"Then runners at a stage of fitness or ability that would suggest they race 3,000 meters slower than about 12 or 13 minutes might want to follow the 5,000-meter training plan described in chapter 19. On the other hand, I think a better apporach for these same runners might be to train for and more often race the 1,500 meters because the shorter, faster race is often a better preparation for a somewhat longer race."
Dang. He is suggesting that if you are a slow poke like me, its better to train for and race 1,500 meters more often until you are faster. That being said, if my 1,500 meter time is around 7 minutes and 5k 26:20, how often should I be racing 1,500 meters each week until I am faster? What should the training look for the 1,500 meters? I really dig this advice, thought and idea. It sounds more fun than the easy running I have been doing.
Any help/advice on structuring something? Currently I have been jogging 50min/day at a very slow pace. Would love to start training for the 1,500 meters and racing the 1,500 meters. I just don't know what that looks like and how many times a week I could race 1,500 meters?
Thanks, Fungames
If all you have been doing is slow jogging, you will benefit immensely from any kind of workouts involving faster running. For anything faster than 5k pace, I would suggest being very mindful to ease into this type of training as it can put a lot of strain on your muscles and connective tissue when you're not used to it, and the risk of injury goes up. That being said, go ahead and follow one of the plans in DRF and see what happens. One threshold workout per week and one faster workout per week (strides or VO2 max type running) should help you improve your times dramatically compared to just straight easy running.
Good luck.
What is DRF?
edit: Oh, daniels running formula?
This post was edited 21 seconds after it was posted.