Harry Wilson's training methods

Interesting - love to read and learn more.

For all of the shite and abusive sillyness on letsrun it's served to re-educate and inspire me, particularly from the "more miles in training" point of view.

Previously I, and those in my training group, had worked on the basis of Quality Good, Quantity Bad ethos, I now realise that you need both.

It's proving difficult to sell the higher mileage side of things, being able to reinforce my persuesive arguments with reference to Ovett will strengthen my cause - might inspire me a little higher too.

More please.

I have a copy of running my way at home.

I seem to recall that after the winter (endurance phase as he called it), their was a big reduction in volume during the pre-comp and competition phases. At some points their are track sessions on nearly every day of the week for the MD runners. Many of the sessions themselves are not particulary tough by themselves. I remember being able to run nearly all of the suggested sessions for a 3.42 1500m runner but being frustrated by being unable to go any quicker than 3.44. I suspect this was because I did not follow the endurance phase as dilligently as the later phases.

Off the top of my head some of the sessions for 1500m runners during the season (with pb of 3.42) were:

5x3x200 in 28 with 30s between reps and 3 minutes between sets.

3x500 in 67/8 with 7-8 mins recovery

2x800 fast (2mins) 100 jog 100 sprint (10 mins)

400 fast (56) 200 steady (34) 400 fast (56)

During the pre-comp phase the track work was pretty basic stuff. 8x400's with 2-300 jog starting at 62ish and gradually getting faster each 3 weeks, and longer reps such as 5-6x800 also getting gradually faster.

One thing that he emphasised in a couple of his books was that he seemed to get better results through the use of what he termes 'high intensity intervals'. E.g. insted of 10x400 in 58 with 90s rest between each, it was better to do 5x2x400 in 55 with 30s between reps and 4-5 mins between sets. He also emphasised the need for a few sessions of fast long reps prior to starting racing. E.g. 3x800 at race pace - here recovery was not so important, but maintenance of correct pace is the priority.

Throughout the winter there is very little track work at all, simply a gradual build up of volume and intensity aiming to allow athletes to perform well the English National Cross in March. This training included plenty of fast distance running and sessions such as 6x1000 or 4x2000 on grass with very short recoveries.

I seem to recall that his book provides very detailed year long training plans for a variety of different athletes:

800m (club & elite)

1500 (club & elite)

5/10K (club & elite)

1500 (european indoor season)

1500 / xc (NCAAA runner)

If anybody needs more info I can dig the book out.

Ohne other important point - each training session had to be performed on 3 occasions before the athlete is allowed to progress it in any way

I have a PDF copy of the articel "running with Steve"

If anyone wants it post me your E:mail address.

Thank you

thanks. i definitely want a copy.

I'd appreciate a copy too, thanks.

I'd also appreciate a copy, thanks

Sent!

Steve,

Here is the link to BMC past issues (scroll down the page). Lots of good articles.

PS. Remember that these issues are copyright so shouldn't be cut and pasted on the web.

http://www.britishmilersclub.com/bmcnews/

can i get a copy of it as well?

It'd be interesting to hear what Joan Nesbit says about Harry Wilson. She was apparently coached by him for a while. She mentions it on her blog.

I'd like a copy as well, thanks.

"After the intensity of Jo and Harry, I needed a break. I started coaching myself; I ran alone, read a lot, joined the Catholic church, got a job, went to plays, dated a missionary, read some more … and waited for the next training partner to come along".

Now that is funny, isn't that similar to what Jim Ryun happend?Overtraining and religion seems more connected than we might guess!

Can one tell me where I can get "Runnning My Way" by Harry Wilson??

I'd love a copy as well, thanks.

Love a copy thanks

I just posted an article on the training methods of Harry Wilson after reading Running My Way and a couple of other sources. It can be found here: