Intensive Tempo

[system]

@AthleticsCoach

Look at the net result of a session to ascertain it’s value. If it makes them fit, OK, but at what cost? Will their form break down to such a degree that losses occur in MaxVel.

300+300 or 200+200+200 will give you controlled speed without the form technical lapses. It has shot and then longer recoveries and if administered properly, should wreck technique.

You’ve hit the nail on the head with the 5-6x200m session at 90% with 2-3min recoveries. There are athletes who will gut this out, but at what cost? Looked at specifically, for a 24.00 female 200m runner, those are being run at 26.6. That’s faster than her “come home time” for a 400.

Way to many US college programs are still Darwinian (ie: survival of the fittest). Talented people can overcome much more severe training in most cases.

I completely agree. I am however including a bit more intensive tempo, but I guess it is more of “controlled speed work” than traditional intensive tempo.

Example, intensive tempo 80s with walk back rest between reps, 5-7 minutes between sets. This is done on grass and is a lead into eventually doing split rep 60s. The 80s are intensive tempo pace (~90%) and there is fatigue towards the end of a workout (3x3-4x80m), but form is quite good throughout because of the short distances and the like. Keep in mind I am the type of person who responds very poorly to things like 6-8x200 @ 85-90% with short rests.