Two months ago, I could barely jog 5km (~3 miles) without feeling exhausted. Yesterday, I ran 18km—faster than my 5km pace from two months ago. How is this possible?
The answer is simple: Smart Training.
I’m not a born runner, nor do I have the most sophisticated training plan. There are three key ingredients to my progress:
- A simple plan
- Giving 110% every time I run
- No shortcuts
A Simple Plan
A few months ago, my friend Dror (check out his amazing Blog here) invited me to train for a half-marathon with him. He shared a straightforward training plan from a running book:
Three training sessions per week:
- Track Training (Speed): Short but intense.
- Mid-Distance Run: Quicker pace over a moderate distance.
- Long-Distance Run: Slower pace but a longer distance.
The plan also provided clear pacing goals based on my initial 5km time, ensuring I knew exactly how fast I needed to go for each run.
I run every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Before each session, I check the plan, lace up my shoes, and execute. No debates, no adjustments, no shortcuts. Just consistency.
Giving My Best
Instead of wasting time researching “the perfect running method,” I committed to giving my absolute best every time I ran. Somewhere in the middle of each session—whether it’s during an interval on the track or in the last kilometers of a long-distance run—I feel the urge to stop.
It’s tough, exhausting, and often not fun. But I remind myself: if I’m already out here, why not give it everything?
Some days, I exceed my goals. Other days, I barely hit my target pace. But what matters is that I can always say, today, I did my best.
One of my proudest moments was finishing my first 10km race at -4°C (24.8°F). Running in the cold wasn’t exciting, but I pushed through and clocked a time of 50:28. My goal was 50:00—a random target to motivate myself—but technically, I missed it.
Still, it was a huge success.
No Shortcuts
What I love about running is the simplicity. I never spend time trying to “optimize” the plan or “find a better way.” I trust Dror’s experience and the plan he found in this book.
It’s incredibly liberating to switch off the overthinking, focus on the process, and put all my effort into execution.
Sure, there will be weeks when I feel stuck or see no progress. But I know this is part of the journey. I’ll keep following the plan, push a little harder when needed, and trust the process. Improvement will come.
Why Does This Matter for Chess?
Reflecting on my running journey, I realized the formula for improvement is universal. It’s the same process I apply to chess:
What (a simple plan) × How (consistent effort) × Time (~3–5 hours/week) = Improvement.
When the “what” and “how” are dialed in, even small time investments can lead to big progress.
What You Should Do for Your Chess
- Get a Simple Plan You Can Trust You don’t need a perfect plan, just one that’s good enough and easy to follow. Simplicity beats perfection. My 1/3 Rule (dividing training into tactics, strategy, and games) is a great place to start.
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity Start with a manageable 30–60 minutes a day, rather than overloading yourself with 15+ hours a week. If you can’t study for 5 hours with proper focus, how will you manage 15? Less, but better, is the goal.
- Stop Trying to Outsmart the System Many players waste time reworking plans, chasing shortcuts, or trying to out-hustle everyone else. Chess improvement isn’t about “grindset” or “hustle culture.” Stick to a proven plan and trust the process. It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
My Goal with Next Level Training
What I’ve shared here reflects the mission of Next Level Training:
- To give you a plan you can trust.
- To teach you how to study chess the right way.
- To eliminate the mental burden of “figuring it all out” on your own.
Hundreds of students have already used the course to save time, simplify their chess training, and see real progress. If you want to stop feeling overwhelmed and start focusing on what truly matters, this course is for you.
Right now, I’m filming an updated version of the course, and all current students will get free access before the new version officially launches. By joining today, you’ll lock in the current price, get a sneak peek at the upgrades, and even have a say in what I include.
Ready to simplify your chess training and see massive improvements?
Start training the right way with Next Level Training.
GM Noël
PS: The most powerful feeling I get from running is that I am proud of myself. Training chess the right way gave me the same feeling. It lasts much longer than the quick dopamine hit of a good time or winning a game of chess.
PPS: If you are below 1200 Chess.com, I highly recommend starting out with my Beginner Chess Mastery course. It is a step-by-step course with everything you need exactly for your level!
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