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The Myth of the Perfect Running Routine
Progress Isn’t Linear — And That’s Okay
Things have gotten a little twisted lately in the world of running.
Everywhere I look — online forums, running blogs, social media — it seems like everyone’s talking about the perfect routine. It’s as if the measure of how serious you are as a runner depends entirely on the intensity of your regimen.
- If you’re not running at 5 a.m., are you even trying?
- If you don’t have a post-run routine that includes foam rolling, dynamic stretches, and a green smoothie, are you really a runner?
- If your weekly mileage doesn’t have 100+ km, do you even love running?
Here’s the truth: running isn’t about hitting some mythical ideal routine. It’s about finding what works for you.
Misunderstanding Dedication
Seven years ago, when I first started running, I thought I had it all figured out.
I was consuming every bit of advice I could find — YouTube videos, training plans, books, podcasts. I was searching for the secret formula to running greatness. Surely, if I could crack the code, I’d go from struggling to finish 2 km to smashing 10 km PRs in no time.
