So for distance runners 800m and upwards...which will be the most beneficial winter season to go for to prepare for a great outdoor track season? Or fast summer 5k/10k road times?
Okay, okay I know you guys in the US squeeze in your 3 seasons, but here in the UK if you want to go hard at one of these options for a season it's a choice between one and the other. XC doesn't really kick of until October but most of the big/championship races, eg. National, Intercounties, World XC come towards the tail end of the season in late February/March by which indoors is also in full swing and by April you will have your outdoor track starting.
Obviously indoor is not quite as long distance but you get Mo racing the 3000m and 2miles whilst being predominantly a 5000/10000 man, so developing that speed and anaerobic engine. On the other hand the 6km and longer xc builds your endurance, but on UK courses you're really not getting good speed. Ran 2 races this year, both resembled tough mudder but without the obstacles and loads of scantily clad thin people instead of crossfitters. There were sub30min 10km people literally jogging.
So what do you guys think? More beneficial season if had to pick one?