There comes a time when the questions arises: when should a runner change the training plan? Inevitably, we runners reach a point where the same things are no longer working to move us closer to our desired results. How do we know when it’s time to switch things up?
This post is an update from a previous version published on September 13, 2023.
Make A Change When You’re Bored
Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one, and boredom is a great reason to make a switch. When you get out there, day after day, repeating the same workouts and sticking with everything you know, you can absolutely start to feel burned out and unmotivated. Take a look at your training plan to see how you can give yourself a refresh in order to change your perspective on your running journey.
Change It Up When You’re Ready To Try Something New
Everyone needs a change of scenery or plan and when the same ol’ is too much of the same, it’s a great times to flip the script. There are plenty of ways to mix up your running plans, and training will have to adjust accordingly. Don’t feel compelled to keep your running the same, indefinitely! There are so many terrains, distances, and challenges to explore.
It’s Time To Change When You’re Injured
An injured runner is a runner who needs to change the training plan. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it will likely happen to all of us at some point along the way. The severity of the injury will have everything to do with how your training plan will change, but most likely, you’ll have to step back miles and cut down on speed while you’re recovering.
Change Can Help You When You’re Not Hitting Your Goals
It is very possible to hit plateaus with running, and there may come a time where the same training doesn’t yield the same results. This is the ideal time for a runner to change the training plan. On your own, or with a running coach, take some time to do a deep dive into your training, analyze where things are off track, and come back with a plan more in line with what you hope to accomplish.
When do you find it necessary to change up your training plan?
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I changed my plan by taking a running coach because I realized I kept on getting myself injured.
He holds me back and knows how much I can train without having that old injury reappear again. It was a real game changer for me!
So true! There are plenty of good reasons to change the plan. Sometime we just need to do something different to keep things interesting.
Great tips. I’m barely following a training plan lately, except the one that has me doing one longish, one fastish, and the rest easy types of runs. I probably should change that!
These are all great tips- and I actually think Debbie’s “plan” (above) is perfectly fine! Sometimes keeping it simple is best.
Definitely when it is making you stressed.
Running needs to be fun.
I shorten my runs when other stuff gets in the way.
Plans are just a guide.
It’s important to be willing to change the plan as needed! Life happens and things come up, so being flexible is really helpful.
Very important!
Great ideas. It’s definitely time to change up your plan when you’re injured. Either because you’re injured or because your training is causing you to get injured.