The one running tactic that let's you beat fitter competition
There are only two methods I am aware of to beat your competition (or your past bests) on race day.
One is a method that you will be familiar with.
It is a no-brainer that doesn't need mentioning.
However, there is another one method that is somewhat known.
It is rarely talked about or leveraged to its fullest.
If you were more aware of this second method, you can not only have a competitive advantage over somewhat fitter or similarly fit runners...
But, you will also be more likely to build fitness a lot smarter and easier in your training.
Let's jump into it:
Method #1: Superior fitness
This is the obvious and harder of the two methods.
The fitter runner has a clear, near unbeatable advantage over the less fit runner.
It takes a long time to build fitness but it is always worth it.
But, what decides who will win out of two runners who have similar fitness?
That leads me to the second method to beat the competition...
Method #2: Positive asymmetries
What are positive asymmetries?
They are things that offer you more upside than downside that many others don't have access to.
Here are a few examples of positive asymmetries for runners:
1. Better shoes that help you run faster
2. Better clothing that keeps you cooler
3. Knowledge or experience of a race course's elevation profile or surface conditions that will help you optimally pace
4. Knowledge of how the competition will execute their race plan so you can pick who to pace with and know who will likely out run their capability and come back to you later in the race
5. Support on the race course from friends / family so you have increased motivation to run harder
6. Experience with the nutrition that will be out on the race course so you know that your body will respond positively to the fuel available
There are nearly unlimited asymmetries that you can find in whatever race you are preparing for. So, this list could go on and on and on.
Most of these asymmetries are known before race day, so they can be prepared for.
However, there is one unpredictable asymmetry that can wreck havoc on race day.
What is that?
The wind.
There is never complete certainty on how the wind will play into the race.
Will it be gusty? When will the wind start? How long will we run into it?
Here are the questions you need to answer if you want to turn the wind into a positive asymmetry:
1. How hard can you afford to push into the wind?
2. How much benefit do you get from drafting?
3. When can you afford to leave the pack and stick it out on your own?
These questions are easy to answer with the help of Stryd.
Stryd incorporates air resistance into the power number, so you can easily answer these questions with confidence in the middle of the race.
For example, if you can save some power by drafting in the group into a strong wind, you can spend that power later in the race without fear.
These strategical pacing decisions make the difference in tight races.
Be sure to use positive asymmetries to your advantage.
They give you a clear cut advantage over the competition and help you finish races faster.
If you want to make the wind advantageous, you can get Stryd here: https://store.stryd.com/
Want more tips? Subscribe to the newsletter here: https://www.stryd.com/newsletter