High-level athletic performance requires a state of fatigue so profound that it makes any other cognitive activity, such as working or studying, impossible.

noli's read

The community is quite unanimous in recognizing that this advice is a truth specific to the global elite, while emphasizing that it is unsuitable, if not dangerous, for the amateur runner. Physiologically, science confirms that 'total load' (the cumulative effect of physical, mental, and emotional stress) directly impacts recovery, as shown by observational studies on overtraining syndrome (Meeusen et al., Consensus Statement). While the elite can maximize their physical load thanks to a dedicated environment, the average runner must juggle other sources of cognitive fatigue which, if ignored, increase the risk of injury and burnout. The principle of 'minimal effective dose' (Jack Daniels) is often cited as an alternative, suggesting that optimizing performance does not necessarily require total exhaustion. It is therefore an exaggeration to transform this professional approach into a general rule for well-being or health, as energy management is multidimensional. The idea that exhaustion is the only proof of serious training is more of an extreme performance philosophy than a pillar of sports physiology.

the sources

1. 1r/AdvancedRunning