Through the many decades of trial and
error, it seems that we have finally figured out how to coach distance runners
in the good ole US of A. The science of running is never exact and is
constantly changing, but it seems that we have figured out a rough formula to
create successful endurance machines.
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| Jim Ryun- Best miler in American history |
I am borderline obsessed with training theory and philosophy
and also fancy myself a bit of a historian. Hence, here is a brief history of
American training theory for distance runners:
In the 50s and 60s,
training was all about interval work to tax the anaerobic system and push the
limits of the human body. The much coveted sub 4:00 mile was at stake, so you
can see why people found it attractive to run ten to fifteen 400s at 60 seconds. When the barrier was broken, the interval work proved effective, so
people stuck with it.
In the 70s and 80s it was all about high mileage to build up
aerobic endurance. The marathon became more popular and “jogging” suddenly
became an American past time. The effective idea with high mileage was simply
that the more we make our bodies use to the repetition of mileage, the easier
and more efficient we will be at that motion—no matter what distance. (If you
want to be money from the free-throw line, shoot 100 from the line every day.
If you want to be good at running, lace em up and run 18 miles a day.) It was not uncommon for professional runners
in this time period to run 130-140 miles a week on a regular weekly basis.
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| Frank Shorter-- Olympic Champ-- known to run 170 mi/week |
Today, we are starting to realize that a combination of all
these things are necessary to develop well rounded runners. Not just aerobic
work, not just anaerobic work, but a combination of both. Additionally, throw
some speed work in for good measure and you have a well rounded machine of an
athlete—two iron pistons underneath steel lungs that can effectively hang for
10 laps, surge with the leaders, and close the race in a blazing 53 seconds for
the win.
Plus, Jack Daniels, PhD developed a book based purely on scientific data about how to train
distance runners. I have adequately heard this book described as “The Bible” by
numerous top-level coaches. This makes it easy for coaches to personalize
training for specific athletes. The whole “one training model fits all” is now
obsolete thanks to Daniels. Individualization is the key to good training and
many coaches understand that now.
Additionally, our governing body for the sport, USA Track
and Field, holds track and field coaching education courses year round all over
the country to provide coaches with education about the sport. Thanks to USATF, coaches are gaining valuable knowledge by realizing that coaching
track and field is a science based on physiology and the human body, rather
than an experiment based on trial and error.
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| Alberto Salazar-- two National records in one race |
All over the country our top athletes are training with the
best coaches in the world right here in the USA. Even athletes from other
countries come over to be coached by the likes of Alberto Salazar (He has
British, Irish, African, and American athletes in his training group right now-- many of whom have national records in their respective countries).
Likewise, our college system turns out some of the most skilled and knowledgeable coaches
in the world that recruit from all every continent including, Europe, Africa, and
Australia.
Training the human body to perform at its absolute highest
level, in a sport that demands perfection, is a science. Finally,
we have the scientists for the job in the US… and it has made all the
difference in the world.
