Camille Herron’s tips to run long and strong
Ultrarunning champion Camille Herron is not only known for crushing some remarkable world records but also for being the youngest person (she’s 41) to be inducted into the 100,000 Lifetime Miles Club (which she was in 2022). The prolific runner has now surpassed 107,000 miles, and stayed healthy and strong while doing so–in the past year alone, she destroyed the world record for 48 hours of running, covering 435.336 kilometers (270.5 miles) around a 400-metre track in Bruce, Australia.
Herron shared some fantastic tips with Canadian Running to keep both body and mind in peak form as you run for decades to come. Her tips are applicable to everyone, whether you are a beginner or already have years of running to build on.
Have a support system
If you plan on running for many years, it’s essential to have some kind of community to help you through struggles, as well as celebrating the good times. Surrounding yourself with positive influences, from your local running groups to online training forums, can be a huge help.
Whether you love to log your mileage alone or enjoy a club atmosphere, it can be helpful to have some people you can count on for support. Herron says “great support and guidance from my husband/coach, sponsors, and everyone around me,” has helped her accomplish her goals.
Keep easy runs easy
Herron explains that she has learned to slow down the pace on easy runs. “I run at 60-70 per cent of heart rate max on easy runs,” she says. If you’ve checked out Herron’s social media, you’ve probably noticed that she always looks like she’s having a blast. She stops to photograph animals and unusual foliage as she runs, and pauses to snack on berries on the trail, taking time to enjoy the process.
Try running twice a day instead of loading your legs all at once
Herron, who has a background in exercise science, often runs twice a day rather than doing a single big training run. She explains that running twice a day is “healthier and more anabolic for musculoskeletal health than long single bouts, and helps maximize aerobic metabolism.” If you’re hoping to add mileage without causing injury, dividing up those runs may be key.
Stay adaptable
Herron says she notices what her body is feeling on any given day or at any point in her life, and is prepared to work with her body and the day in order to stay balanced. “Our bodies change,” she says. “Like right now, I’m a master’s runner and experiencing perimenopause symptoms.” Herron says she stopped taking her longtime oral contraceptive and has focused on stress management to adapt to the changes in her body, and feels immensely better.
Switch up your training to stress your body differently
“I train my body in a variety of ways, with different surfaces, intensities and shoes,” explains Herron. She also participates in both ultrarunning on road or track and trail running. “I’ve raced 400m-48hrs, and I enjoy stepping up, down, and over all types of running,” she says. “It’s all fun and challenging in its own way.”
posted Wednesday September 6th
by Keeley Milne