JLMA wrote:
Thank you again, HonestThief. This is helpful.
What kind of resources should should I read regarding the topic of "why you do not run X distance over and over if you want to improve at running ditance X?".
It seemed so intuitive to me, but I see I was wrong that I want to learn more about the basics of training for a distance like 800m.
Thanks.
I'm not an expert, and don't feel like diving into a bunch of training theory, but the quick basics I can give you is that you train different distances to improve different body functions you use when running.
Longer, slower distance stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells (more oxygen), and builds your aerobic capacity, which is especially important in long distance running, but even very much so in middle distance (800-5000).
Faster, shorter intervals force your body to produce energy (atp) faster than it can provide oxygen, making it anaerobic exercise (uses anaerobic respiration to create atp). A byproduct of this is lactic acid (the burning in your legs). Doing more of this builds a tolerance for lactic acid, and both exercises help increase your vo2 max, which is too complicated to worry about at the moment.
Basically, different distances and workouts develop different processes in your body, which are all important for running. If you run a marathon, obviously longer slower distance takes more priority, and if you run a 400m, faster shorter distances, but all of it comes together to help make you a better runner