<< In Verkhoshansky’s model to program the training of a 10km
runner, is it okay to work with plyometric training (multiple jumps) to
develop speed-strength endurance and with nonstop leg press (for
minutes) to develop strength-endurance in block B (pre-competitive
phase) and peak the athlete? >>
***Research done by Drs Komi and colleagues in Finland showed that repeated
bouts of higher repetition plyometric bounds do not noticeably increase
jumping endurance. I would have to hunt for the exact references, but I seem
to recall that they examined the performances of volleyballers and
basketballers. Maybe someone else also recalls this research.
Knowing Dr Verkhoshansky, as I have over the past few years, I do not think
that he would be very enthusiastic about the use of more isolated types of
exercise such as that provided by leg pressing devices. You studied in
Russia, so, another reason why this sort of machine would not be often used
is that it is difficult to find any gyms which own one! It would be
preferable not to try to simulate running endurance on some uniplanar machine
- let the running itself (in the form of intervals) attend to that specific
need.
<< So, how does one program weight training for runners in the pre-competitive
phase? What exercises should be used to develop speed-strength endurance? >>
***No sport specific motor quality is developed by a single exercise. Many
exercises organised into an extended training program are necessary to
achieve that, so that if you need to develop strength-endurance, you have to
draw up a “mesocycle” over a period of several weeks (short mesocycle) or
months (long mesocycle). This program will offer a whole complex of
different training means and methods, including strength and running training.
Remember that speed-strength endurance, strength, speed and other motor
qualities that are developed under certain conditions will not necessarily
offer great improvement of those same qualities under different conditions.
For instance, cardiovascular endurance developed in swimming does not
necessarily produce significant improvement in distance running times, since
all motor qualities carry with them certain motor skills that are specific to
each sport. Similarly, great sprint capabilities developed on land will not
necessarily enhance one’s performance during swimming sprints.
This implies that, if you develop speed-endurance using certain resistance
exercises, it is vital that this speed-endurance training directly enhances
performance in sport specific running. This comes from spending adequate
time on speed-endurance being developed under actual running conditions. In
doing this, it is not necessary to adhere to the simplistic classical model
of GPP (General Physical Preparation) followed by a SPP (Specific Preparation
Phase). Even Matveev who developed this fundamental theoretical model
stated that this basic construction is not necessarily appropriate – there is
no scientific reason why one should not include some SPP in the GPP phase and
vice versa (Siff & Verkhoshansky “Supertraining” 1999 Ch 6).
Dr Mel C Siff