Interesting Case Study

**XTrainer** · 02-28-2008, 07:35 PM

Okay, so today I ran a 5:30 mile. Not too impressive, but consider the circumstances:

1. I have ran 3-4 times since November, and none of these were more than half a mile or so. Michigan winters+dirt roads=Nowhere to run.
2. Yesterday I deadlifted, squatted, did lunges, and basically induced all kinds of DOMS.
3. My all time-best mile is 5:00 flat, and I'm a lot stronger now than when I ran that.
4. I had gas left in the tank. Could have made it faster.

So...I have basically maintained my mile time through GPP training, Tabata rowing, heavy lifting, and of course, side effects of jiu-jitsu training.

Cool, huh? No doubt I can do 5:00 next time.

Red_Demon · 02-28-2008, 07:40 PM

So basically Michigan roads = winter cold + dirt?

Was just contemplating moving there for grad school (I live in Toronto)... maybe not.

**XTrainer** · 02-28-2008, 07:46 PM

I live on a dirt road. Once you get that one big ice storm, the ice doesn't leave.

Paved roads are okay at the moment though.

**Standard** · 02-28-2008, 08:14 PM

Do you think that your running technique might be off somewhat? you could potentially be faster with some more time on the road

**XTrainer** · 02-28-2008, 08:38 PM

*Shrug*

5:00 mile, sub 12:00 2 mile is the most I've ever cared about outside of sprints, and I've accomplished both of those (I'm just a bit "off" right now from lack of practice, but I still have have a 5:00 mile in me. The last time I did one was last fall). I'm sure I could be faster if worked on my technique (and more importantly, ran more often), but it's not a priority. Picking up heavy stuff, burpees

, sprints...that's where my priorities are now.

The last time I worked on running seriously was when I was a soccer player a few years back...jiu-jitsu>soccer.

**XTrainer** · 02-28-2008, 08:40 PM

I'll throw this in too: I know for a FACT my running form is crap...I look like I am fleeing from a bear in the forest, stumbling, jolting, etc. But it gets the job done...sort of...

chia · 02-28-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Standard

Do you think that your running technique might be off somewhat? you could potentially be faster with some more time on the road

I think the point of the thread was not to improve his running technique/time, but to show that other methods of conditioning such as Tabata, interval training,"GPP" type training can maintain aerobic capacity without the need for road work.

ThePitBull32 · 02-28-2008, 11:14 PM

5:00 mile is something to be proud of...I can't even get myself to go outside this winter...Where do you live Xtrainer?

cmburns · 02-29-2008, 12:49 AM

That's still a really good time bro. Do you have a good pair of running shoes? Once I invested in a real nice pair of shoes I found running MUCH easier.

Joe Funaro · 02-29-2008, 12:57 AM

I did the same thing. After not having ran for a year, yes a year, I decided to start running again. All I had done for the last year was lift, GPP (Ross trainining type stuff) and then BJJ and kickboxing.

1st run was 6:00, next day I go out again and by the third day I'm down to 5:30 no problem. My track runner girlfriend was suprised I made it in under 7 minutes lol.