BACK TO ALL ARTICLES

|

The Steady Eddy Workout

Articles

Steady-state runs were once a staple in the training programs of U.S. distance runners but somehow fell out of favor. Runners now seem to have only two speeds, slow and fast – no in-between. But the steady-state run is one of the most beneficial types of workouts to boost endurance and stave off fatigue.

A steady state run is a continuous run at an easy-medium pace – not fast but not slow. Not hard but not easy. The runs should last at least 25 minutes and can go as long as an hour and 15 minutes.

These are pretty tough efforts not because of the pace but because of the duration of running so be prepared to increase your concentration to stay on pace and to take a good recovery day afterwards in order to reap the full benefits. Begin with shorter steady-state runs of 25 minutes and build to one-hour runs.

Steady-state runs require a warm-up and a cool-down. The pace is about what you can race for 2-2.5 hours. That could be marathon pace for speedy runners or more like half-marathon pace for us mortals.

You can also check out our Even Steven workout – a good workout for a bad week at work.

Learn more about the key principles of Training the McMillan Way.

 

Get Started on a Faster YOU:

  • Train using the comprehensive McMillan training system that has led Coach McMillan to become one of the most successful and respected coaches on the planet. Training Plans available for every distance between 800 meters and the marathon.
  • Have us design and build a custom training plan for you.
  • Hire us as your very own personal online running coach.

Written By Greg McMillan
Called “one of the best and smartest distance running coaches in America” by Runner’s World’s Amby Burfoot, Greg McMillan is renowned for his ability to combine the science of endurance performance with the art of real-world coaching. While getting his graduate degree in Exercise Science he created the ever-popular McMillan Running Calculator – called “The Best Running Calculator” by Outside Magazine. A National Champion runner himself, Greg coaches runners from beginners to Boston Qualifiers (15,000+ and counting!) to Olympians.

Read Greg’s Bio

NEWEST ARTICLES:

Pre-race: Protect the Brain

You’ve likely heard that the training you do in the last two weeks before a marathon won’t significantly improve your physical fitness. However, what you may not realize is that the workouts you choose during this time can have a profound impact on another crucial organ: your brain. In fact, the decisions you make in the lead-up to your race could be the difference between a successful performance and a disappointing one.

Read more
Battling Your Negative Tendencies: How to Overcome What's Holding You Back

We all have tendencies that shape our thoughts and actions. Some of us tend to overtrain, while others might beat themselves up over a missed workout or skip rehab exercises. A big part of coaching is identifying these tendencies in athletes and developing strategies to capitalize on the positive ones while minimizing the negative ones. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify your own tendencies and find ways to harness the good and banish the bad.

Read more
Visualization: The Secret Weapon for Race Day Success

You’ve likely spent countless hours training your body to prepare for race day. You’ve logged the miles, done the speed work, and dialed in your nutrition. But have you prepared your mind? Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you mentally prepare for the challenges of race day and boost your performance. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of visualization and provide tips on how to incorporate it into your race preparation routine.

Read more

RELATED ARTICLES:

Pre-race: Protect the Brain

You’ve likely heard that the training you do in the last two weeks before a marathon won’t significantly improve your physical fitness. However, what you may not realize is that the workouts you choose during this time can have a profound impact on another crucial organ: your brain. In fact, the decisions you make in the lead-up to your race could be the difference between a successful performance and a disappointing one.

Read more
Battling Your Negative Tendencies: How to Overcome What's Holding You Back

We all have tendencies that shape our thoughts and actions. Some of us tend to overtrain, while others might beat themselves up over a missed workout or skip rehab exercises. A big part of coaching is identifying these tendencies in athletes and developing strategies to capitalize on the positive ones while minimizing the negative ones. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify your own tendencies and find ways to harness the good and banish the bad.

Read more
Visualization: The Secret Weapon for Race Day Success

You’ve likely spent countless hours training your body to prepare for race day. You’ve logged the miles, done the speed work, and dialed in your nutrition. But have you prepared your mind? Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you mentally prepare for the challenges of race day and boost your performance. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of visualization and provide tips on how to incorporate it into your race preparation routine.

Read more
Maintaining Motivation: Strategies for Consistent Running

Every experienced runner knows that running success ultimately comes down to simply lacing up the shoes and getting out the door. At times, this is easy. The weather is great. You feel like a million bucks. Your life stress is low, and you’re meeting up with your running friends. At other times, you have zero motivation to get out the door, even though you know you should. That’s where “brain training” is key.

Read more

START TODAY

“I got my first Boston Qualifier today with a 21 personal record!”

– Ramona M.