Can sprinters run long distance

Can sprinters run long distance?

The best advice that I can give in regards to moving from sprinting to long distance running is have a long-term training approach.

We are a goal driven society. That being said, other cultures do not work in the same manner. Lifestyles are much slower and everything is not always rushed as it is here in America.

Sprinting and distance running demand a high level of commitment and dedication.

Do or do not… there is no try.- Yoda

How Much Distance Do Sprinters Run?

Can sprinters run long distance? Of course. I am not a sprinter but I do have some background with speed-oriented training. The majority of sprinters run anywhere from 100m to 800m in length. Of course, their mileage per week will vary from athlete to athlete.

I have always appreciated the finesse of the great sprinters like Florence Griffin Joyner. Flo Jo still holds the female world-record of 10.49 for the 100m. I am sure the majority of the world's top sprinters are running anywhere from 15 to 30 miles a week or more.

In addition, Jesse Owens and the great Usain Bolt are perfect examples of world-class sprinters.

I have been fascinated with sprinting since I began running back in 1992.

A sprinters mind is focusing on the start and smooth exhilaration into the finish line. That being said, a long distance athlete mindset is geared toward maintaining goal pace. In addition, for a longer period of time.

Sprinting involves pure speed tactics and execution. So, you need to work on your speed development. I addition, build your endurance and stamina as well.

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Is it Better to Be a Sprinter or Long Distance?

Sprinters have already built a great deal of anaerobic (without oxygen). What they make lack is endurance and stamina. So, the way to increase that is running longer. In addition, extending the time spent at your anaerobic threshold.

However, sprinters are notorious for being anaerobic athletes. I think both niches of running can be equally beneficial. Are you great at sprinting? If so, you already have a high concentration of fast twitch muscle fibers. So, you we already know you can run economically (efficiently).

The trick now is to build on your endurance and work on doing long runs and tempo runs.

Anaerobic simply means you are operating at a much higher physiological level and with less oxygen.

So, running easy means you are running aerobically (with oxygen).

What Age Should You Stop Sprinting?

The best athletes know great results don't come overnight. So, continue to focus on being that aerobic base of mileage first. Then, focus on the faster segments of your build up. I wouldn't spend too much time focusing on sprinting after the age of 50.

The same holds true in races. Slow down and don't be in such a rush for results.

It takes the body between 3 to 4 weeks to adapt to any stress being placed upon it. So, adaptation takes time and patience. Remember, the results from the work you are doing today will be seen several weeks from now.

Transitioning from sprinting to long distance running is easy. The sprinter is already motivated. In addition, has the explosiveness. So, we now are going to focus on building endurance and running longer.

Explosiveness is not the objective in distance running. So, a sprinter has to look at it in a walk-crawl-run way. Can sprinters run long distance? Of course.

What Age Does a Sprinter Peak?

Peak ages for most sprinters is around age 24 to 26. Of course, you will find some world-class sprinters in their mid-30s as well. Start consistently jogging easy miles for at least 4 to 8 weeks.

Sprinters have have a muscular build on both the upper and lower body and leg areas. So, focus on form and doing strides as you gain fitness.

In addition, do warm up drills such as skipping, moving the knees up and down and swinging the arms from side to side.

Also, keeping the body and leg muscles toned, strong and for better overall flexibility.

A sprinter is a technique oriented, explosive athlete. So, doing strides at the end of longer runs would be a great way to focus on form and speed.

One of the workouts I did while training in Colorado Springs was finishing long runs with 8x200m on the roads.

You are already exhausted from the long run. So, you have to lift your knees like a sprinter when you are already physiologically taxed.

Are Sprinters Born or Made?

I think sprinters are born rather than then made. That being said, we can always work on improving our overall leg speed. Fast, anaerobic training will cause fatigue. In addition, you will have no glycogen stores left and are asking your body to utilize fat as its energy source.

Sprinting success demands carbohydrates. Long distance success involves learning to teach your body to use fat as its main fuel source and conserve carbohydrates.

Focus more on slow running and training adaptation first. Then, move into more speed specific training. Remember, long-term thinking breeds successful results.

That being said, it surely shouldn't be a rush to get into fitness and high school athletes are nowhere near their prime. I was running 30-40 miles a week, if that, while in high school and ran the mile and two-mile events.

Can running more mileage help a sprinter? I think so. I am an endurance athlete myself. That being said, sprinters have to have a great deal of anaerobic endurance. So, adding in base mileage is only going to make these athletes stronger.

They are operating on a shorter amount of time but at a much higher physiological level for the 10-70 seconds they are racing.

We talk about being ‘economical' when we run. It simply means running as relaxed and effective as you can be it an easy run or a race.

Building a strong foundation is going to create that economical state we all seek as runners.

What Body Type Do Sprinters Have?

Sprinters have mesomorphic body types.

The great thing about distance running is you can start at anytime.

The name of the game with distance running is sustained effort. In addition, minimizing slowing down mid-race.

Long distance running and sprinting are two vastly different sports. So, lengthening the distance you run at just under maximum effort is key.

You still need to focus on sprinting even with longer races. Remember, you will still have the ability to sprint at near maximal effort at the end of a marathon.

Closing Thoughts

Focus on building mileage and staying consistent. Incorporate 6-8x100m strides 3 times a week at the end of your easy runs
Gradually add additional runs to your weekly training rhythm.
As you build up your mileage base gradually increase the pace of 1 or two of your runs during the week.
Incorporate one day out of the week devoted to building your endurance. You can start at 5 miles as your long run and build up to 8, then 10 etc.
add in some fartlek workouts
Don't overthink. You are a sprinter but that doesn't mean you can't be a success at longer races.
Still focus on your form but stay relaxed while running

I hope some of this post has given you an introduction in moving from a sprinting to a long distance mindset. Be sure to subscribe to the RunDreamAchieve YouTube channel. I focus on making new training and racing videos there weekly to help runners like you set new personal bests.