Running Niche Training Blog

Check back here often for insightful blog posts from Running Niche co-owner, Bob Dyer, (AKA “Running Niche Bob”) about training for competitive long-distance running using the Lydiard Method.

Bob Dyer (Co-Owner, Running Niche) 1/2/24 Bob Dyer (Co-Owner, Running Niche) 1/2/24

Why One Successful Marathon Per Year Is the Smart Approach

You just finished your fall marathon. Now what? Lydiard coach Bob Dyer explains why one successful marathon per year is the smartest path to real improvement — and how to structure your training between cycles.

Bob Dyer (Co-Owner, Running Niche) 11/12/23 Bob Dyer (Co-Owner, Running Niche) 11/12/23

Training Consistency

You’re in that period after your goal race. Heading into the holidays. It’s easy to fall into that trap of “Oh I’ll start my next plan in a few weeks” or “I’m still going to run but not in a set or structured way”. I’d ask you to consider the following as you set your path.

Bob Dyer (Co-Owner, Running Niche) 11/7/23 Bob Dyer (Co-Owner, Running Niche) 11/7/23

Post Race Recovery

So, you just finished your half or full marathon. This next phase is critical to complete before you start another training cycle for fall. First rule of thumb is you need one day of recovery for each mile run in the race. So, 13 days for a half and 26 days for a full marathon.

The reason why is quite simple; you have damaged the muscle fibers in your legs. You may not feel it but it’s there at the cell level, its deep tissue damage. These fibers have to repair themselves and this takes time and care.

Recovery doesn’t mean no running. It means take a few days off, eat well, re-hydrate and rest. But you can run. This is the time to really listen to your body and do feeling based jogging or running. Take it slow and easy, your body tells you what you can do.