Better endurance through sprint work

[aronjrsmil]

I recently heard of this study done in Japan some time ago with Japanese speed skaters. They took a large group of elite speed skaters, and divided them into two groups with two different training regimes. One group would do their workout while holding a steady constant pace. The other group, would go for 8 seconds hard, and 10 seconds easy. It was found that the athletes with the 8 seconds hard, and 10 seconds easy, actually had a better aerobic base, and performed better in longer events. I guess this is what p90x does in their workouts from what I've heard. Any thoughts?

[Awesome_Archy]

Yes, this is deffinately correct. I've competed as an endurance athlete for over 10 years(2 collegiately) and the best way to build a strong foundation for any endurance based sport is to start off using this method of training. Genneraly i tell people to go out and jog as long as they can and then walk for twice the amount of time they spent running then repeate. Eventually the walking time will be eliminated all together and you can began on improving your PPM (pace per mile).

Based on the time of year it is i would advise anyone who is just deciding to start running to be very cautious and take it slow. It puts a lot of stress on the joints and internals of the average person especially one who is overweight.

[aronjrsmil]

yeah I've been running for 13 years (mostly middle distance). i've found that a sprint and distance combo is the best formula for any event really....

[Awesome_Archy]

Pyramids on the track are always fun.

[Macon_Bacon]

I split my runs between long slow distance runs and short sprint work on opposite days. I find the long slow runs allow me to work on my mental endurance more than anything and my sprint work really boost my stamina when I eventually need to push my long run pace.

[aronjrsmil]

agreed. you can't really have a solid aerobic base without some longer work.