Comments on: Is More Mileage Better?

By: Ewen

Ewen — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:13:28 +0000

Ron Clarke used to do triples, but he never counted the lunch-time run as part of his mileage. He said that was what he had to do to match the smaller East African runners of the time. I think small doubles (and triples) can be useful. For example 2 x 5 miles instead of 1 x 10. You're cutting down the number of hours recovery between runs, so the second run of the day (and the am run the next day) are run with less recovery.

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:59:24 +0000

Hope running treats you well today

By: Ewen

Ewen — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:54:54 +0000

Very interesting discussion Flo. My thoughts are that if your main event is the half, then the more the merrier. The best half runners are generally the best marathoners (except for Tadese!). The only difference I’d say, is that you could drop the long run down to 15 miles max.

I like the comment from A Muse about not neglecting parts of what’s needed for good running in any particular phase of training. Especially, don’t neglect your speed as you get older.

If 10k were your maximum distance, I’d say you can get away with less, but that less would need more intensity. For example, one of my training partners is one of the best 50+ runners in the country and runs year-round about 50-60 ks (not miles) per week (supplemented by some biking). However she does 2-3 very hard sessions per week (mainly interval), with usually high volume in those. The rest of her ‘easy’ running is not that slow!

By: Jaymee

Jaymee — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:26:54 +0000

Jim E., It does affect my form a little, but my right bicep is super cut as a result:)

By: Flo

Flo — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:03:20 +0000

Another interesting thing about time vs distance is in comparing speed sessions, which I sometimes forget. For example, if we want to do a super fast person’s workout of 5 x 1mi, a slower person’s equivalent might be 5 x 1200s instead. Our body doesn’t know how many meters we travel, just how long we’re taxing it.

I know you already know this, but for the benefit of other readers who may not.

By: Jim E

Jim E — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:50:57 +0000

Well, pooh. My reader is on the blink, and didn’t tell me you’d posted a new one, Flo. What a post, too. Nice discussion here, and a good call on using time to compare our weekly “mileage” to that of elites. I agree with Amuse that weekly mileage is more of a result than a target. We do the workouts and it’s whatever they add up to.
Oh, Jaymee, does having an iPad strapped to your arm affect your form? Perhaps you need one each side? (I know, Photoshop)

By: Flo

Flo — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:56:14 +0000

OK, that definitely puts a different perspective on it, lol! I was thinking, man, how am I running more that you? I know you’re fast, but still. Thanks for the correction, much appreciated. Also, really good to see how you adjust for the shorter distances. Excellent info!