Caden Shields
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Personal Bests
Marathon
2:11:35
2/9/2025
5000 Metres
14:18.06
12/16/2023
Mile
4:21.6h
1/5/2019
10 Kilometres Road
30:04
6/3/2018
1500 Metres
4:00.36
3/8/2018
Marathon
2:11:35
2/9/2025
5000 Metres
14:18.06
12/16/2023
Mile
4:21.6h
1/5/2019
10 Kilometres Road
30:04
6/3/2018
1500 Metres
4:00.36
3/8/2018
What is ‘Running IQ’?
‘Running IQ’ is a new term that I have coined to reflect the rationality and accuracy of one’s decision making ability in relation to the sport of running.
Not enough has, ‘been said or done’ about the all too common; naïve, emotionally thwarted or flawed ‘Decision-making process’ amongst runners.
A runner with a high running IQ is dialled in to their own, individual running needs. They more often than not make; true, factual, real and helpful training and racing decisions given their circumstances.
High running IQ is a learned skill, it comes easier to some than others but it is certainly something that you can improve over time.
The Recipe to Developing your Running IQ:
-Acknowledge current knowledge base, values, perspectives and beliefs.
-Undergo a process of honest self-Introspection/reflection
-Develop a curiosity for accurate answers.
-Allow time for considered decision making.
-Embrace being wrong and uncomfortable.
-Invert the problem to identify what you really need to know
-Undertake varied and expansive experiences and experiments.
-Introduce Objectivity into your decision making.
- Surround yourself with people who will challenge your opinions and are also seeking accuracy.
-Be a great listener.
-Be patient, persistent and passionate about the process.
-Form and refine accurate Mental Models relevant and specific to you and your circumstances.
-Have an adequate margin of safety, no one can predict the future with complete certainty.
The Run Culture Podcast is back!
Each episode of SEASON 2 will cover a key principle that underpins successful injury-free running (all will be supported by science, history and personal anecdotes.)
In Episode one I chat to good mate of mine, awesome physio and 2:15 Marathoner; Caden Shields.
Today, we discuss 'Complex Systems and Running Injury/Success'.
I hope you enjoy it, whether it expands or just confirms a principle that you already knew.
Please reach out and let me now how I can improve these episodes going forward!
Here's a summary of Episode 1:
1.) There are multiple factors influencing why you get injured at any one time, it is seldom just one factor, as without out the other factors its highly likely your body would have tolerated this change (eg. if you don't run, who cares if you changed to a slightly more minimal shoe).
2.) We are all individuals- We all have unique attributes in regards to so many different characteristics. Our differences in our profiles- mean that we all respond to training slightly differently. In this way we (humans) are complex systems, we need to appreciate this.
3.) The 4 Big Rocks: energy availability, recovery, mental state, training organisation. These 4 factors turn the needle the most in regards to performance and injury. Mechanistic factors are important too but not at the expense of the big rocks.
4.) The Importance of 'Pattern Recognition' and acknowledging 'Lag time'.
5.) Personal anecdotes
