Plyometrics for long distance running

phene

Hi

Should plyometric exercises be using as part of training plan for long distance (marathon) training? Or for any kind of distance running for that matter?

Thanks
Paul H.

thirtyfoot

A couple of things on plyos in my opinion.

-It has been recommended that before you do plyos you should be strong enough to be able to squat 1.5 times your body weight. Don't know of its accuracy but I think its a good benchmark.

-Plyos probably shouldn't be confused with drills

-I think the main benefit of plyos is for strength and power. You get strong in the gym with weights and then you channel that strength into power through plyos. Thats a bit simplistic but its the way I see it.

-Plyos require a long recovery period depending on the intensity - very intense may require 7-10 days before repeating.

Taking all these into account, if I was training for a marathon I probably wouldn't do them primarily to avoid the risk of injury. Drills is a different matter though.

RoyMcC

Agree with nearly all of that. However there is no harm in anyone doing bounding, hopping etc. It doesn't need any great strength and it will certainly improve leg power. And recovery is really not an issue after basic work.

But beware (as Tingle suggests) of stuff like box jumps which ought to be done only by athletes used to gym and strength work.

phene

Thanks for the information. Good to know. When you say drills what do you mean?

Thanks

RoyMcC

Sprint drills - dynamic technical warm-ups that all sprinters practice, but which are generally neglected by others. See http://www.brianmac.co.uk/sprints/sprintdrills.htm for examples.

phene

Great stuff. Thanks for the link