Happy Runner, by David and Megan Roche - a podcast by Alan and Liz

In Happy Runner, a 2-part book published by Human Kinetics (thanks for the book!), David and Megan explain the importance of being a happy runner (part 1) and outline the training principles they use with their running team SWAP (part 2). The acronym stands for “some work all play”, which is their goal when coaching their athletes. The book is written as a combined first-person perspective of both authors (we), but occasionally shifts to the perspective of either David or Megan, or their dog Addie who is very present in part 1 of the book. Addie represents unconditional love and support, which is what David and Megan believe we all need to have for ourselves.

David and Megan are highly educated, and great runners. Both have numerous Team USA appearances and distinguished pedigrees in trail running.

 

Part 1 - Happy Runner Rules

The first section is the longest, and all about mindset. David and Megan believe we need to live in the moment and be happy with our running in order to progress. They have 3 rules: 

Rule 1: Embrace the Process

Rule 2: Know Your “Why?”

In order to enjoy your running, you need to know why you do it. In this section the reader is told to ask him/herself 4 questions:

1)    Why do I run at all?

2)    Why do I run each day?

3)    Why am I racing at all?

4)    Why do I have my long-term goals?

Rule 3: Power Yourself with Kindness

Megan and David believe that being kind to yourself and others will improve your happiness, and your running!

 

Part 2 - Happy Runner Training Principles

This section is all about the training principles used by David when coaching SWAP team members. There are 5 basic principles: 

Principle 1: Easy means Easy

Principle 2: Learn to Run Fast before practicing Running Hard

Principle 4: Specificity Matters but less than you think

Principle 5: Healthy Running is Active and Earned 

Each principle is explained, and David gives examples of many athletes who have excelled with SWAP. Even though David’s athletes train hard, he also explains that the body knows stress not miles, and stress comes from training and life! 

Everyone is different in the amount of stress they can handle, but incorporating some dynamic exercises, rolling and stretching, getting enough sleep, and eating enough can help increase the amount of running stress you can handle.

As a final note in the book, David, Megan, and Addie want you to know that you are awesome, you are enough, and you should believe in yourself. 

 

Book Overall 

The book is a nicely presented softback. David and Megan included some black and white photos at the start of each chapter, so we get to see who they are (and yes, there are pictures of Addie dog also!). 

The book is easy to read and has lots of stories and humour. Addie dog speaks in all CAPS which serves its purpose of making her unconditional love for everyone and everything stand out. 

The book is about mindset first and then applying principles for the training to be smart. It does not offer a specific training plan for a specific race distance, but does explain each principle with enough detail to apply it to your own training.

 

Listen to the podcast to hear more details, and as usual, some of our own stories!

 

If you are interested in purchasing a copy this book, you can help support the podcast at the same time by getting your copy through our affiliate link at: https://amzn.to/2N5Z1xo

 

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