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simplyred
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Joined: 07 Apr 2007
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Location: Toronto, Ontario
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 Posted: 04/07/07 - 23:11 Post subject: Why can't we run 27mi training runs?
I've researched quite a bit about running - I'm still relatively finding my feet  . I come from a background of cycling and over there it seems we work harder than you guys 
To train for a race, suppose it's a 120k stage race - most riders will do 200k training rides, almost double that of the stage. Now don't forget - these guys are doing back-to-back-to-back- ... -to-back racing.
I've looked quite in depth at training plans and none of them seem to "overrun" the distance of your desired goal. Why is that?
WHY can't runners do the same as cyclist? I mean - if you can do 50k in 3 hrs, there's no problem punching your chip @ 26.2 in 2:30 right?
Is it a physiological thing? That feet can't take the strain of sustained running for that long? Because I can't imagine it being a musclar barrier - as both a marathon and stage race usually take like 3-4 hrs to complete.
Thanks in advance,
-simplyred
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Phar lap
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Joined: 20 Jun 2003
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Location: A flawed Utopia
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Posted: 04/08/07 - 03:42 Post subject:
Simply put Simplyred, the purpose of the long run each week, and I take it we are talking about marathon running is to get the body used to changing it's energy source from blood sugars to fats.
This can take place anywhere from 18 to 23 miles, depending on how hard one pushes oneself. The same is true for everyone, 2hr.30min. runners to 4hr,30min runners. Once you have taken yourself to the sugar/fats transition, there is little point in running further; better save your legs for race day.
You don't work any harder than runners, remember runners are carrying their whole body weight, cyclists have their backsides on a seat.
As I said this is a very simple answer to a complex question.
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simplyred
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Posted: 04/08/07 - 07:57 Post subject:
| Phar lap wrote: | Simply put Simplyred, the purpose of the long run each week, and I take it we are talking about marathon running is to get the body used to changing it's energy source from blood sugars to fats.
This can take place anywhere from 18 to 23 miles, depending on how hard one pushes oneself. The same is true for everyone, 2hr.30min. runners to 4hr,30min runners. Once you have taken yourself to the sugar/fats transition, there is little point in running further; better save your legs for race day.
You don't work any harder than runners, remember runners are carrying their whole body weight, cyclists have their backsides on a seat.
As I said this is a very simple answer to a complex question. |
Thanks Phar.
Firstly, I was being sarcastic about working harder - hope the wink made it clear. Running is hard: higher HRs, no crutch so to speak when you're tired, and pack running doesn't help [also illegal in marathons, yes?]. But don't forget cycling has constant attacks and sprints - off an already blistering pace, mountains isolate muscle groups [Heartbreak hill < Alpe H'Duez], and winners don't take 2 hrs to win.
Both are difficult sports to master. Enough said.
Ok - so you can teach the body to be aerobic after 18 miles or so. The reason cyclists train longer than the expected mileage is to teach their bodies to be accustomed - with respect to muscular endurance - not aerobic. Can we say maybe because cyclists have to race the next day whereas marathons are one day - that their training plans are different?
Can I count on my feet/ankles to maintain a good pushoff and my body to maintain efficient running without ever training past ~20 miles if my goal is to do a 26.2?
Thanks again,
-simplyred
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Phar lap
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Location: A flawed Utopia
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Posted: 04/10/07 - 03:45 Post subject:
Not for one moment did I think you were being sarcastic Red and even if you were I've got the hide of an elephant anyway.
Mate, trying to remember my physiology I'd say there is little difference between a distance runner and a cyclist. In a well run marathon although you may be breathing hard towards the end of your race, just like the cyclist is all about muscular endurance and miles in your legs. The runner certainly will be breathing hard coming across the line but his/her breathing rate is the first thing to recover.
"Can you teach the body to be aerobic after 18 miles or so"?
Oxygen uptake is not the enemy of the distance/marathon runner it's how well you have trained and how smoothly you can move through that 18-23 mile glycogen/fats transition period.
How can you do this? If you are serious about your running, a gradual build up to a 20/21 miler once a week every week.
Believe me there is no such thing as "The Wall" for a well trained runner certainly a mild discomfort but nothing more.
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