must be done gradually over a very long term (think months or years), while carefully monitoring your body for signs of niggles or injuries. Doing too much too soon is a sure-shot recipe for getting injured or having a physical or mental burnout.

Q. Gagan asks “Are GPS watches really necessary for runners and triathletes?”

A. I am a strong believe in the “what gets measured, gets improved” school of thought. Using a GPS watch also allows you to record and keep all your training history for future reference and analysis (if required).

At the same time, one should not became a slave to these devices. I often advise my athletes to use the devises only to record workouts and analyze them post-facto, instead of letting them guide your training. Some exceptions are races (especially longer races like marathons) where using a GPS watch to control your pace/effort can be the difference between achieving your target or fading badly during the later stages. Another exception can be for athletes who have a tendency to always do workouts on the faster side. Such athletes can use a GPS watch to monitor their pace and control themselves in training.

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