Imagine you're on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. The pilot sets the course, but instead of flying perfectly straight, the plane is off by just one degree. No big deal, right? But by the time the plane reaches the East Coast, that tiny deviation has taken it miles off course—maybe to Washington, D.C., or even the middle of the ocean.
The same thing happens in training. Small adjustments, even ones that seem insignificant at first, add up over time. One percent stronger. One percent faster. One percent more efficient. These changes might not feel like much in the moment, but they shape where you end up months or years down the road.
The Power of Small Shifts
Most runners look for big breakthroughs—massive PRs, dramatic increases in mileage, major jumps in strength. But the real magic happens in the small, consistent improvements that stack up over time.
- Better posture in your stride means fewer injuries and more efficient movement.
- Adjusting your effort levels by feel instead of chasing a pace helps you stay in tune with your body.
- Adding strength training twice a week might not seem like much, but over time, it builds power and resilience.
The difference between frustration and progress often comes down to these subtle shifts.
Course-Correcting Before You Drift Too Far
Most runners don’t realize they’re off track until something forces them to stop—burnout, injury, or stagnation. But just like a pilot doesn’t wait until the plane is hundreds of miles off course to make a correction, you don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to reassess.
The best time to make adjustments is before things go sideways. That’s where having a plan, guidance, and a coach who understands the nuances of training comes in.
Work With Me to Find Your One Degree
If you’re feeling stuck, if your training feels like you’re putting in effort but not seeing results, or if you’re not sure what small changes could make the biggest impact, let’s talk. I work with runners, especially masters and menopausal athletes, to fine-tune their training, build strength, and find that extra one percent that makes all the difference.
Because in the end, the small things aren’t small at all. They’re what get you to where you want to go.