HS Training--How much speedwork?

High School Running

12 years ago 10/17/2011 9:30am EDT

I have been wondering this for some time now. It seems to me that since most highschoolers biggest problem is lack of aerobic development that it would make more sense to just pound out lots of miles-- especially harder progression runs and tempos-- with very little anaerobic stuff or even formal intervals. Instead of speed work just just one race a week. Doesn't seem like the anaerobic stuff would be truly beneficial until those youngsters have nearly maxed out their aerobic development. What do you guys think?

12 years ago 10/17/2011 10:02am EDT

re: MondayMonday

Here's what I think: You are right, however that system applies at a few very well established xc programs.

If you have a team that practices all summer you can do that. LOTS of coaches are looking a piecing a team together and a number of kids dont come out until school starts. The intervals and reps are the quickest way to get the kids in race shape by the important meets later in the year.

I dont think the kids nor the coaches have the patience to follow the more miles & tempos method. Kids want trophies, coaches want titles...

12 years ago 10/17/2011 10:23am EDT

re: MondayMonday

Looking back at my high school days, I wish we did less. Although, that may be because I never had much of a base. I would usual peak in early October and stagnate the rest of the season/get rundown. Also, their was a lot of intra-team competition... So all of our easy days would turn in to progression runs as we'd gradually start racing each once we got away from our coach.

Anyways, I think focusing on the extremes (endurance + speed/biomechanics) most of the season is a good approach... Especially for kids coming in to the season without much running behind them. According to Jack Daniel's suggestion in his book for how to divide limited training time among his 4 phases, people with 9 weeks (like many Jv) should spend 3 weeks doing just endurance runs and strides.

12 years ago 10/17/2011 10:31am EDT

re: MondayMonday

Tried that this year. Got decent results. Also tried to preach not going out over their head and dying. We ended up in the same spot at the conference meet. Although i think/know my girls are very aerobically fit.

Looking back i wish we did more strength reps - mile repeats or 1k repeats at RP, but like you stated a lot of high school athletes are under trained aerobically. That was my focus this year. We did lots of Long runs and threshold work. Next year (summer) i expect them to get that done on their own. Then we will be able to pound some good speed work.

Short story - i agree, it just takes time to establish a program (as stated above) to that they come in with the aerobic base so coaches can focus on speed.

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HS Training--How much speedwork?

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