I think it would be worth bearing in mind that whilst Stolly runs for enjoyment it doesn't mean he just ambles along all the time. I think that's the mistake many runners with a structured training regime make about those of us that run mainly for enjoyment. I don't want to speak for him (he's more than capable of doing that!) but from an observer's viewpoint, I'd say he regularly pushes himself on hills and if Harry isn't around, he'll blast a regular route to get a pb. From my own experience, I don't follow a strict training routine but I do train with the fastest men at my club whenever I can get there and push myself flat out to keep up and I vary my routes to find more challenging and interesting ones (as well as picturesque ones) which inevitably means I get stronger and faster. I think a lot of us that run for pleasure are still keen to challenge ourselves and regularly set goals to achieve and that's why we improve. Stolly set a goal to run everyday and has done that. In the process he has trained his body (and mind) to run when its tired, in all weathers, at different speeds and over a huge variety of distances and its made him a better runner without taking away the enjoyment.
Originally Posted by Howgill Tarrier
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