Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the energy system usage for a marathon is something to the tune of 99% aerobic/1% anaerobic. The 10k is 95% aerobic/5% anaerobic. The 5k is 90% aerobic/10% anaerobic. The 3k/2mile is 80% aerobic/20% anaerobic. The mile is 60% aerobic/40% anaerobic. The 800m is 50/50. I think those numbers are correct, or at least close in terms of energy production system.
I'd say the 3k/marathon is in the same ballpark. George Young was mostly a steepler and he made the Oly Marathon team. Another George who roams the list was also a good steepler/marathoner. The difference between training for a marathon and training for a 3k basically comes down to what you do in the last 8 weeks or so. Most likely you're still going to be putting in heavy miles for both and you're still going to be putting in hard aerobic miles for both, the difference comes in the final preparation and a few other small changes (heavier miles/longer runs for 'thon...working on pure speed/form year round with 3k). Take a look at Lydiard's training schemes for example. He had all of his runners running basically the same until the last 5+ weeks. Alan >All you physiologists out there- what are the energy system >usage differences between 3k and 42k (especially at the paces Radcliffe >is running and are there gender differences)? My recollection is that >they're extremely close. The difference in distances (42k is 14 times >longer than 3k) isn't a good >yard stick. > _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
