Speed vs. Endurance

[scooby15]

I saw the on TV they mentioned that its better for a rider to develop to be fast and then later build up a fuel tank for endurance/distance......is this true or is the opposite possible?

 

Can speed be taught?

[The Ghost]

Im not sure of the correct answer; but in my case, I tried the distance first, and now Im struggling to lift the speed.

[Vinnydabutcher]

This was related to Jr riders and schools series but yes, its easier to go from speed to distance than the other way around - same in running.

 

It can be done - but it takes real commitment.

[Bateleur1]

Peronally I think it is a combination of both. Most training programmes start with the endurance part and then work up to the speed and power.

[arendoog]

This was related to Jr riders and schools series but yes, its easier to go from speed to distance than the other way around - same in running.

 

It can be done - but it takes real commitment.

true

[Joe Low]

I think all the regular training programmes have a period of building a base level of endurance before putting speed on top through interval training. Of course, speed can be taught / developed but limited to the individual's genes / aptitude.

Edited September 17, 2012 by Joe Low

[Enticement]

Per definition we distinguish between various components to conditioning, however we cannot really separate them. The sequence for developing speed is Stamina > Strength > Speed endurance > Muscle endurance and then Speed, although they all overlap with each other. Speed development really pertains to establishing a neurological track that synchronizes the nerve impulse carried to each muscle cell to contract, and the better they are synced, the more you develop speed. This however all within the boundaries of your genetic make-up of fast twitch and slow twitch fibers.

[andydude]

This however all within the boundaries of your genetic make-up of fast twitch and slow twitch fibers.

 

I agree. And as I understand, you can't really convert your slow twitch fibers to fast, but you can train the fast twitch that you have to their maximum. Endurance riders would have more slow twitch and sprinters more fast twitch. Get to know what you have and train that.

[Showtime]

This was related to Jr riders and schools series but yes, its easier to go from speed to distance than the other way around - same in running.

 

It can be done - but it takes real commitment.

 

Does one add distance to speed or do you always gain one at the expense of the other?

[Enticement]

Does one add distance to speed or do you always gain one at the expense of the other?

 

Conditioning is always about "quantity" and "quality (without dropping quantity)". The sooner you start with converting quantity into quality the quicker you will get results. Do not gain quality at the expense of quantity. That implies sequential application of all 4 types of interval training.

[Enticement]

Im not sure of the correct answer; but in my case, I tried the distance first, and now Im struggling to lift the speed.

 

Richard, I suggest adding speed endurance, then muscle endurance interval sessions and then do the real speed intervals. If you start with that now, you will be the one to beat in Jan 2013!

[Showtime]

 

Conditioning is always about "quantity" and "quality (without dropping quantity)". The sooner you start with converting quantity into quality the quicker you will get results. Do not gain quality at the expense of quantity. That implies sequential application of all 4 types of interval training.

 

Maybe my question was unclear. If I want to add endurance will I have to sacrifice speed. I'm talking about my performance not the training method.

Edited September 18, 2012 by Showtime

[Enticement]

Maybe my question was unclear. If I want to add endurance will I have to sacrifice speed. I'm talking about my performance not the training method.

 

No, you will not sacrifice speed if speed training remains part of the training regime when you add quantity. Training and performance are related

[Showtime]

No, you will not sacrifice speed if speed training remains part of the training regime when you add quantity. Training and performance are related

 

Thanks, I was wondering about that.

[rudi-h]

I agree that speed comes first. Ive been doing it this way round for years and my training seems to be more effective than that of my mates.

 

My reasoning is as follows:

 

Fitness in broad terms is your body's ability to absorb oxygen, hence it requires well developed lungs, heart and muscles. The best way to improve fitness (in this sense) is to train at a threshold where you breath hard, almost uncomfortably for a set time. The downside of this method is that if intensity is too high for too long, you will suffer from high lactate which can only be fixed in longer recovery times required.

 

So that's where intervals come in. Intervals get you to breath hard, but as soon as your lactate levels get high, you ease up until your lactate levels are stable and then you go for it again. You can be scientific about this and go for lactate and VO2 Max testing to determine your exact threshold, but in general your lactate is on the increase if you're suffering, and when you feel like you cant go anymore, then its time to ease off your interval, or go slower.

 

Endurance is a matter of conditioning (in my opinion). If you are fit, then it takes only a number of longer, slower rides to get used to distance. This is only a matter of getting muscles used to the longer hours, and does not as such require further development of muscles, lung function or heart strength.

 

Hence if you are fit, building endurance is a quick process. If you have endurance but want to get fast / fit, then your muscles, heart and lungs need further development.

 

I'm not a sport scientist or an expert, but I've been reading tons of training material and I have experimented with training programmes for almost 8 years now. Fitness definitely comes first for me. For the last 3-4 months I only train 1-3 hours a week due to work commitments, and I can still run 8km in under 40 minutes and if I had to do the 94.7 right now, I'd be under 3:10.

[Wyatt Earp]

@enticement

 

It appears that I have been training all wrong.

I have done mainly distance with what I thought was a good base plan every season.

 

Is it to late to reverse the process in order for me to get some speed in to my legs ?