Our method of training for outdoor track is very similar to preparing for cross country and is based on principles of stress, adaptation and progression. You must overload, or stress, a specific physiological function to produce a training effect. Adaptation occurs as you recover from the workload. Progression occurs as you increase intensity and volume over time and add different types of training to the mix. With the right amounts of sharpening and tapering during the outdoor track season, the end result will be outstanding fitness and fast races on the track.
In order to race fast during the outdoor track season, we will be doing steady-state running and speedwork in February and March. To make the most of these workouts, we must spend the winter months(December and January) doing the kind of base training necessary to support this hard running. Winter conditioning starts with aerobic mileage and adds hilly runs, strides and strength work. The idea is to increase VO2max and running efficiency during this period. Anerobic development and speed will come later during the track season.
After finals week in the fall, plan to increase weekly mileage and add a weekly long run to improve aerobic capacity. While these increases need to be gradual, they also need to happen early during the winter break so aerobic conditioning can be consistent for 6-8 weeks before we start speed work in February.
The more volume you can do during the winter, the better you will be in races in the spring. I'll be posting suggested training starting Sunday, December 17, and will provide some variation between the training necessary for those runners wanting to focus on 1500m and those runners wanting to focus on 3000m/5000m.
Coach Van Arkel
417-873-7567
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