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Peter Snell traded training tips with the Japanese national record holder in the 800m, Yakota. Snell confided to Yakota that even at the international level, in his time, he was able to continue to lower his 800m personal best from 1:51 to 1:46 within 3 years. He stated that the magic wasn’t in the track workouts, but rather the marathon type aerobic training that Arthur Lydiard became famous for.

The article below from the Lydiard foundation goes on to discuss how middle distance greats like Marty Liquori and Sebastian Coe, although not thought of as disciples of the Lydiard program, emphasised strength as the foundation with which they could build their speed for their middle distance success.

Snell goes on to point out that raw 200m speed of 23 seconds should be rewarded with times of 1:46 to 1:48 based on his experience with exercise physiology and world class middle distance running. Not achieving such times suggests a deficiency of stamina.

I think the message is clear that strength and stamina are developed from high volumes of aerobic training. High school and youth athletes should acknowledge this and work with their coaches to do two things with their training over time 1. build their training volume in a consistent and gradual manner and 2. incorporate specific stamina training for their event. The latter is a point of finesse that many athletes overlook and one that the article addresses.

Enjoy the complete article below.

http://www.lydiardfoundation.org/blog/EntryDisplay.aspx?EntryID=34