80 / 20 Anyone?: Been reading a bit... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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80 / 20 Anyone?

AndyD profile image
AndyDUltramarathon
6 Replies

Been reading a bit recently about 80/20 training where 80% of training is at a low threshold (aerobic) and only 20% is at a med to high threshold (anaerobic) The internet is a wash with articles hailing the benefits of generally slowing down... which suits me fine!!

Personally, I'm not going to break any speed records but I like the idea of being able to plod away for longer distances appeals to me. My weekend long runs are now a minimum of 10k which I try to do nice and slowly (no option really :-) ) and then in the week I do some faster shorted runs along with a gym session. So distance wise, I'm probably not too far a way from the 80/20.

Anyone tested this out with their longer runs and general training??

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AndyD profile image
AndyD
Ultramarathon
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6 Replies
useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseit

I'm all for it. Speed just doesn't agree with me, to the point where on a couple of occasions it has even sparked a mini MS relapse when I've been trying to increase my pace. Having just started at the beginning after a lay off I am going to make a concerted effort to go as slow as reasonably possible for a while.

The recent Trust me I'm a doctor programme suggested this was no good and HIIT was the only way to go, but I think really we should just do what fits in with our schedules and what makes us feel good physically and mentally.

AndyD profile image
AndyDUltramarathon in reply touseitorloseit

Totally agree... when I go out for a run I would much rather be out for an hour or so plodding around the countryside than 20-30mins all out going as fast as I can... but each to there own!! :-)

If this low intensity training helps with our general running base and keeps running without injury (physically and mentally) then all the better. :-)

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseit in reply toAndyD

I think there's a certain kind of person who always wants to get personal bests and I do admire their endeavours but it just doesn't seem to work for me. I am, by nature, a plodder!

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Half Marathon

Yes, another plodder here too. I do try intervals sometimes, and can get quite a speed up, but it doesn't seem to translate into overall faster pace - next time I go out I plod away as usual...

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Marathon

I think I naturally lean towards that!!! I don't do a huge amount of tempo or intervals, probably one a week of either although I know it should be one a week of each!!!! Plodding along for longer distances suits me just fine!!!!

dagshar profile image
dagsharHalf Marathon

Yes and you read about this again and again. I ordered a book called 80/20 running recently, but haven't looked at it yet. I like the off faster 5k run, but am quite happy to plod along and am hoping to get into a habit of doing a 2 hour slow run every other week (weather and time permitting) to improve my endurance base.

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