Tempo runs are base training. - In between recovery days if you are new to running.
Tempo runs are base training. - In between recovery days if you are new to running.
months of base training is certainly NOT just crap. its a time to pile on as many miles as your body can possibly handle. 90, 100, 120, 140; whatever you can personally handle. its for developing your aerobic system and building strength. its for preparing your body for the tough workouts that come later. its for runners with the discipline to use a periodized training regimen. its for runners that want to peak at some point in the year.
I agree, after the first week and a half maybe 12 days of base begin some interval.
Maybe if you are a first time runner you would need months of just running before starting into workouts or if you've been off for a really long time but, otherwise you vary the type of workout. 130 miles at slog pace creates a slog.
Base phase is when tempo runs are made for.
No one ever said a "base" had to be all slog miles...
S: 20 hilly w/5 hard at end
M: 10/10
T: 10/10 w/5 tempo
W: 10/10 hilly
T: 10/10
F: 10/10 w/5 tempo
S: 10/10
...Do something like the above for 3 months and you'll be good to go when the serious interval training starts. Still feel like your slogging?...Run some hills!!!!!
Alan
I NEVER got in a good base phase due to continuous plantar fascitis. H.S. was only a 3 miles a day program, while college was 20-40 miles a week. No more, due to the ailment.
My P.R. is 15:55/5K. With the ailment long gone, I am finally trying to build a base. I started out with only 12-15 miles/week for 3 months and am now up to 40 miles/week. My goal is to build to 70 mpw (slowly) and keep that for 2-3 months.
I'm interested and excited to see what I can do after a year or so of 2-3 base phases, after having to ignore this important segment to this point.