Wouldn't the ultimate stimulus be a long run after no eating or drinking for the preceding two days?While I haven't tried that (and am not sure I would want to) I have run semi-long runs of at least 10 miles the 2 days before a long run (18-22) so that I am actaully beginning the long run pretty well depleted. There's definitely a psychological benefit to knowing you can handle 40 (or more) miles in 3 days with no rest when race day comes and you are rested and glycogen loaded.
turkey leg wrote:
Ok. Riddle me this. If refueling does not reduce the training stimulus, then what is the purpose of the long run instead of two runs of half the length?
Long, continuous runs stimulate growth in the deep capillary beds, train the fast & slow twitch muscles to perform when tired (probably why all those little muscles you didn't even know existed get sore during long runs), and force the heart to become more efficient and powerful. At least, that's what Lydiard said! I'm not sure if there are any serious scientific studies that specifically look at the physiological benefits of long runs (as opposed to simply a heavy training load). I'd like to see a study that compared two groups, one of which runs 70 mpw in singles without any runs farther than 12mi, and another group which runs 70mpw, but with a 14 or 16 mile long run.
777 wrote:
turkey leg wrote:Ok. Riddle me this. If refueling does not reduce the training stimulus, then what is the purpose of the long run instead of two runs of half the length?
Long, continuous runs stimulate growth in the deep capillary beds, train the fast & slow twitch muscles to perform when tired (probably why all those little muscles you didn't even know existed get sore during long runs), and force the heart to become more efficient and powerful. At least, that's what Lydiard said! I'm not sure if there are any serious scientific studies that specifically look at the physiological benefits of long runs (as opposed to simply a heavy training load). I'd like to see a study that compared two groups, one of which runs 70 mpw in singles without any runs farther than 12mi, and another group which runs 70mpw, but with a 14 or 16 mile long run.
Fast paced running also increases capillary beds. Fast running also works on stroke volume. (Not discounting the need for longer fast aerobic runs, just pointing this out).
777 wrote:
Long, continuous runs stimulate growth in the deep capillary beds, train the fast & slow twitch muscles to perform when tired . . .
That's exactly my point. It is that targeted tiredness that is enhanced without consuming calories during the run. If additional sugar is supplied, those initial muscle fibers would be used longer and there would be less of a transition to other muscle fibers. So, essentially, when one refuels during a long run, the stimulus becomes similar to that of two runs adding up to the same distance.
Refueling is important in other, more powerful sports. Maximum recruitment of muscle fibers is necessary in training for those to practice the plays, sprints, jumps, or throws correctly with max power.