Question about base training, periodization: Is there a certain level where people stop doing it?

Training Advice/Discussion

16 years ago 06/03/2008 3:47pm EDT

Hi all,

Speaking from a 5K-20K perspective, I've always been kida old school in my approach where I'd like to spend 2-3 months building up a large base before entering into harder workouts.

I've notcied, however, that books liek Daniels Forumla and Road Racing for Serious Runners don't seem to emphasize exclusive base trainig as much. I also noticed that Summer of Malmo includes a solid workout once a week.

What is the common fad these days. Are people moving away from the Lydiard approach and putting in workouts during the base period? Is this something that happens more at the top collegiate and pro level (after having years of miles under their belts) than at a more novice level?

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks.

16 years ago 06/03/2008 5:27pm EDT

re: Markland1492

In Peter Coe's book he mentions that he doesn't ever get too far away from some speed year around. I think that a bland 'base' period is good the first year or two of training, but that as you improve you need to start thinking about adding some low intensity faster sessions once in a while during the base period.

16 years ago 06/03/2008 5:49pm EDT

re: The Count

Once I got to a certain level (around four minute mile level), i got away from specific periods of training. It went up and down, and I could maintain track racing for months at a time. The faster you get, you begin getting away from strict base training and get more flexible. This is how guys like Webb can race well for months at a time.

See: Steve Scott's training.

Obv. this is different for a marathon though.

16 years ago 06/03/2008 6:44pm EDT

re: ohwow

that last point is key- remember, you can't reverse fast->slow twitch muscle fiber transformation.

there is not problem with maintaining one area while improving a different system

16 years ago 06/03/2008 7:13pm EDT

re: themack

Has there ever been any proof of fiber transformation? Everything I have read says it does not happen.

16 years ago 06/04/2008 12:36am EDT

re: 777

In Coe's book "Better Training For Distance Runners" it talks about transforming some FT fibers (I forget if they are type IIa or IIb?) into "FOG" fibers...which are basically fibers that are more like ST fibers in terms of how they tire (ie use up glycogen). So yes, I'd say based on that, some FT fibers develop more ST-like properties...which generally is a positive adaptation towards distance running/racing.

To address the original post of this thread, I think that periodization is always a good idea. To some extent, it may be cycles within a single 2-3 month long season, or it may be over a 4 year period. Generally runners in college would be developing base over the summer, then racing xc in the fall, doing maybe some base in the winter and then racing indoors and outdoors in the winter/spring. Or one could think of doing "speed work" during track season and developing a better base during xc season....but it then depends on the runner and what event they are training for.

I've wondered about this in quite a bit of detail as outlined in the "training manifesto" that I posted under the "training" section at:

http://www.geocities.com/sagecanaday/

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