Recent research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals fascinating insights into how we should be monitoring our training and what truly matters when it comes to our running routines.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The main goal of this study was to determine the best ways to monitor athlete well-being, focusing on whether subjective (self-reported) measures or objective (scientific data) measures are more effective.
The researchers aimed to understand how these different methods correlate with an athlete's well-being and their response to varying training loads.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR RECREATIONAL RUNNERS
Subjective Measures Trump Objective Data: One of the most surprising findings is that subjective measures, like how you feel on a daily basis, are often more reliable indicators of your overall well-being and readiness to train than objective measures such as heart rate or blood tests. This means that simply paying attention to how you feel—your mood, energy levels, and perceived stress—can give you valuable insights into your training effectiveness.
Listen to Your Body: The study found that subjective well-being tends to decline with both acute increases in training load (like adding extra miles or more intense sessions) and with chronic high training loads. Conversely, reducing your training load can lead to significant improvements in how you feel. This highlights the importance of listening to your body and not overloading it, especially if you start to notice signs of fatigue or mood changes.
Mood and Stress Matter: Mood disturbances, such as feeling more tense or fatigued, were strongly linked to the body's response to training. Recreational runners should keep track of their mood and stress levels, as these can be early indicators of overtraining.
Daily Check-Ins are Crucial: Regularly checking in with how you feel can help you adjust your training load in real time, which is crucial for avoiding overtraining and promoting long-term progress. This could be as simple as rating your energy levels and mood each morning and adjusting your training plan accordingly.
Holistic Monitoring: The study recommends using a combination of measures to monitor well-being, which can give a more complete picture. While subjective measures should be at the forefront, occasionally integrating objective measures like heart rate variability or performance tests can complement and confirm your self-assessments.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR RUNNING ROUTINE
Start a Training Journal: Track your mood, stress levels, and physical sensations daily.
Adjust Based on Feelings: If you're feeling unusually tired or stressed, consider reducing your training load or incorporating more rest days.
Stay Consistent: Make it a habit to assess how you feel every day. Consistency is key to catching potential issues early.
Run Smarter with Brodie Sharpe | Physio
Focus on data? Or listen to your body?
Recent research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals fascinating insights into how we should be monitoring our training and what truly matters when it comes to our running routines.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The main goal of this study was to determine the best ways to monitor athlete well-being, focusing on whether subjective (self-reported) measures or objective (scientific data) measures are more effective.
The researchers aimed to understand how these different methods correlate with an athlete's well-being and their response to varying training loads.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR RECREATIONAL RUNNERS
Subjective Measures Trump Objective Data: One of the most surprising findings is that subjective measures, like how you feel on a daily basis, are often more reliable indicators of your overall well-being and readiness to train than objective measures such as heart rate or blood tests. This means that simply paying attention to how you feel—your mood, energy levels, and perceived stress—can give you valuable insights into your training effectiveness.
Listen to Your Body: The study found that subjective well-being tends to decline with both acute increases in training load (like adding extra miles or more intense sessions) and with chronic high training loads. Conversely, reducing your training load can lead to significant improvements in how you feel. This highlights the importance of listening to your body and not overloading it, especially if you start to notice signs of fatigue or mood changes.
Mood and Stress Matter: Mood disturbances, such as feeling more tense or fatigued, were strongly linked to the body's response to training. Recreational runners should keep track of their mood and stress levels, as these can be early indicators of overtraining.
Daily Check-Ins are Crucial: Regularly checking in with how you feel can help you adjust your training load in real time, which is crucial for avoiding overtraining and promoting long-term progress. This could be as simple as rating your energy levels and mood each morning and adjusting your training plan accordingly.
Holistic Monitoring: The study recommends using a combination of measures to monitor well-being, which can give a more complete picture. While subjective measures should be at the forefront, occasionally integrating objective measures like heart rate variability or performance tests can complement and confirm your self-assessments.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR RUNNING ROUTINE
Start a Training Journal: Track your mood, stress levels, and physical sensations daily.
Adjust Based on Feelings: If you're feeling unusually tired or stressed, consider reducing your training load or incorporating more rest days.
Stay Consistent: Make it a habit to assess how you feel every day. Consistency is key to catching potential issues early.
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1 year ago | [YT] | 11