jamin wrote:
For the sake of argument, let's suppose you have 2 runners training for the 800m. Let's say their only workouts at around 800m pace are
Runner 1: Once per week, an all-out 800m
Runner 2: Every day, 10x100m with 1:00 rest, focusing on smooth form
and let's say that in they train like XC runners outside of those workouts. I think Runner 2 will beat Runner 1 because Runner 2's muscle are more adapted to running at that speed.
Short term, I think you might be right. Although the most specific kind of workout for a race, is a race.
I think after a month or two (if not sooner) runner 1 will be beating running 2 and maybe even running faster than runner 2 ran early on. This is assuming the same top end speed / 400m speed by both runners. I think adding in high volume of 800m pace into the week in some of the ways you have proposed are sound and have their place, but I don't think it's a 'Every day; or '10,000 meters worth' type of deal. Not logically, at least.