There have been many "doubles vs singles" threads. But let's take it a step further, please, and present the scenario of a low volume, busy, older person considering the pros and cons of 3 runs vice 6 runs a week.
The example given in the thread title is simple and hypothetical, but let's use it anyway in this discussion.
So, what would be better? And why?
Thanks.
What are you training for?
-- wrote:
What are you training for?
Fitness. Sanity. 800m to 10km, but maybe 400m, or maybe 21km. Not terribly focussed. :) But very intent on running as fast as I can in a few races, off 60km per week. Long shifts at work but lots of days off after the shifts.
if you race the halfathon 6x10k would be inferior to 3x20k.
get into the special zone more often with the 20k runs. easier to schedule 3 runs if you are are busy. recover better with the days off. of course 30k, 20k, 10k is better still.
knew a very quick young man who once ran 160km weeks, only running every 2nd day, 20km in the morning, 20km at night then a day off.... I think it's got some merit to it.
Interesting!
fruntee wrote:
knew a very quick young man who once ran 160km weeks, only running every 2nd day, 20km in the morning, 20km at night then a day off.... I think it's got some merit to it.
why not alternate?
one week of 3x20
next week 6x10
Or 4x15, or 5x12?? All simplistic examples of course, but, 3-4 runs a week might be the way ahead for some of us...with longer runs to make up for the low number of runs.
I did a 10 miler 3 days ago, then no running due to long day shifts over the last 2 days....now I'm itching for a run....a longish run....12 miles???.....
6 runs a week is becoming a task. 3-4 is becoming "natural".
Will my 5k time suffer with 3x20 vice 6x10?
I think this very much depends on what type of runner you are. If you´re a natural marathoner 3x20k might work fine. My best distances are 3000/5000 and for me 6x10k would probably be a lot better if I intended to race somewhat seriously. A lot of long runs just make me heavy legged and stiff.
Just finished a lovely feeling 75:43 in the rain.....much better feeling than the 70min run of 3 days ago....
Yeah, I've always been middle distance focussed. But could I be stronger at 1500m to 5km if I get past 15-20km more often? Someone mentioned the "zone", which doesn't get explored with 10km runs. Of course, I would only do 3-4 runs a week, so I don't think stiffness / heavy legs is a concern for me, with only about 60km per week.
Looking forward to running in 2 days! Not looking forward to running tomorrow, in between night shifts!! Am I doing the right thing? It FEELS more natural and satisfying and convenient....but will I get slower because of it?
There is actual science out there that says if you do only to the 3xweek you should avoid eating after the run for as long as possible. This way the benefit of the exercise is maintained for a longer period of time. Since you won't be running the next day the recovery food is not that important. Mark Heagraves in Australia is the one that has shown this.
it is neccesary to do distances on each run. During my summer training every run would have a different variable thaat made the run unique. Whether it be the distance, the pace, the time, the hills, the course, the terrain or the weather. Every single run had somethign a little bit different that I have never done in recent weeks. I would go about 2-3 weeks at a time of never running the same thing.
be dumb, just run