One of the most frequently debated subjects amongst runners is weekly mileage. Conventional wisdom holds that higher mileages lead to improved performances; i.e. if I am running 25 miles a week now, then by increasing to 40 my performance will … Continue reading
Many strength programs, especially High Intensity Training, preach the necessity of training to failure, claiming that submaximal effort produces submaximal results. Just how valid is this training adage? Some recent research sheds new light on this old topic. … Continue reading
If you read popular running books and/or magazines you have undoubtedly been exposed to the idea of “lactate threshold”. Basically, this belief posits that an increase in lactate levels within the muscle cells increases acidity within the muscle, resulting in … Continue reading
What is the optimal training frequency? Most runners, at some point in their running careers, contemplate this question. The answer to the question depends upon who you ask and what particular training philosophy they follow. Conventional training wisdom suggests running … Continue reading
In 2005 exercise scientist Dr. Ed Coyle of the University of Texas published a research study based on seven years of physiological data collected on Lance Armstrong (1). During the seven years covered by the study Lance improved from a … Continue reading
Just how influential is weekly training mileage on marathon performance? A commonly held belief amongst runners is that increased weekly mileage will result in improved performance, especially at the marathon distance. But is this belief based on anecdotal observation or … Continue reading
I have often been told that all elite runners run high weekly mileage. Indeed, the high weekly mileage of the elites is often pointed to as proof that high weekly mileages are a prerequisite for success in running. This article … Continue reading
In part one of this analysis we learned that the common practice of recommending training based on mileage results in slower runners training at a higher training load than faster runners. Part 2 continues our analysis of mileage-based training. … Continue reading
Running is a mileage focused sport. Runners typical talk about their training program in terms of weekly mileage, think in terms of weekly mileage, and train in terms of weekly mileage. In fact, it’s not uncommon for complete training programs … Continue reading
Since 2003 two marathon running and ironman triathlete exercise physiolgists at Furman University have recommended a unique training program they call FIRST training. The FIRST training method has received a lot of attention from the running community because the research … Continue reading
I have added a new article – The physiology of base building – to the endurance physiology section. … Continue reading