I would say that not enough time is spent on high quality running relative to time spent on other qualities (including lifting). Having said that, I would also assert that not enough time is spent on high quality - period - in a training program.
If Charlie’s experience told him that a high performance athlete (in speed and power sports) requires that all training needs to be broken down as 35% high intensity and 65% low intensity, most training programs are missing the mark. More often I see the following breakdown:
- <10% high intensity
- >40% medium intensity
- 50% low intensity
So, even if the ‘modern day athlete’ is spending enough “time” on the track, it is doubtful that it is in the high quality/intensity zone.