Elitetrack: Sport Training & Conditioning

“This is a difficult question to answer in this format for what folks mean by intensive, extensive and low intensity work varies. I have seen very consistent results from programs that do intensive and extensive work as classically described. I do things that I consider to hit both realms albeit not purely classical in design. For example, we do a lot of 100m “up-backs” in the early training ph
 
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The one thing that stands out is the “people breaking down doing too much running.“ Do you think this is a question of too much volume or too high a frequency?

I think people are afraid to NOT do anything. Athletes who dope and have access to top notch physiotherapy have an advantage when it comes to the 48 hour rule.

The last thing I’m doing the day after a sprint/plyos/LB weights session is running.

Carl this has been my favorite of your blog posts…

mr glove - 09 October 2008 03:09 PM

The one thing that stands out is the “people breaking down doing too much running.“ Do you think this is a question of too much volume or too high a frequency?

This could be caused by so many different things.  Its always a struggle to make sure you balance the Volume/Intensity ratio.  I notice a lot of times its due to a weak core too.  A good coach knows to stop their athletes when they start losing their form and doing things incorrectly.

johnstrang - 09 October 2008 05:07 PM

A good coach knows to stop their athletes when they start losing their form and doing things incorrectly.

Great point, but this is few and far between.

BTW, again very nice blog post Carl.

mr glove - 09 October 2008 03:09 PM

The one thing that stands out is the “people breaking down doing too much running.“ Do you think this is a question of too much volume or too high a frequency?

I think people are afraid to NOT do anything. Athletes who dope and have access to top notch physiotherapy have an advantage when it comes to the 48 hour rule.

The last thing I’m doing the day after a sprint/plyos/LB weights session is running.

What is the norm Mr. Glove? I will quote Eddie Reese “ I believe the body can adapt” and I think doing 800 yards on the grass of smooth strides is not a death march. If you build up I think some nice recovery aspects to the tonus of the tissue (not myofibril regeneration). If you can’t do easy strides on the grass 8 times what type of workout load differential did one do?

Do we have to run to get that effect? What about upper body work, med ball work, etc… could that have a systemic effect?

Carl,
What are your thought on tempo on field turf?  I have heard it demonized but have been running tempo (60%) workouts on it for the past 8 weeks and feel great.  It seems alot better than running on some shitty park soccer field.

I also love tempo on the fieldturf, Mortac.  I’ll be missing it come January.  Now tempo on astroturf is another story.

Same here mort. I do almost all of my tempo on it. Are you using waffles for your turf tempo or do you ever go barefoot? Our school is anal as hell and keeps the turf pristine so I go barefoot when I can and it feels amazing.

mr glove - 10 October 2008 04:10 PM

Do we have to run to get that effect? What about upper body work, med ball work, etc… could that have a systemic effect?

Systemic is not specific!

I don’t know how you can get a hormone wash (endorphins) to the peroneals from benching and proprioception work from medballs when most of it is bilateral. Just enough running should be fine. It’s not hot or cold porage but just right.

Mort-
When I was at West Point, we alternated between doing tempo on our turf-grass infield and a pretty flat grass field. I actually blogged about it a while back (when I was actually looking for others opinions) and I really like the variability of both the overall environment (psychosomatic fatigue effects) and the surface. I think both have some great benefits. The turf grass was perfectly regular and I’m certain had a greater compliancy than the grass. The grass is obviously much more irregular but I think this is good for foot and ankle strength and also introducing a little bit more variability to the motor program.

Mr. Glove-
I used to have a similar mindset to tempo but I’ve changed my mind and noticed had any ill-effects. In fact, I think the relaxed running can be very therapeutic on many levels.

I used to do tempo work the day after, too. I realize that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if I did. I’ve just been questioning it for some time.

How soon after my workout do I need to perform “hormone washing” work to obtain a benefit? Is it 24 hours? How about 48 hours? Or 4-6 hours? Is it more important that I just include it on a regular basis or is there a specfic window I’m missing out on?

Ideally? I am not sure. It all depends on the previous session and scheduling.