The Tri Town Times: 4/4/22

• Posted on 4 April 2022
• By Antonio Gonzalez
• Posted in the tri town times
• 0

Image: Veronika Vazhnik developing her trail running stride.

This week: Training characteristics of world class runners.

- Elite runners run frequently and accumulate a large volume (>80%) of running at low-intensity to improve running economy. This was best done through long, continuous runs.

- Volume is increased first through an increase in run frequency, and later by an increase in individual workout duration/distance.

- The best runners run a significant percentage of their miles on dirt/gravel roads to reduce the mechanical loading/stress compared to pavement running.

- Marathon runners spent 5-15% of their time above race pace during the early season of training, and dropped that intensity to race pace as they approached the competition period.

- Sprint training represented less than 1% of total training volume, but was conducted regularly during the annual training cycle.