How to Train Like an Elite Runner Without Training Like One – Eric Avila

Season 3 Episode 8 of the Running for Beginners podcast from the 22resolutionists, hosted by me Mike Fleming. What can everyday runners learn from elite training—and how do you develop a young runner without burning them out? Those are two of the questions I explore in this episode with Elite Running Coach and Co-Founder of TrackBeast – Eric Avila. Eric has experienced running at some of the highest levels of the sport. He was a standout high-school runner, competed at Northern Arizona University and Southern Oregon, and went on to build a professional career that included running 3:35 for 1500 meters, reaching the U.S. Olympic Trials final twice, and winning a USATF national championship at the mile. Today, Eric is a coach who works with professional runners as well as developing high-school athletes, and he focuses on making elite training principles accessible to serious young runners. That made for a fascinating conversation—not about telling everyday runners to train like professionals, but about understanding the principles behind elite training and figuring out which ones actually make sense for the rest of us. We talk about: • What “elite training principles” really means • What everyday runners can learn from elite athletes • Which aspects of elite training recreational runners should NOT copy • The importance of easy running and recovery • How young runners should develop over time • Why talented young runners can burn out • The role coaches and parents play in preventing burnout • The pressure surrounding times, rankings and college recruiting • How young athletes can pursue excellence without losing their love for running Whether you’re a beginning runner, an experienced recreational runner, a parent of a young athlete, or simply interested in what goes on behind the scenes in competitive running, there’s something here for you. Eric brings a unique perspective as someone who has experienced the sport as a young athlete, professional runner, and now coach—and his message about development, patience and sustainable training applies far beyond the elite level. Thanks for listening, and as always… Let’s Run Forward Together! Listen now and discover how training your mind can help transform your running—and your life. Connect with Eric Avila and TrackBeast Website: TrackBeast LinkedIn: @Avilaericc Instagram: @Avilaericc Enjoying the Running for Beginners Podcast? If this episode helped you, please consider following the show, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with another runner who could use a little extra motivation and encouragement on their journey. #RunningForBeginners #Running #BeginnerRunner #RunningTips #RunTraining #DistanceRunning #EliteRunning #YouthRunning #RunningCoach #RunningCommunity #TrackBeast Subscribe for more educational running conversations: If you’re a beginner or intermediate runner looking to improve your training, have fun, avoid injury, and stay consistent, make sure to subscribe and follow along each month. If You Enjoyed This Episode Like the video Subscribe for more running tips Share with a friend training for their first race Mike is also an Ambassador for Still I Run, a mental health support community working to end the stigma around mental illness through running and connection. As well as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital where children get the best care available and the parents don’t have to worry about payment. Whether you’re a runner struggling with anxiety, stress, or relationships—or simply curious about how movement affects mental health—I have multiple episodes that offer grounded, professional insight you can trust. Resources & Links: Still I Run: https://stillirun.org St. Jude Children’s Hospital: http://heroes.stjude.org/RunningforBeginners Rone Supercharged Honey packs: https://www.ronenutrition.com/RUNWITHMIKE Ucan Energy Gels: https://ucan.co/RUNNINGFORBEGINNERS Watch the full video interviews on the Running for Beginners YouTube channel and the No Ads version of the full video interviews episode of Running for Beginners on Patreon – featuring Eric Avila, Elite Running Coach & Co-Founder of TrackBeast, and learn what elite training advice you can utilize to take your running to the next level! The video interview was conducted using Riverside.fm a website/app for creators everywhere. Check them out here: https://riverside.sjv.io/2aoeLM I also have a listener discount code for Rone Super Charged Honey Packets at ronenutrition.com with code RUNWITHMIKE as well as Caffeine Bullet at Caffeinebullet.com for 20% off your cart purchase with code RUNNING4BEGGINERS, and UCAN Energy Gels, Bars and more & get 30% off when you use my code https://ucan.co/RUNNINGFORBEGINNERS at the respective check outs. [disclaimer, i do receive a commission from any sales; even on Riverside] Ad free versions of videos of my interviews will be posted on Patreon@Running4Beginners. Thanks for listening; I hope you can find value in the podcast. If you do enjoy, I hope you follow us on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify or your favorite podcast service, give us a rating and some comments and of course hit the subscribe button. Keywords running for beginners, beginner running, running tips, running training, elite training, elite running, everyday runners, running coach, Eric Avila, Olympic Trials runner, distance running, 1500m runner, youth running, young runners, running burnout, youth sports burnout, running recovery, run training, training principles, running motivation, high school running, college running, running parents, track and field, running advice, train smarter, running community The post How to Train Like an Elite Runner Without Training Like One – Eric Avila first appeared on Running 4 Beginners.