I follow a few Facebook groups dedicated to running with a lot of discussions on training and the types of training people are doing or should be doing. Some of these discussions get a little heated as people are passionate about the training they are doing. I decided to see what type of training philosophy people are following and got the results shown in the image above, which kinda surprised me.
I was actually surprised that 80/20 running was so popular compared with other types of training. The 80/20 training method emphasises a ratio of 80% low-intensity running and 20% high-intensity running. The idea behind this method is to balance the benefits of steady, endurance-building runs with the challenge and stimulation of faster, more intense workouts.
There is actually a lot of decisions around these running groups that an approach to run slow to run fast, which was not that popular at all. The idea behind this method is that by running at a slower pace for longer periods of time, runners can improve their endurance and build a strong aerobic base. This allows the runner to run faster and more efficiently in the long run, as their body becomes better able to handle the demands of high-intensity running.
I voted for the "you need to run fast to race fast", which I guess is more of a traditional method. I do think there are some good reasons to run slow especially when you are new to running, but I also feel there are certain physiological changes your body goes through when you run fast.
People are very passionate about the training philosophy they use and I am not trying to diminish they way people are training. If you find something that works for you stick with it.
With that being said, I'd love to hear your thoughts and what you feel is best for you.
About The Author
I am a DevOps Engineer, Endurance Athlete, Biomechanics Student and Author. We can all achieve amazing things, it's just a matter of trying, I want to change the world, one run at a time.
I think it is all the fine detail, sure it is important to train fast to run fast as long as you can recover enough for the next workout.
Yeah you are right. I think you need to train the way your body best can handle it and not follow what other people are doing "just because"
I can understand that you need to train the body so it can run fast and you need some speed training to do that. Also need the endurance to keep that up for longer. I don't have a strict routine, but try to mix it up.
Sounds like a good approach. You can listen to your body and make changes when you need to.
I am seeing some improvements lately, so I guess I'm getting something right.
I'm in the 80/20 gang, had great results with it. I have to say, often it is not emphasized that besides building the aerob base (my average HR went down significantly) it also helps avoiding injuries. Simply because you get used to be on your feet for a long time and you don't surprise your body with unexpected trauma. I was surprised that despite running at my goal pace rarely, I was able to do it on race day with relative ease. (I'm talking about half marathons for reference)
Undoubtedly, 80/20 is the way
It looks like a lot of people of using it. Do you think people have the right amount of volume to make it work?
I suppose I would discibe my training as more like 80/20. Your Auckland weather is making our new. Is this normal for you this time of year? Stay safe
!PIZZA
Thanks mate. Auckland gets a bit of rain this time of year. I am not sure if it is as bad as the media are making out though. I am making sure we are staying in doors though.
Agreed, people often get passive aggressive over things which are personal choice.
For me, i'm probably the 80/20 category (although that may be more a 70/30 split if I'm honest lol)
The biggest issue here is the 28% of people who "don't have a training plan"
What the hell?!
How can anybody expect to see increases in performance if they don't have a clue what they plan to do each week? If you pick an choose a different session each time at random or just do the same 'steady run' then any improvement is down to pure luck surely?
I gifted $PIZZA slices here:
@new.things(2/5) tipped @run.vince.run (x1)
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