For newer runners, races are a big deal. They're exciting and fun, but surrounded by uncertainty. Before you've done it, goal race pace seems impossibly fast for the targeted distance.
Unless they’ve been training to specifically run their goal pace.
I disagree. A ton of pro runners, while not calling it "predictor workout", do race pace stuff and note enthusiastically when that race pace stuff starts to feel right for a particular time. They say it all the time. Maybe i watch too much sweat elite and flotrack. You just know. Periodization is dark art.
But I agree, an actual high stress "race predictor" session I have seen is usually not any healthier (less stressful) than an actual race. Makes be laugh every time on those threads when some smartarse says a race predicitor workout for 1500...is to run a 1500 etc... Kind of makes sense.
I guess I am in the minority, but I like predictor workouts to simply help my race day pacing. I set my goals around them and try to maximize what I actually run.
Agree with a lot of this thread. The other factor is that a lot of runners are insecure about their fitness. That can lead to a mentality where each workout is about proving that you're fit, rather than building new fitness. A good coach will snap you out of this mentality (it's easy to fall into this pattern of thought, even if you know it's a trap)
Very true. Even after 50 years, I have to keep reminding myself that training is about adapting rather than a workout being a race simulation.
I got to averaging 6x1000m or 3x2000m at faster than I could run a 5k. You do get fitness quickly, but it doesn't last very long.
I think there is a point a couple of weeks out from a peak race as a less difficult alternative to a time-trial (which can be hard to effectively solo for some).
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