The Three D’s in Distance Running

When it comes to long distance running, speed isn’t exactly the buzzword. Discipline, Determination and Dedication are the three D’s that pretty much make what long distance running is all about.

Stamina is a much bigger factor, compared to speed, when it comes to long distance running. Unlike sprint running, long distance running requires runners to “budget and balance” their energy to win. Physical conditioning is therefore quite essential, so it isn’t surprising to hear of runners training for long distance running events.

Considered as a popular choice for entry-level long distance runners, a 5,000 meter long distance run is a quite popular long distance running event. The event demands superior aerobic conditioning, as well as running pace tactics from runners. Often recommended training regimens vary, but running a sum of 60-200 kilometers a week, months before the long distance running event, is common. It basically demands the three D’s from a runner, before the race, during the race and after, for future runs.

Kenenisa Bekele, an Ethiopian, holds the world record for men, completing a long distance run in Hengelo, Netherlands on the 31st of May 2004. It took him 12:37.35 to complete the track. Meseret Defar, another Ethiopian, took 14:24.43 to complete a 5,000 meter long distance running event in New York City on June 3, 2006. She holds the world record for women.

Another popular long distance running event is the 10,000 meter long distance run. They are often a combination of road races and cross country running events, and are hailed to be more exiting to witness. Where the 5,000 meter long distance running event is ideal for entry level long distance runners, the 10,000 meter long distance running event calls for more season runners, who have conditioned their bodies for longer distance runs.

The three D’s of a runner are truly tested with this long distance running event, considering the length of the track. Ten kilometers wouldn’t sound much to most, as most people would ride a vehicle in covering such a distance, but try to imagine covering ten kilometers running. The reality of how tiring that would be isn’t hard to ignore.

Training for a 10,000 meter long distance running event would take twice the effort a 5,000 meter long distance running training would, doubling the three D’s fueling a runner.

Kenenisa Bekele, the same record holder for the 5,000 meter long distance running event, holds the world record for the 10,000 meter long distance running event. Bekele took 36:17.53 to complete a ten kilometer long distance track in Brussels on August 26, 2005. Wang Junxia holds the world record for women, which took her 29:31.78 in 1993.

Long distance running is truly a test of overall stamina. Speed matters, but not as much as one’s stamina. Developing this doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes a great level of Discipline, Determination and Dedication to do so.

The three D’s integral for long distance runners to have.