So I understand the concept of a base, the longer easier miles to develop your aerobic system, increase your body's capacity for recovery, and prepare your joints and connective tissues for the trauma of harder training.
What I don't understand is why it has to be a distinct section with pretty much no other type of work for so long. I have so often seen articles in magazines or online that talk about hard running as somehow compromising what you are trying to accomplish during this time.
Are the benefits of longer easier runs somehow diminished if there are other types of running occurring close in time?