Training theory is rapidly evolving. What we know today dwarves what we knew 20 years ago!
Understanding the history of training is an undeniable advantage.
In the 1950’s, Roger Bannister ran incredibly little while doing a massive amount of intense speed work. That approach was flipped on its head in the 1970’s as American runners focused on lower intensity but very high mileage running.
And of course, we all remember the dismal performances of the 1990’s when most distance runners tried to find the right balance of intensity vs. endurance (mostly, we failed and the performances speak for themselves).
But today we’ve largely discovered the correct balance of endurance and intensity. We now realize that mostly high mileage and strategic intensity is the right approach, with new insight coming almost monthly on:
- The importance of weight training
- Heat as a training stimulus
- New carb-loading and fueling rules
- The heightened impact of protein
- Speed as necessary even for ultramarathoners
I wanted to figure out the most exciting new developments in the research. What are the most promising new areas in training theory? How might they impact our approach to training? What’s signal vs. noise?
So, I spoke to the industry’s foremost science journalist for the Strength Running Podcast on what new science he’s most excited about.
Alex Hutchinson on New Training Theory
Alex Hutchinson is a regular columnist for Outside magazine writing the Sweat Science column and has contributed to publications such as the New York Times and the New Yorker.
He’s a former member of the Canadian national team, holds a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge, a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, and conducted post-doctoral research with the National Security Agency.
Hutchinson is the author of several books, including:
- New York Times bestseller Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
- Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?
- The Explorer’s Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map
In today’s conversation, we focus on:
- Heat training as an adaptation tool
- The effort paradox
- Strategic intensity
- High mileage (with caveats)
- A lot more!
If you enjoyed this episode, give it a review wherever you listen and pick up Alex’s new book!
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeartRadio.
Thanks Boulderthon!
Boulderthon is a top 10 race in America according to USA Today and one of the best fall marathons according to Runner’s World. With a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, Boulderthon offers an amazing fall destination race weekend right at the foothills of the Rockies. Use code STRENGTH20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon.
Join me in Boulder, one of the top running destinations in the country, on September 28th, to experience the tight knit running community here, race on the epic streets of Boulder, and finish on historic Pearl Street. While I live in Denver, I travel to boulder probably once a week to run. It’s arguably one of the best running locations in the United States.
There’ll probably be cool and crisp fall weather for racing fast, too. And don’t worry, Boulderthon is a BQ-eligible, USA Track & Field Sanctioned Event.
Boulderthon is on track to sell out again this year so don’t miss out. Use code STRENGTH20 to save $20 on the marathon or half-marathon here and I hope to see you in Boulder this fall.
Thank you Gut & Green!
Previnex’s new Gut & Green Superfoods powder is my new go-to. It has organic barley and oat grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, kale and broccoli… and that’s it. Their ingredients are backed by clinical data and contain three specific gut fibers that help promote GI health, digestion, reduced inflammation, and a better microbiome.
With twice of the fiber of my last greens mix and a better flavor, it’s a no brainer for me.
Try it for yourself here at previnex.com and be sure to use code “JASONGREENS” to save 15% off your first order. Don’t tell anyone, but if you put Gut & Green Superfoods powder in your cart, then the 15% off discount will work for anything else you add into your cart as well. Thanks Gut & Green!
