Question about endurance training

Jenny~ · 05-08-2008, 02:31 PM

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 · 05-08-2008, 02:36 PM

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 · 05-08-2008, 02:42 PM

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 · 05-08-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

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~ · 05-08-2008, 03:02 PM

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 · 05-08-2008, 09:54 PM

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 · 05-08-2008, 09:57 PM

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 · 05-09-2008, 04:48 AM

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 · 05-10-2008, 10:47 AM

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

katiecopter · 05-17-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fengshway

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.....)

In fact in his answer to the question he mentions that his wife competes in triathlons and does not lose her muscle while training. His response to Fengshway's question contradicts the paragraph in the book a little, but together with the advice of others on this post, I think wraps it up nicely. Sharing the focus, may slow the progress of lifting, but there is no requirement to pick just one, as long as you are ok with possibly slower gains.

fengshway · 05-19-2008, 05:03 AM

katiecopter, that is exactly how I take it. I know that if my main goal was to gain muscle and gain strength, training for a marathon would slow this. but my main goal is to be a better runner. so I choose to focus on building during the off season and maintaining during the season. we will see!