If I understand Joe’s original question…and could take the liberty to re-phrase it…
Why do a lot of people periodize the way they do, eg start the year as a bodybuilder in the gym and doing a lot of en(d)urance at the track
In two parts….
Why is there emphasis on hypertrophy type weight lifting (aka “bodybuilding”) vs. focusing more on strength and power (speed/strength) development during the pre-season/general prep? With the concern of building unwanted muscle/mass with higher reps/lower weights as well as slower bar movements. Assuming the traditional “Hypertrophy” > “Strength” > “Power” progression.
and…
Why is there often so much emphasis on long, slow aerobic running (assuming we’re talking short sprinters/hurdlers and other speed/power athletes) during this training phase as well?
And that traditional answer to both of these is “building a base” (and Dan Pfaff would reply “a base of what?).
I don’t know that Joe is questioning the need for progressive overload type training – but seems to be questioning why the training appears to be so non-specific and in some ways counter-indicated (building unwanted body mass, emphasis placed on non-event specific energy systems, bio-motor abilities, etc.).
Often it can appear that it’s a period of de-training as there is often little emphasis on the event specific qualities (speed, power, nervous system/coordination, etc.).
I’ve heard interviews (available on the Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre[/url] website) where Loren Seagrave questions the use of hypertrophy type weight training for sprinters (because of where it falls on the force/velocity curve) as well as Vince Anderson questioning the wisdom (I think he uses the term “insane”) that fall/pre-season training has to start with slow, jogging, runs, etc. He claims he introduces speed (posture, mechanics, accelerations) from day one – with the key that intensity is high – but volume and density are low (and progresses from there throughout the season).
Not sure that helps…