Hello all, before posting I would very much like it if only seasoned runners/coaches with adequate knowledge could assist me in answering my questions.
I am currently running for a University that doesn't have the best program however, it's good for the wallet. I have ran a 4:14 mile and a 1:53 800 and run around 25:00-25:30 8k in cross. But as strange as it sounds, none of these should be my actual Prs and its easy to tell.
Here is my first dilemma: After my general base phase and after the cross country season I always decline and even though I am feeling fit when I do faster workouts in the winter off season I havent had a year yet where I have run what my body is capable of except for one prelim mile race over a year ago where we went around 2:10 then 2:04 which was an easy paced race meaning this shouldnt be my PR. (died in finals) I opened on Jan 18 with an 800 this year after good speed and strength work and ran 1:54. (I am a 1:51) guy probably at least but I dont specifically do 800 training. Every mile race I get into during the season I either die or cant handle a pace that I show I am light years ahead of in practices. It doesn't make sense. I am thinking it has something to do with my base fluctuation or maybe I am just not in the correct race. We usually do not go to many races that the winner is under 4:10 which may be a problem. Or should I just maybe be doing the 800 as my primary event instead? I usually run the 4x4 and split 50.00 (after my races) I am not huge (5,7) but I have a stockier build with bigger thighs so I am not the distancy type of runner. Also should I be pushing weight training during this phase or no sense I am naturally strong? Is is possible I am just running too much or working out too much during this pgase and this is why all of my races in the indoor and outdoor season suffer, I am very determined and work like a horse especially in the winter off season.
Secondly, How should my summer training look, should I be aiming to get slimmer as I stated previously I have a stockier build, I know slimmer can mean faster if done correctly. also my base still needs improvement to be capable of running well into the 24s for 8k, should I attempt to correctly do the highest milage(80-90) that I can in order for my base to grow, or do mild milage(60-70) and focus on hitting runs fairly quick, lots and lots of hills for strength/vo2 and emphasizing my long run. I plan to incorporate emphasizing my long run every week to be my most quality run for the entire 2020 season and 2021 track season. I tend to lean forward and my lower back caves so if anyone has any advice for that or weights to fix it that would be great as well thankyou