By: GTG

GTG — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 19:32:34 +0000

What about Emile Zatopek–The Czech Olympian who used to run 100 times 400 meters with limited rest in between–his unorthodox method helped him become perhaps the Greatest Distance Runner in History—Not everyone can do that type of workout–because he ran the laps as hard as he could

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 18:25:48 +0000

Hi Matt. I believe that training optimization is probably different for each individual. When I was in my 20’s, I ran my first marathon with no more than 16 miles for a weekly long run. Race Day was an awful experience and I bonked shortly after 16 miles, vowing to never attempt another marathon as a way to trick myself through the finish line. I did shorter, faster runs and lots of high intensity weight training more than running long, nothing more than about 40 mile weeks to prepare for that suffering. Simply put, I was not ready for a marathon. A 5K? A 10K? Sure I was ready for those. Now, as I rapidly approach age 50, I am posting PRs for the marathon with weekly 18-22 mile long runs and 75-85 miles per week, sometimes more. The high mileage works for me. But here’s the thing, I was a bit of a track speedster in high school (yes 1980’s) 200, 400 specialist and occasionally coached into the mile. I like to run fast and rarely enjoy the long runs past 17 miles, even to this day. But, distance is what I need. So, that’s my point, it depends quite a bit on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Well Matt, please keep running no matter which plan you implement, running provides health benefits and a great sense of freedom for all of us. Plus we get to chat with each other like this!!

Comments on: Could Your Long Runs Be Doing More Harm than Good?

By: GTG

By: Jeff