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The math seems so simple.

Time invested in running = success. The more time you invest, the more successful you become. It's the basis of any sound business model looking for a positive return on investment.

But here's where it gets tricky. We all know what things we should be doing in order to be more successful at the task at hand whether it's improving our running, getting that washboard set of abs we've seen on TV, or losing those couple extra pounds around the waistline. The key is making sure that we consistently do the right things to get the job done.

This is where, as a high school coach, I believe that teaching time management skills becomes such an important part of any successful fitness program. Dr. Don Wetmore, in his article "A Higher Rate of Return" , reduces the time management problem to one simple solution - "Invest more and more wisely."

Let's relate that to running.

To become a better runner, step one is to "invest more" into your running.
Make your running (or fitness activity) one of the ranked priorities on the short list that defines your life. Perhaps something like:

Then make sure that you invest time daily into becoming a better runner (and more importantly a better person). While that doesn't mean you need to run every day, running on a consistent basis is the key to improving.

Sometimes it's just a matter of getting out the door. What most people don't realize is that becoming a better runner only requires you to commit 2 percent of your time to running. With 168 hours per week, two percent equals 30 minutes a day (x 6 days)... and while that is a minimum investment as far as competitive running goes, it is a good start (and surely a doable option for most people). There are a multitude of Cross Training, Core Training, and Strength Training activities that you can use on your off days to make those days highly profitable as well.

Which brings us back to Dr. Wetmore's second premise - "invest wisely."
In short, make the most of the time you are investing. Don't fill your run training with a bunch of junk miles just to pad your workout log stats. Have a plan or have your coach give you a plan. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate just something that gives a purpose to every day.

Our off-season workout plan (Transition phase) consists of a 21-day cycle that emphasizes a variety of training speeds while keeping all of our running at a transitional level. During the third week (days 15-21) all running is cut in half to create a recovery week.

Note that we have moved our weekly long run to Thursdays so we always take Sunday off (even during the season). This is a personal preference for our team and allows us to create the mindset that we are able to run with more intensity on those days that require it. Does it actually work? The quick answer - it works for us. This simple plan has worked well for those of our runners who have stuck with and been consistent at following it.

Having a plan to improving your running isn't rocket science. Spending a little extra time figuring out the details and establishing the goals you want to meet along the way will help you to invest more time into your running, but most importantly ensure that you have invested that time wisely.

You can check out many of Dr. Wetmore's free Time Management tips on the Productivity Institute website at www.balancetime.com.

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Author: Tom Jimenez has coached prep XC/T&F in Oregon for the past 22 years. He is currently Head XC/T&F coach as Sprague HS (Salem, OR). You can visit the Sprague Cross Country website at http://sprague.wvi.com/sports/xcountry/.