Tortoise and the Hare

Tortoise and the Hare

I had received an email a few weeks ago with a new version of the Tortoise and Hare fable as a joke. But being always “on duty” Coach something about it clicked in my coaching brain.

This is because I have been recently enamored with the Arthur Lydiard system and steady exchange of emails with the top notch Coach and teacher, Dr. Jason Karp, PhD about exercise physiology.  We have a solid agreement about using science to train properly aka train smarter.

SO, back to the fable—

The Hare would represent classic anaerobic/fast and furious training that is popular these days in many fitness franchises. You know the ones with the trainer yelling “GO,GO.GO” and screaming to push harder and faster. This is great for building short duration power, and some quick result wgt loss/changes in fitness level. However it is not the best thing for long term training and developing systemic changes in the cardiovascular and muscular systems.

The Turtle would represent the Aerobic system-which is so stressed by both the Lydiard system for runners and Chris Carmichael with Cyclist. Both of these legendary coaches were adamant about building a STRONG FOUNDATION before the athletes were allowed to do speed work. These athletes can run/cycle for long distances and are less prone to injury because they have allowed the muscular-tendon systems to get stronger at an appropriate pace. However, are not very fast and powerful.

MO SMARTER- Start your training as a Tortoise and when your Coach thinks you are ready, begin to train like the Hare. Then you can run forever and have the ability to turn on the speed when needed.