One of the most important questions Coach Sandi Nypaver asks when reviewing an athlete’s program is: How are you responding to your training?

This matters because everyone responds differently. Take high-intensity VO₂ max speed workouts, for example. Some athletes thrive on them because they recover quickly and see big performance gains. Others? Even with great recovery habits, too many of these sessions can leave them completely fried.

That doesn’t mean those workouts aren’t valuable. It just means the way they’re integrated into your training plan should look different depending on how your body reacts. For some, sprinkling them in sparingly is the key. For others, they can be a cornerstone of progress.

And that’s just one example! There are countless ways training can impact you differently than someone else. So here’s the takeaway: Look at your training and ask yourself: Are you benefiting from it, or is it leaving you exhausted and holding you back?

Your response to training is the ultimate feedback loop. Pay attention to it, and you’ll unlock smarter, more effective progress.

Happy running,

  • Coach Sandi Nypaver