quote:
Originally posted by runningag:
I've just read in a French (from France) thread that during marathon training, your long run is never over 2:15. What a change compared to training programs in the U.S. where 20+ milers are common.
From my fat bottom, let me try an answer:
2:15 but at what pace ? The big difference between US & Europe programs seems to be LSD pacing. From 5k to Ultra, median times are ending up much faster in french races. More club runners, less just-want-to-finish folks, no charity people the bulk of US programs are aiming at. Merc's LSD pace is not your whistle-in-the-park.
Remember the 5000 quebec athlete (don't remember her name.. she killed herself in a car accident last year) ? She was preparing for NY & was barely over 20k with a couple of months left. Fast folks are doing shorter faster LSD.
Leave alone now.