Dr. Yessis Sports Training Blog

Following are some comments that I wrote in a discussion about the best marathon training programs: All training should be individualized. This is something that the running world has not addressed nor is it for the most part practiced.

Each runner should have a general overall plan worked out which includes some specific goals. The weekly program should be adjusted every two weeks (sometimes one) depending upon what he or she experienced and how well he or she did in the prior week(s).

He or she should have biomechanical analyses to determine what changes in technique take place or to determine where there is a slow down in pace or in a particular portion of a run. Adjustments are then made in the program and in some of the exercises that are used.

We live in a scientific world and should apply science to the training program, if the runner is truly serious about improving his runs. However I have seen few programs if any that prescribe more than just running at different speeds in different ways or for different times.

It should not be a guessing game to decide who’s program you should follow. This invariably leads to injury and if you are lucky, you may have success. But will it be the most success possible?

It reminds me of the program developed by (for?) Nova (PBS) as they followed a group of runners in preparation for running a marathon. If I remember correctly, many of the runners were injured. The program was based solely on physiological measurements and adjustments in running speed etc.

There was no physical or technical preparation that would enable the runner to carry out the program successfully. Only a few were able to finish the marathon. They were satisfied with the results but they should have been ashamed.

For more information on preparation for running and improving your running abilities see Explosive Running.