Run Faster

This week’s links discuss findings that some might say defy conventional wisdom:

1. Conventional wisdom: you need to do intense workouts to improve your performance.
   
   Actual study results: Via The Final Sprint, a study done by researchers at the University of Madrid compared a group of runners who did more intense workouts and fewer recovery miles against a group who did fewer intense workouts and more recovery miles. Their result showed greater improvement by the latter group. Seems like a good reason to keep doing those base pace/recovery pace workouts!
   
   
2. Conventional wisdom: Obese and unhealthy individuals have a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
   
   Actual study results: Via Simon’s blog at YourRunning.com, athletes have a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis than non-athletes because of a slower resting blood flow rate and a higher likelihood of muscle soreness, which can trigger clotting. Since DVT is often associated with airline travel, runners traveling by air to and from races should be especially careful to move during their flights and to keep hydrated.
   
   
3. Conventional Wisdom: It’s dangerous to exercise outside when the temperature is below freezing.
   
   Actual Study Results: Via the New York Times, according to a 2006 American College of Sports Medicine Study, there isn’t a point when it is too cold to exercise safely. Although this article notes that hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers, it seems to conclude that dressing properly and making sure you keep moving mitigate these risks.

Hope your weekend’s been good and that you run well in the coming week.

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