What Are Junk Miles

[Roy Scott]

Ah the old quality vs quantity debate. This debate never goes away primarily because there are always athletes or known athletes that have had success with both methods.

This would indicate therefore that there is an element of individuality in each of us and each athlete will produce an optimal performance with different mixes of aerobic and anaerobic running. I can tell you what works for me, but I am just one athlete. When coaches or anyone on here for that matter start to spout off 'the training we as athletes should be doing to run fast' it should never be taken as an absolute because of my previous point.

If you truely understand biochemistry, anatomy and physiology you will understand the vast differences in our made up and dynamics. It is only when you appreciate this, that you can start to understand what is optimal for the individual and therefore what are junk miles within a structured running programme.

[CL]

Ah the old quality vs quantity debate. This debate never goes away primarily because there are always athletes or known athletes that have had success with both methods.

This would indicate therefore that there is an element of individuality in each of us and each athlete will produce an optimal performance with different mixes of aerobic and anaerobic running. I can tell you what works for me, but I am just one athlete. When coaches or anyone on here for that matter start to spout off 'the training we as athletes should be doing to run fast' it should never be taken as an absolute because of my previous point.

If you truely understand biochemistry, anatomy and physiology you will understand the vast differences in our made up and dynamics. It is only when you appreciate this, that you can start to understand what is optimal for the individual and therefore what are junk miles within a structured running programme.

I agree and this was the fundamental mistake that Lydiard made. He assumed that 100 miles a week was right for everyone. In fact today it's not right for anyone and anyone who thinks that running 100 miles a week is a requirement for ultimate aerobic fitness is one slate short of a roof(As Hugo would say).

Just one thing I think should be made clear. You mentioned 'vast differences.' This isn't a vast difference in terms of essentials. We are all the same I.e. we all require a source of food etc, but of course the measurements are different.

[dominion]

Nice to see you've side stepped the questions posed by Saz for the second time. The problem I have with you is that all you do is quote other peoples work. Have you actually done your own research to back up or counter Lydiards claims?

It looks to me that Lydiards later work was more akin to Frank Horwills methods? Perhaps Lydiard was just a plagurist as well?

[mr brightside]

I quite like the way CL carefully archives all these grudges waiting to act on them at later dates, i myself am quietly grinding numerous axes over people (i use the word loosely) who did things to me i can't possibly let go at secondary school; mostly. I keep getting notification of these reunion events where people turn up and reconnect with 'friends' from the past but i can't bring myself to go along with the sole intention of revenge, it would be unsuitable for the occasion. This isn't to say i'm supporting Christopher's treatment of Saz as i don't know the details and i doubt he'd thank me for it anyway, i think he's more than happy as a one-man-band.

[CL]

I quite like the way CL carefully archives all these grudges waiting to act on them at later dates, i myself am quietly grinding numerous axes over people (i use the word loosely) who did things to me i can't possibly let go at secondary school; mostly. I keep getting notification of these reunion events where people turn up and reconnect with 'friends' from the past but i can't bring myself to go along with the sole intention of revenge, it would be unsuitable for the occasion. This isn't to say i'm supporting Christopher's treatment of Saz as i don't know the details and i doubt he'd thank me for it anyway, i think he's more than happy as a one-man-band.

Actually post 107 on the warming-up thread was evidence for NOT doing a warm-up. Thought I'd put you right on that Mr B. Aside from that I agree with you on the digging up of speed bumps.

[mr brightside]

Actually post 107 on the warming-up thread was evidence for NOT doing a warm-up. Thought I'd put you right on that Mr B. Aside from that I agree with you on the digging up of speed bumps.

That was a blast from the past! I'm not sure it's conclusive evidence, the article reads as though he effectively underperformed despite setting a record.

[CL]

Nice to see you've side stepped the questions posed by Saz for the second time. The problem I have with you is that all you do is quote other peoples work. Have you actually done your own research to back up or counter Lydiards claims?

It looks to me that Lydiards later work was more akin to Frank Horwills methods? Perhaps Lydiard was just a plagurist as well?

Ok. I realise what is obvious to me is not obvious to others. Tim Werrett made the point that the easy miles(junk) would improve aerobic condition. If that was so then you'd expect the V02 max of these runners to continue to increase, since V02 is a measure of oxygen utilisation in the production of energy. In fact ultra distance runners have very low V02 maxes considering the number of miles they run.

It has to be that way because the more you run the slower you have to go, and the slower you go the less intense the exercise. It is a balance of time and intensity that is key in distance events. Do too much and the chemical reserves that should go in to overcompensation will be constantly used up in compensation.

In regard to Lydiard there is nothing wrong with changing his mind, when he realised his mistakes. There is a lot wrong though in not publicly stating one's errors and findings when others will be helped with such.

[CL]

That was a blast from the past! I'm not sure it's conclusive evidence, the article reads as though he effectively underperformed despite setting a record.

Did he ever run as fast again with a warm-up?

[Grouse]

Vengeance is a dish best served cold.

[stevefoster]

I prefer Hot Dogs.