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Exceeding training volume or intensity is most critically important to avoid overtraining, which can have significant negative effects on a runner's performance and overall health. Overtraining occurs when the body is subjected to training loads that exceed its ability to recover. This can lead to a range of physiological and psychological issues, including fatigue, decreased performance, increased risk of injury, and even burnout.

When athletes push their limits without allowing adequate recovery time, they may find that rather than improving, their performance declines. This is because the body needs time to repair and strengthen muscles, replenish energy stores, and restore hormonal balance post-training. Overtraining disrupts these processes, resulting in a state of chronic fatigue and diminished output.

Maintaining a balance in training volume and intensity is essential for optimal adaptation to training stimuli. It ensures that the body can sufficiently recover and build endurance, strength, and speed, leading to progressively better performance.