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Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S Method)

Writer's picture: Dylan BellesDylan Belles


Are you familiar with the K.I.S.S. method? K.I.S.S. stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid." It's a phrase I grew up with, and it has influenced my approach to running and coaching. Anytime I've ever felt myself going off the deep end, which usually entails a level of obsessiveness that is not good for anyone's mind, I've found myself returning (usually forcibly) to simplicity and the K.I.S.S. method.


The K.I.S.S. method is all about not overcomplicating things. In running, it's easy to get caught up in making everything more complex than it needs to be. We often convince ourselves that complexity is the key to improvement, but that's not always true.


I can't tell you how many times I've found myself down the rabbit hole of something presented as "groundbreaking," only to realize that it's not and that there usually isn't some magic formula that makes everything better.


Complexity shows its face in various ways in the running world. It might be overthinking your training, obsessively tracking data, or endlessly analyzing your race strategy and all of the uncontrollable factors, among other things.


I can tell you that I've been this person. And while there is a benefit from being conscientious and knowledgeable in the subjects around running, adding layers upon layers of "extra stuff" just because you can is usually just that – extra stuff.


If you can solve a problem or achieve a goal by doing more with less, that's the straightest path and typically the one of least resistance.


You can get there the hard way, but why?


Running doesn't require a race plan that is broken down by every 0.25 mile, a laundry list of high-tech gadgets, miracle grey area supplements, or magic workouts. You probably don't need a lactate meter, an O2 sensor, or a CGM device. And you probably don't need to change your training plan to do what the Norwegians are doing (at this period, this is the hottest topic).


While diving into the complexities of the fringe may be tempting, they can also take your focus away from what truly matters – showing up, putting in the work, and enjoying the efforts that you put in each day. And on the mental framework of things, it may be worthwhile to try to simplify how you perceive a workout or a race. Sometimes less thinking will get you more miles ahead than more thinking! We spend way too much time in our heads as it is; we don't need to add anything that's going to cause mental strain.


After all, consistency is what turns good into great. It's boring, and it's definitely not sexy, but that's what the best in the world own day in and day out.


We can try to find the shortcuts or the cheat codes, but we still have to get out the door and do the work.


So, as you're going about your training, think about how you can make things easier, not harder. Think about how you can break down whatever you're doing into a simplified version. Maybe that's an actual change of what you're doing, or maybe that's just a mental shift!


Either way, Consider the K.I.S.S. Method.

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