But what is a strong runner? Are we talking about the difference between doing a run programme say:
30-40 miles a week with lots of quality and being very quick over 5-20 K against say doing something like
Desert Dudes challenge to run 80 miles a week for an extended period, by just getting out there and doing it every day for 6 months. Might not get as much top end speed but will not slow down as much in the IM marathon as the other programme would.
For age groupers DD’s program would be spot on because you would end up actually being a “runner” and not someone who is trying to survive a run after a bike leg.There is a difference and that difference is about being in control of what you are doing during a run leg and not just shuffling to the finish.
For most age group triathletes I would replace what they think they are doing as “speedwork” and make then hit the hills for most of their hard sessions.Hill reps (walking recoveries),stair reps(walking recoveries),hilly tempo runs,hilly negative split runs,etc,etc. I would also stress again for the millionth time,not everyone is coming from the same place in this sport so there is no "one size fits all " way of doing things.There are great ideas and great programs that need to be adapted to each individual…
But what do I know? —
If I ran 80 mi/wk, I would have no energy to swim or bike, not to mention 80 mpw would greatly increase the risk of injury. I’ve always thought you had to be super strong on the bike so that you’re not too tired after the bike leg. But, to quote you, what do I know???
That is a typical ST nickpicking answer as we were talking about learning to becoming a strong runner.Never once did we mention running 80 miles a week as part of your normal training program.Now maybe as a winter run focus for people who can handle it (hence the reference to people coming from differnet places in the sport)but I guess you just wanted to be a dick which is just so common here. –
NOT trying to be a d*** but rather DD’s run challenge was for 6 months of 80 mpw if I was interpreting correctly. Since it would take most people at least 3 or 4 months to build up to 80 mpw, then we’re talking 9-10 months total, or most of the year. Therefore, I was “assuming” that swim and bike would be included in the mix unless you take a yr off from tri to become a better runner. Again, not trying to be a d***, just trying to understand.