Fact: Long slow distance running done in excess ultimately results in bodies riddled with chronic overuse injuries.
Which guy above, if we measured their ability across the following challanges and took their average would come out on top.
a. Row 2000 meters
b. Play a pickup game of basketball, volleyball, softball, etc.
c. Defend himself in a street brawl
d. Carry a loved one out of a third story burning building
e. Complete Fran, Helen, Diane, Karen, Cindy, Fight Gone Bad, etc.
f. Gain attention from the opposite sex (in a favorable way)
Heres an awesome quote from CrossFit founder Greg Glassman regarding the difference between anaerobic vs. aerobic activity.
“What’s the drawback of anaerobic efforts?
Discomfort.
I know tons of guys who think that spending all day jogging on west cliff is fun. I don’t know anyone who thinks a 1000 meter effort on a rower is fun.
We know that a good anaerobic athlete can put his hands in his pockets and walk up to a five gallon plastic bucket full of water and stick his head in and drown himself, and not pull out. That’s the kind of willpower that’s required to endure anaerobic efforts.
We don’t want to advertise that aspect of our program much. It doesn’t draw people through the door (Secretly we suspect it does). But it’s true. If you can give me good 1000 meter efforts on the rower, good 800 meter efforts on the track, if you can thoroughly exhaust these anaerobic pathways with a smile on your face, then you are the real deal.
To the extent that you can engage in this and not give up, you will also become supremely fit. Because you are working out in the high power range where the intensity is great, and that focus is where all the results come.”
I reached back into our own archives for this one (March 29th) as it still gets a few pings from outside net searches. Here is a paste I found regarding my article from a running enthusiast blog.
I’d love to be able to ask questions, in response to the article, such as:
1. Could your cross fit or sprinter examples “hang” with the Bushmen, Tarahumara, Kenyans or other endurance athletes who put in amazing amounts of mileage, daily, and also perform manual labor raising crops or gathering plant foods, wood for shelter, etc.?
2. What is the expected longevity health & longevity of your sprinter (who is probably on drugs) or a cross-fitter vs. people who don’t do chronic cardio? (eg Follow the approach of Phil Maffetone or or even the previously mentioned cultures who don’t train at high aerobic thresholds day in, day out.)
Drugs!? Chronic cardio? I dont think this guy has a clue as to what are training consists of. Whatever. I dont have time for ignorance.
I will give you two great articles on Anaerobic vs. Aerobic training. The first is a elementary level and a must for everyone. The second is for you advanced scholars out there.
Speaking of running. Our very own Todd Goode (6am crew) shaved 2 minutes and hit a pr on his 10k race over the weekend. Less running = faster running?? I keep saying it and its good to see it being followed. Great job Todd!! If you would be so kind as to post your pre vs. post CrossFit run training volume, it would enlighten us all.
WOD
-Snatch Deadlift 5-5-5 (focus on a tight back and being super explosive from floor. Do not go for max. Leave some in tank.)
+
-Power Snatch 2-2-2-1-1-1-1 (build up to a very heavy single.)
Coaches: Go over snatch progression from hang position working with pvc pipes during rest period between deadlift and snatch. Make sure all athletes are using hook grip.
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