The Program That Works for You
One of the first books I read when I began running was Running: The Lydiard Way, published in 1978. It was decades ahead of its time—based not on theory but on personal experience. The author, Arthur Lydiard, had a long and distinguished career as a coach, guiding his athletes to success on the world stage.
What struck me most was his principle that aerobic capacity and strength must come first. Only once you’ve built that foundation should you begin training other physiological systems. It made intuitive sense. You don’t construct the roof before the walls. First comes the base. Then everything else follows.
Lydiard wasn’t right about everything, at least not for everyone—and that’s precisely the beauty of running. Every runner is different. I’ve tested and followed dozens of training philosophies and even more training plans. Over time, I realized that no program works unless it resonates with you. Through trial and error, I discarded methods that didn’t suit me and retained the ones that did. Eventually, I shaped a training approach that worked for my mind, my body, and my goals.
And that’s the secret: you must create your own path. What works for me might bore or overwhelm you. What motivates you might not even register for someone else. You must learn to observe your body and respond accordingly. General guidelines can help, but you are the ultimate authority on your needs, your limitations, and your potential.
I trained for eight months to prepare for my first marathon—42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). The distance was intimidating at first, but I approached it with the tools that had already transformed my life: organization, determination, discipline, and patience.
For the aerobic base-building phase, I used Lydiard’s method: run at a relaxed, steady pace, and gradually increase your weekly mileage. Simple, yes. But simple doesn’t mean easy. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re alone on the road, day after day.
This is an excerpt from my book Thirsty for Health. If it resonated with you, you can find the full version on Amazon—available in both Kindle and paperback.
Discover more in my book: “42 tips that will make you a better runner” where I share my experience of more than ten years of running.
Disclaimer: This article shares personal opinions and experiences. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use this information at your own risk.
