Sometimes a runner does everything right in training and still doesn’t improve. Easy runs stay easy, mileage is consistent, but the pace at the same heart rate just won’t improve for months.
One of the first questions we ask in those cases: how much are you actually sleeping?
We’ve seen athletes go from 5 hours a night to 7, sometimes 8. They didn’t change their training at all. Within a few weeks, they were running faster at the same heart rate.
Sleep doesn’t replace training. It helps you get more out of the training you’re already doing.
I shared a story from my own experience too. Years ago I worked in marketing for skateboarder Tony Hawk, and we hosted a video premiere the night before my very first marathon. I slept about 3 and a half hours before my alarm went off for the start line. It was rough, and not the marathon I was hoping for.
My recent podcast guest Chu talked about learning the same lesson the hard way. When he was younger, he had the classic mindset that sleep was a waste of time. That worked fine at 18. But once he moved into ultra distances, he realized he couldn’t fake recovery. Skip the sleep, and your body is like an engine without fuel.
If your progress has stalled, sleep might be the first place to look, not more training.
If you want to hear the whole conversation watch the full episode here.
Have fun out there on your runs!
Hope you enjoy this new video, CLICK HERE to watch it.
Cheers,
Coach Floris Gierman
P.S. I know how important quality sleep is, actually getting enough of it is sometimes easier said than done. That’s part of why I’m running “Back to Basics 30” a 30-day accountability challenge inside our Personal Best program, focused on building healthy habits together, things like:
- a consistent evening routine and bedtime
- daily movement, even on busy days
- nutrition, mobility, and strength training
I’m personally guiding and supporting everyone in the challenge, day by day. Watching the group hold each other accountable to the same goals has been really cool to see. Join us HERE.
