Why do new runners do workouts?

local hero racer wrote:

Running fast and slow wrote:

I've never reached 40 mpw, but I do workouts every week. Why shouldn't I? I like to work out, and I'll never win races anyway.

And that is precisely WHY you will never win races.

No. I will never win races because I run 30 mpw. I run because I like to run, it keeps me healthy and lean, and I work out because I like to work out.

Workouts are fun.

jkljkljkl wrote:

I didn't start workouts until I was running 40 miles a week.

I never ran 40 miles in a week until I could run 1:55 in an 800 off of workouts.

Workouts are fun.

If you're running 30 minutes for the 5K, bodyweight is probably a major issue. Interval workouts will shed the pounds way faster than easy running.

If I was 50lbs overweight, I would want to do whatever I needed to do to get that weight off before I would have any interest in logging endless easy mileage.

The issue with running slow is that you first need to understand what slow is and the purpose of slow. You run slow so that you can build volume, you get no benefits from running slow unless your doing high volume. Second define slow, too slow and your gains are minimal. Too fast and you negate any of the gains from running slow. I could get more technical but the main thing out of this is that to be a better all around runner you need to mix your training. A bit of speed with a very large helping of moderate slow.

I know way more hobby joggers than competitive runners and, in my experience, an overwhelming majority of them have the opposite problem, namely running all of their runs at the same pace. Basically, they run 5 or 6 miles at what would be their half-marathon "race pace" (except they wouldn't want to race or run that far). And they repeat that a couple of times a week. It's basically doing long tempos over and over. It's probably not a bad approach considering their goal is mainly to stay healthy and the last thing they want is to spend hours worrying about having an ideal training plan.

All running is training. All training is a workout. There is a physiological purpose behind every mile you run. There is also a trade-off/recovery time/injury risk associated with the type and amount of training you do. Since the majority of running injuries are overuse injuries associated with higher volume you shouldn't be surprised that the majority of hobby runners only put in 20-30mi a week. Heck, just about every runner in the Army runs less than 20mi a week with some interval/quality once or twice a week.

Alan

Maybe they think that if there is some structure involved in their running, they'll actually keep doing it, versus having no plan and just getting out there.

Running fast and slow wrote:

local hero racer wrote:

And that is precisely WHY you will never win races.

No. I will never win races because I run 30 mpw. I run because I like to run, it keeps me healthy and lean, and I work out because I like to work out.

OK. This is precisely why you will never be really fit.

Base training should never be limited to slow aerobic milage exclusively. Base training should get a runner, of any ability ready for the next level or phase. Short hill sprints get the muscles, tendons, and bones ready for faster work without the impact. Longer hills work high end aerobic without the speed. Fartleks allow near race speed work that can be extended as race shape develops. 40 mile weeks before workouts = lame results. A 30 minute 5 k guy absolutely needs some workouts, not to go to 40 mpw first!

bjs76 wrote:

Workouts are fun.

Fun? What kind of workouts are you doing?

jkljkljkl wrote:

They run 5K in 30 minutes and do speed workouts? I've seen experienced runners recommending workouts before they've even built a base. They'd be so much better off just doing easy runs and developing aerobic fitness and strength before starting workouts. I didn't start workouts until I was running 40 miles a week.

I have a mixed reaction to this. I agree with you but sometimes you have to make things interesting for athletes.

A 30 minute 5k runner is usually on the track doing intervals at 8+ pace. They usually are not getting hurt at that pace.

You mean like run for 3 minutes and then walk for a minute and repeat that 4 or 5 times?

Either that or you could just try to make it around the block the first few days and run farther as you get in better shape.