In middle-distance training it is important that workouts are determined by certain individual anaerobic index performance values that are unique to each athlete. In distance training it is common to use the athlete’s field-tested, date sensitive,VO2 max value to determine workout pace intensity for aerobic work. As an example, a four mile tempo run should…
Archives for mid distance workouts
Recovery, Regeneration, and Rest for Middle Distance Runners
It has been said that the most important reason a runner needs a coach is to help them with the time intervals between work, and not for the work itself. It is somewhat surprising that the concept of training at goal-paced effort or faster, punctuated by periods of rest in order to endure the effort,…
Dissecting Elite Level Middle Distance Workouts
Training theory is a fascinating point of discussion for most middle-distance coaches. These conversations can vary from something as simple as typical microcycle mileage to something as detailed as workout construction. There is no doubt that there are “many roads to Rome” in the journey to getting a talented middle-distance runner into top physical condition. …
Fall 800 Meter Training
For 800 meter specialists, fall is the time of the year for extended general preparation activities in 800 meter training, that lead into a shorter period of specific preparation work. In some instances the 800 meter runner is a member of the cross country team. This scenario is more likely to occur in a high…
Structuring a Middle Distance Workout Session
The useful thing about modern training theory is that it was put together by scientists using empirical and replicable evidence rather than a hodge-podge of ideas and intellectual artifacts advanced by coaches. Because it is rooted in science, training theory is an ever-changing set of principles and concepts that evolve as better scientific testing is…
Training the Thresholds
The summer months are an excellent time to review the scientific basics of the aerobic energy system training and reflect back on how your athletes performed last spring following their particular training program. From the performance data sets of your athletes you can diagnostically check to see if you had them properly prepared for the…
How to Run the 800 Meter
Click here to watch How to Run the 800 Meter Hi, everybody. Welcome to Stillwater High School. This is the human performance lab that I have and my physiology classroom here in Stillwater, Minnesota, and I’d like to talk to you today about how to run the 800 meter and a little bit about developing…
Understanding Workout Fatigue
In the 1950’s a pioneering German in athletics by the name of Woldemar Gerschler worked as a physical educator, track and field coach, and Director of the Freiburg Institute for Physical Education. He is considered the father of interval training. Gerschler was certainly the first to organize training into a systematic organization of all the…