By Dr. Jack Daniels I strongly believe that breathing rhythm for runners is closely associated with stride rate, and this association is not exclusive to runners. In fact, in some sports the act of breathing is determined very clearly by the rate at which the legs and/or arms are moving. Take the example of swimmers; [...]
Michael Cavalli: What is the most important aspect(s) of marathon training to help the runner maintain pace/efficiency in the latter, more difficult miles of the marathon? Dr. Jack Daniels: A very important approach to maintaining pace and efficiency in the latter miles of a marathon race is to not go out too fast. Run the [...]
We asked Jack why he doesn’t include half marathon pace in his training pace options. Dr. Daniels: I added training at Marathon Pace as an option because M-pace is slower than any of the training paces used for improving a physiological function, except Long Easy runs, which produces the same physiological benefits as M-pace. Also, [...]
We’d like to thank all of our followers on social media for submitting these great questions. We hope Jack’s tips are helpful when considering your future training/racing. Ken G: In the weeks leading up to the start of a marathon training program what are some things an athlete can do to help prepare? JD: Try [...]
This table is for VDOT adjustments based on time away from running. As you improve your fitness with training, your VDOT improves, as do the various training intensities. The same thing applies when your fitness deteriorates due to a setback. If you haven't engaged in cross-training, multiply the FVDOT-1 value in the table by your [...]
Don't miss out on the next VDOT Clinic with Dr. Jack Daniels, featuring special guest speaker Lynn Jennings. Guests will get to interact with two legends of our sport at the brand new Trackhouse by Tracksmith in Back Bay, Boston on March 24th. Guests Can Expect To Learn More About Dr. Daniels' research and how [...]
[Editor’s Note: Many runners and coaches have heard that a stride rate of 180 steps per minute is a proper cadence and that comes from Dr. Jack Daniels observing/counting the steps of elite runners in the 1984 Olympics. Some get fixated on hitting a rate of 180 but there are so many variables in terms of speed, goals, and [...]
By Dr. Jack Daniels Many coaches ask how to organize Quality training during weeks they are racing. Sometimes you just have to try different things to determine what’s best for your runners. First, I like to always have two Easy days before a race. If it’s a really important race then your last Quality workout should be [...]
Threshold pace training is great for improving a runner's endurance, or the ability to endure a greater and greater intensity of effort for a longer period of time. The key is training at the right intensity as speed might change due to various conditions (wind, hills, temperature, etc.). If a runner understands what training right [...]
VDOT is a measure of your current running ability. When you know your VDOT value you can eliminate a great deal of guesswork when training and racing. Your VDOT takes into account your psychological input into racing, because instead of using lab tests to determine your ability level, we're using your race performances, which are [...]