On the back of Logan Smith’s super 2:15 marathon in Frankfurt, I have heard on numerous occasions about how he was running 140 miles a week in training.  

At the same time, several people have also said to me that they had heard that I also used to run the same high mileage each week. 

Well firstly, yes, I am a big believer in high mileage for those serious about running a fast marathon time. 

However, that does not mean that I think every determined runner should now start running 20 miles a day. 

Firstly, it takes several years of training to get to that level. It also takes a certain body type and lifestyle which permits finding several hours each day to run such long distances. 

Also, and more to the point, 20 miles a day was not something which I did seven days a week, and for 52 weeks of the year. I very much doubt Logan does either. 

Certainly, for me it meant maybe three or four weeks during a 16-to-20 week marathon plan built in and around weeks of lower mileage. 

In fact, when I ran my highest mileage during build ups to a marathon, I didn’t actually run a PB. My best race times usually came from training weeks of around 110 to 120 miles a week. In fact, my 2:17 came off the back of not actually preparing for a marathon and was after a summer of just doing lots of races from 10k up to the half marathon distance, although I had been on a very high mileage earlier in the year. 

I know that Logan, apart from being highly talented and determined, is also very intelligent when it comes to his training and racing. He also has an excellent coach in James Senior. 

Pushing our bodies to the limit is one thing, but it also means getting the balance right. 

However, when seeing others piling in the mileage and big sessions, it is all about knowing where you are currently at with your training and fitness whilst having the confidence to sometimes hold yourself back. 

Without a doubt you will need the will and determination to succeed ie get the work done even on the days when your mind might be saying stay indoors especially if it is wet and cold outside, but without adequate recovery then you will never get the true benefits from your training. 

Each time we run (I apologise to those who already know this), we break our bodies down particularly as we increase the intensity and duration. It is during adequate recovery where the rebuilding and regeneration takes place for better adaptation and small increments of progression. However, and without the required recovery, then progression will be much slower and of course create more chances of breaking down through injury or illness. 

In truth it can be a fine art when it comes to getting it spot on and indeed even luck at times, but as said earlier it really is all about balance and intelligent planning. 

So, whether you aspire to be as good as Logan or are just determined to be the very best that you can be, then yes always look to learn from others, but always keep the focus on your own running and training. Oh and of course keep in mind the word which we regularly use but not always adhere to... patience! 

Have a great running weekend all…