How much does endurance running help shorter distance running?

Question

I'm training for the half marathon. But I also like the 1600 m race. How much does endurance running help a shorter time like this?

Answer 1

Well, it sounds like you've already done a lot of training, so I would continue with that. However, on days with relatively shorter distances, I would throw in a couple of medium sprint workouts. The 800s and 400s are always good for the mile. Remember that the mile has three levels. The start with a decent pace and keep it. The rush after finishing 800m and knowing that you have an 800 left (definitely not much to do for a distance guy) and the kick at the end. best of luck =)

Answer 2

Your long distance running will help you, but you need to do shorter faster intervals to be able to run the 1600. If you can do 2 to 3 days a week of speed work you will run a good 1600.

Answer 3

Recover times. Endurance (distance) running will shorten the recovery times after your shorter distance races.

Your biggest gains will occur after you have trained and run the half-marathon, when you begin to concentrate on shorter distance. With all the runnning base for the half-marathon, you will be able to do great speed-work which will translate into faster times.

Good Luck

Answer 4

You ask this question as if you are a serious runner; so my answer is - very little. It's two separate cycles, systemically.

in respiration...you may find it easier to keep your wind...but as an experienced runner - this wouldn't be a concern.

in fact, depending on the distance workouts...it may even hurt your running as it takes long for your body to utilize the fuels it needs as it's conserving for the long run.

Pick one to excel in and one to try.
My advice as a coach is to train extra hard for the half marathon and enjoy the 1600 meter race.

In fact, I imagine you could work 1600 meter runs into your workout as splits to train...
work down to hundred yard sprints in the end hoping to develope the endurance but maintain the muscular energy for the shorter race.

Good luck

Answer 5

a lot, you'll be surprized.
the 1600 is still a distance event, and uses the same muscles as a half marathon. greater endurance will allow you to keep up a faster pace for longer, and give you a better kick at the end.

Answer 6

Quite a bit. The 1600 still relies more on long muscle endurance rather than the short muscle strength of a sprint. Training for the half-marathon will increase your lung capacity and your cardiovascular system -- both helping more than mere leg strength.

Answer 7

both but i prefer long distance cause basketball is such an enduring sport which requires a good stamina since you have to jump around a lot and run back and forth down the court. Short distance is more for building your speed but you can't run top speed when your tired.

Answer 8

Endurance helps to keep you going over longer periods of time. You are nothing if you just have speed and no endurance. Speed and endurance are like a car and its engine the car is good but without the motor it isn't going to get very far. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

If you can run a 10k really fast the mile seems so short and you can practically sprint it. The more endurance you have the longer you can keep a really fast pace up.

Answer 10

Absolutely, the more mileage you put in, the higher will be your vo2 max and the faster you will be able to run at any given pace. Unfortunately like all things in nature this will occur in a diminishing returns to scale pace.