Shipulski On Design

The marathon is a two-to-three-hour race.  The training plan is specialized and designed to get the athletes ready to run twenty-six miles.  And the marathon runners are lean and light because the physics of their event demands it.

The 100-meter sprint is a sub-ten-second race.  The training plan develops explosive power to accelerate quickly and strength to hold on for the last twenty meters.  Sprinters are muscled all over – shoulders, chest, glutes, quads, and calves – because that’s what’s required to win their event.

The decathlon is a multi-day event.  The training plan includes jumping, vaulting, throwing, sprinting, and distance running. Decathletes are strong, nimble, fast, robust, and multi-skilled because they compete in a wide range of events.  They do it all, and they do it on their own.  They are often called the best track athletes because they are highly capable in ten diverse events.  But they cannot outlast a marathon runner or out-accelerate a sprinter.

The 4 X 400-meter relay is a three-plus-minute race in which each of the four teammates runs 400 meters carrying a baton and passes it to their teammate.  They train as a team for their specific distance and build the right amount of strength.  They are muscled all over, but a little less so than the sprinters.  And they must work together with their teammates to time and coordinate a high-speed baton pass within the pass zone.  If they drop the baton, they all lose, so teamwork is a must.

Some questions for you.

What are you built for?

Does your sport fit you?

Do you have a good training plan?

How much time will you spend on your training?

Do you want to work on one thing or ten?

Do you want to run solo or with a relay team?

Image credit – Steve Austin