Would sprint workouts affect my distance ability? Vice-versa?

Question

I run cross-country in the fall and indoor track in the winter. I run sprints during my track season. I heard that when I practice sprinting, I am loosing my ability to run distances well. I also heard that this is true opposite-that running distances in the fall will make me slower come winter. Is this true?

Answer 1

practicing sprints does not negatively affect your distance running, unless you subsiitute sprint workouts for distance workouts, but if you add them together- you'll feel better immediatly and you will be better at both

Answer 2

For seven years I ran track and cross country, then continued to run for another ten years after that.

Distance runners can always use the sprinters ability right there at the finish line.  You would be surprised how many times a race is decided right there fifty feet from the finish line.

As for sprinters, they benefit from some endurance as well.  The runner who can put more into that fifty could very well be the winner.

Having said all this, I also saw that some runners had more talent for distance and some had more talent for speed.  I was the third best distance runner in my school, but never could any of the sprint guys ever keep up with me for even a half mile, or even finish the mile with any respect.  Not even any of the ones who went to state.  Distance and sprint runners do not compete in the others race, but being able to practice together always helped.

Now days I don't run.  Can't.  I have not cartilage in my hips, knees, or lower back.  I hurt all the time and find that I can't do so many things I used to do all the time.  I am only 54 and feel like 74.  Be careful with your body, it has to last you the rest of your life.  Swimming and cycling would be my answer. lol  But running was my passion.

Answer 3

yes, sadly it is true, and I'm going to have the same problem with cross country and lacrosse. However, after cross country, try using you're increased stamina to do more intense sprinting workouts. You will have enough fast twitch muscle fiber by the time indoor track starts. It wont really make a difference.

Answer 4

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