Question about endurance training

[Jenny~]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of Stage 1 of NROL4W and I have a question.

Do you think that training for a half marathon (in 2 weeks), then training for a sprint triathlon (.5 mi swim, 12 mi bike, 3 mi run) is going to affect the results I get on NROL4W?

I know Lou mentions that the amount of training necessary for a marathon would kind of be counterproductive to NROL4W, but since the distances I'm running (and will be biking and swimming) are not that long, do you think this endurance training will have an impact on the my results or the changes my body might make?

Thanks,
Jenny

[missjane]

I don't think you can train simultaneously for two things: endurance and muscle growth. One has to take precedence over the other. So, maybe now your focus is on endurance. Maybe after these events are complete you can switch the focus to strength.

[Aoife]

I think the general idea I've seen around here is that your strength training will suffer some because of your endurance training, but not really the other way around. So, while maybe you won't see as good gains perhaps, you'll still prolly see some benefit, and it may help you out with your chosen endurance activities (as often it can help prevent injuries, etc).

[tcoy777]

Originally Posted by Aoife

I think the general idea I've seen around here is that your strength training will suffer some because of your endurance training, but not really the other way around. So, while maybe you won't see as good gains perhaps, you'll still prolly see some benefit, and it may help you out with your chosen endurance activities (as often it can help prevent injuries, etc).

I could not agree more. I have read some recent articles about distant running and the need for strength training. A lot of runners don't do it and should. From what they say, it really helps fight off injury's. I mean why not strengthen muscles that you are going to use for like 3 to 4 hours!

[Jenny~]

Thanks for the posts so far... I agree and was thinking that because I'm not running long distances once the half marathon is over, that it wouldn't totally kill my strength training efforts.

[Silly Sally]

I ran a HM in March, and began NROL4W the week after. I couldn't have done both the way I wanted to, with intensity and my best effort.

Having said that, if you have the time, it surely won't hurt.

Good luck!

[Willie]

I think it's fine, and like the PP said, strength training is crucial to overall health and injury prevention (to name just a few benefits) for endurance athletes. You may not be able to lift super heavy three times per week, but definitely go for it!

[fengshway]

I run one marathon a year--I focus on strength in the off season and drop my weight training sessions from three times to twice a week during the season, which for me starts a week from tomorrow.

if you search for alwyn cosgrove's talk, he answers a question for me regarding marathon performance, weight loss, weight training. he basically says there is no reason that you can't maintain muscle mass and strength during marathon training, as long as you continue to lift. (linkzilla might find it.....)

I lifted twice a week during last marathon season. there is no question that I build strength quicker and muscle quicker in the off season. but if I can just hold onto what I have built during the challenge, I will be happy.

[foodfromafar]

Check out Chapter 12 in NROLFW. He specifically addresses Endurance Exercise (pp231-232).