Lessons Learning - 100% Rested Method

The 100% Rest Method

This story isn't actually mine, by was told to me by my friend Kathleen. It's interesting and is a bit humourous. In a sadistic sort of way... ;)

Several years back Kathleen was excited about doing the Ottawa half marathon, and for two reasons. The race is a well known race with a beautiful route, and she would get to visit one of her friends she knew since high school who now lived there.

While chatting with her friend, her excitement for the race emanated. he got caught up in the moment and decided to sign up as well. Having been a good athlete in high school, we was looking forward to testing himself.

Race day came and the two friends were at the start line. Kathleen regaled her friend with her training exploits and was psyched that she would have a good time. At this point her friend laughs, shakes his head, and explains his plan.

"Kathleen", he says. "You runners are all fools. You spend the season running 4 days a week, pushing your body, and and for what? You show up on race day with a tried, worn down body. I, on the other hand, have the advantage. I spend zero time training. I enjoyed sleeping in on weekends. And I feel like 100%. So I'll wait for you at the finish line as my fully rested method carries me through." Kathleen shrugs and says "We'll see".

The race gun fires, our athletes are off, and the game is on. Kathleen moves through the course strong and confident. Her friend fares well for the first few kilometers, but starts to lose some steam. By the half way mark, her friend is no longer in view, so she continues.

At the finish line, Kathleen strides across with confidence. Her friend's wife is there and recounts that Kathleen crosses the line strong and full of energy, with a big smile on her face. And she also got a Personal Best! Then, they wait. And wait. After a good period of time they see Kathleen's friend. He is sweaty, red in the face, limping on both legs, and not happy looking at all. He passes the finish line, a miracle indeed, and lets out a sigh. Apparently, both his feet are fully blistered and, as he learns later, some toe nails have become blacken. The 5 block walk back to the car is painful for him, and he needs to stop every 50 meters to let the pain subside. Within days Kathleen is recovered and running again, cheerful as ever. Months later her friend can finally walk normally again, but still waits for some toe nails to grow back in.

While this is an extreme example of under training, the lesson to learn is that you need to have proper amount of training to be able to push your body to run longer distances. While you may cross the finish line with little training, you will regret not training in the end. Believe it.

Remember - always consult your doctor before starting a new training program.