I think they should build a base first, but still include small doses of speed work like strides or short intervals. Pure speed too early can lead to injury, but ignoring it completely isn’t ideal either.
Why do you think east africans dominate and US are so far behind? East africans concentrate on slow, easy miles, build the base. US is about running too fast and burning out in college
Why do you think east africans dominate and US are so far behind? East africans concentrate on slow, easy miles, build the base. US is about running too fast and burning out in college
Don't you think those East African runners did a lotta sprinting when they were young? You know, like all good runners do?
I think during the month on June when most runners are done with track is a good month to spend on pure speed development. Train like a sprinter for a bit. Not just some hard strides and hills but some actual work like 4/5 by 60 meter sprints with 4 minute rest. Helps with muscle recruitment to help even tempo paces feel a little more smooth. Then in July you can switch this out for strides, speed wickets, hills, etc.
Why do you think east africans dominate and US are so far behind? East africans concentrate on slow, easy miles, build the base. US is about running too fast and burning out in college
I am starting to see the basis for it, but very few people do it. Is it because it takes alot more time to get ready for races this way?
For a slow-twitch runner, it’s not going to make much difference.
Correct. it makes no difference for a slo-twitcher - except more chance of injury with fast work. The only benefit is psychological; adds variety to the drudgery of hi-miles.