I follow a few Facebook groups dedicated to running with a lot of discussions on training and the types of training people are doing or should be doing. Some of these discussions get a little heated as people are passionate about the training they are doing. I decided to see what type of training philosophy people are following and got the results shown in the image above, which kinda surprised me.
I was actually surprised that 80/20 running was so popular compared with other types of training. The 80/20 training method emphasises a ratio of 80% low-intensity running and 20% high-intensity running. The idea behind this method is to balance the benefits of steady, endurance-building runs with the challenge and stimulation of faster, more intense workouts.
There is actually a lot of decisions around these running groups that an approach to run slow to run fast, which was not that popular at all. The idea behind this method is that by running at a slower pace for longer periods of time, runners can improve their endurance and build a strong aerobic base. This allows the runner to run faster and more efficiently in the long run, as their body becomes better able to handle the demands of high-intensity running.
I voted for the "you need to run fast to race fast", which I guess is more of a traditional method. I do think there are some good reasons to run slow especially when you are new to running, but I also feel there are certain physiological changes your body goes through when you run fast.
People are very passionate about the training philosophy they use and I am not trying to diminish they way people are training. If you find something that works for you stick with it.
With that being said, I'd love to hear your thoughts and what you feel is best for you.
About The Author
I am a DevOps Engineer, Endurance Athlete, Biomechanics Student and Author. We can all achieve amazing things, it's just a matter of trying, I want to change the world, one run at a time.