All the coaches and want to be ones.
Some background first, I'm 49, with only one full distance race in calendar at the moment. I'm trying to improve my run, but at this age (especially next year) something like 3.30 marathon (5min/k or 8min/mile) would make me very competitive.I've been doing this for some time and been few times to Kona etc.
My current coach is suggesting I do some speed work in my interval sessions, 400m and 200m with 3.40 and even 3.20 (5.15min/mile) pace. On a good day this might be even fun but those rarely occur anymore and I feel the risk of injury is really getting quite high.
What is your opinion, do such workouts actually bring something I could not get otherwise (gym work, running up a hill/stairs)? Are they worth the risk (or is there actually a risk or am I just being soft)?
Some background first, I'm 49, with only one full distance race in calendar at the moment. I'm trying to improve my run, but at this age (especially next year) something like 3.30 marathon (5min/k or 8min/mile) would make me very competitive.I've been doing this for some time and been few times to Kona etc.
My current coach is suggesting I do some speed work in my interval sessions, 400m and 200m with 3.40 and even 3.20 (5.15min/mile) pace. On a good day this might be even fun but those rarely occur anymore and I feel the risk of injury is really getting quite high.
What is your opinion, do such workouts actually bring something I could not get otherwise (gym work, running up a hill/stairs)? Are they worth the risk (or is there actually a risk or am I just being soft)?