hiitgallowaydanielsmafsalazarlidyard method.
My head just blew up.
hiitgallowaydanielsmafsalazarlidyard method.
That was precisely my point. Since the science behind any protocol is debatable (although not, perhaps, as much as you describe), why subscribe to one that frustrates/challenges you so? Especially one for which the main claim to validity is the scientific reasoning behind it (which reduces all performance to one variable--VO2max, as indexed by heart rate), and not, for example, the practical fact that x amount of trainers/pro endurance runners subscribe to it? To an outside observer, it appears more a commitment based on faith rather than reason or practical experience.it's challenging. very challenging.
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we don't live in a lab and you can't control all variables they attempt to do.
Chuck, a good place to start looking into the science of running biomechanics and physiology is: http://www.scienceofrunning.com/p/archive.html.But when done properly, science gives us a great chance to learn something real about the natural world. And...I am confident that the science of biomechanics will validate a large chunk of what we already practice in barefoot/minimalist running.
Yah, I intended the Kenyan case more as a counterexample to the MAF protocol. I read somewhere (Coach Dean's blog?) that they train 35-40 percent of the time at threshold. And Ryan Hall has also recently lowered his mileage, from 120 mpw to 100 mpw, to incorporate more 'quality' runs (I think he said twice a week), trading easy-paced volume for faster-paced effort. It's the trend. Even Lydiard runners trained a lot at threshold, it was never 'just like' the MAF method. OK, my reading in this stuff has been superficial at best, but I looked and looked, and you just don't see anyone mention MAF training on the pro-type running sites.Just being the common runners we all are. I think programs like MAF or following how the Kenyans train can be fun to follow in one's regime, but I would say they work more for the elite runners. I was once in a Kenyan stage as well, trying to read everything about them, training, etc. then reality hit me and I was like what I am doing? I'm not saying "we" will not see results from programs like this, but since running is not our full-time job, it's hard putting 100% into a program without getting side tracked from work, family, etc. Well for me at least, running is a hobby not a job.
Ryan Hall just left to train for the Kenyans, how cool is that!
Still, when I say I've adopted a "Kenyan protocol" of course I don't mean to suggest I'm training at a pro level.
Thanks everyone! At this point, I am leaning towards mixing it up with more different kinds of workouts, really just for the sake of enjoyment. But I will read the Maffetone book when I get a chance.
I suppose I should speak up in defense of "science," since I currently make my living as a scientist (marine biologist). Mike, I do understand your frustration with some science (and some scientists). It is vulnerable to the influences of money and ideology, just like every human endeavor. But when done properly, science gives us a great chance to learn something real about the natural world. And...I am confident that the science of biomechanics will validate a large chunk of what we already practice in barefoot/minimalist running.
Thanks everyone! At this point, I am leaning towards mixing it up with more different kinds of workouts, really just for the sake of enjoyment. But I will read the Maffetone book when I get a chance.
I do have a question Alejandro. Now, you'd been off running for awhile due to a new baby right? So is it possible that maybe you are just getting back in shape just from exercising in general? I'm just curious because I know a lot of things get attributed to one specific thing, when actually there was multiple things added, like exercise along with MAF along with NeoCalistehnics... Maybe I am just misremembering though and thinking about another new parent on here.Hey Chuck,
Tuck just posted this interview over on Barefoot Ted's forum. You might find it interesting.
Okay, now my thought on mixing it up. Why not try it and see (but Maffetone would suggest adding anaerobic work will set you back a bit) When I did my Now Resolution I also started following the beginners' routine on NeoCalistehnics.com. Now I am not going to claim causation. However, I have noticed my MAF speed has increased more than it did when I was following MAF exclusively. My wife and I are using a 1.6 mile run just outside our apartment door as a standard measurement. In the last three weeks I have dropped two minutes off my completion.