4.10.2008

As far-fetched as it sounds, Lydiard's approach to running (long, slow distance) actually works. Here's proof.

A post like this is a sign of running withdrawal...

On May 27, 2007, I ran a 3.5-mile road race at an 8:10 pace. On June 10, 2007, I ran a 7-mile road race at an 8:22 pace. I struggled through both. My training for these races was inconsistent. I was running between 8 and 16 miles per week at a pace not much slower than that of my 7-mile race pace. I rarely went longer than 7 miles.

On June 25, 2007, I started my first marathon training cycle. Between that date and September 7, 2007, the eve of my fastest 5K, my average weekly mileage was 27 and my average training pace was 9:56.

So, 27 miles per week for 10 weeks at a 9:56 pace yielded a 5K at 6:44 pace.

Let me know what you all think about this approach.

1 comment:

Em said...

LSD is great as long as it is mixed in with the occasional tempo or interval workout. I don't think you can be your best on long slow distance alone, especially for shorter races.