Is there a more “typical” track training session for a middle distance runner than a set of repeated 200 meter efforts? The answer is probably no but there are many different varieties of this workout and depending on where the athletes are in their track macrocycle, and there are more appropriate times than others for…
Archives for middle-distance runner
Specific Preparation Period Workouts for Middle Distance
Ideally, a typical middle distance training macrocyle is set up to be between fifteen and twenty weeks in length and divided into four training periods. The difference in macrocycle time lies in the number of training sessions dedicated to the first period, or general preparation period. Once general prep is completed, the next stage is…
Planning the General Preparation Period for Middle Distance Training
The first training segment of time is called the general preparation period, or just general prep for short. This stage sets the tone for the season. The middle distance training macrocyle is ideally set up to be between fifteen and twenty weeks in length. The greater the amount of overall time available, then the longer…
Middle Distance Training: Periodizing Special Endurance 1 Training Sessions
Much has been learned about speed and speed development over the last 20 years. Scientists working with coaches and sprinters have done a remarkable job of applying the scientific method to the physiology of speed in humans including biomechanics, muscle recruitment and energy systems. Many scientific papers with replicable results have been peer-reviewed, published,…
Performance Diagnostics
Middle distance coaches should be constantly analyzing the race day performances of runners in their training group for both good tactics and physiological strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, racing performance will improve more dramatically by developing and improving physiological weaknesses rather than improving already developed strengths. Both the aerobic energy system and the anaerobic energy…
Goal Setting for Middle Distance Runners
Humans are the only animal species known to set goals. The process of establishing goals is higher order of thinking based on motivation, self-image, and an intrinsic reward process that no other animal species comes close to. Humans are certainly not the strongest or fastest animal species on Earth but their understanding of cause and…
The Twelve Day Middle Distance Training Microcycle
Understanding the principles of training theory is an important aspect of training middle distance runners. Training theory applies the laws of the natural world to the domain of athletics so that coaches do not have to rely on hope, belief, and trial or error in setting up a sequential training plan for their athletes. Training…
The Athlete Profile – Part 3
Training science, like all science, is about replication of procedure to attain the same data sets. Yet each runner is a unique person. Track coaches use sciences of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes in hopes of replicating data from person to person and season to season. This can be difficult in part because…
The Athlete Profile-Part 2
Track coaches use the disciplines of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes. This can be difficult in part because coaches usually work with large groups of athletes in their training group. The application of unique training and psychological stimuli within the training group is called individualization of training. To do this effectively is critical…
The Athlete Profile – Part 1
Track coaches use the disciplines of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes. This can be difficult in part because coaches usually work with large groups of athletes in their training group. The application of unique training and psychological stimuli within the training group is called individualization of training. To do this effectively is critical…
Fatigue, Part 5 – The Central Governor Theory
The scientific information presented in the first four sections on the onset of fatigue during exercise (Part 1 Fatigue-Energetics, Part 2 Fatigue-Anaerobic Alactic Energy System, Part 3 Fatigue-Anaerobic Glycolytic Energy System, and Part 4 Fatigue-Aerobic Energy System) pointed out the importance of beginning each discussion on energy system metabolism and fatigue with basic knowledge…
Pace Awareness Using Borg’s Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Training and racing experience leads to a more sophisticated middle distance athlete. Coaches measure this advancing experience with a concept known as training age. Once the runner has physically matured and transitioned from middle school to high school (and beyond), training age becomes more of a conditioning factor than chronological age is in setting…