Part Three: Internet Study
Systems of Distance Running (The dates shown are ballpark
figures)
Distance Racing - Late 1800s
Great Britain
Before there were any track meets there were professional
races of all types including walking, distance running, and sprinting. The distance runs were generally done over
great distances like for 1000 miles or 24 hours.
Horse Racing Training - USA
1908-1912
This was mixing fast repetitions with slow ones followed by
significant recovery walks as in horse racing.
Athletes included James Lightbody, and Melvin Shepard. This type of training enabled America to
dominate the early Olympics.
Periodization - Finland
1912-1928 The Flying Fins
The introduction of seasons by coach Lauri Pihkala who
coached Paavo Nurmi, Hannes Kolemainen, Ville Ritola, Volmari Iso-Hollo, Taisto
Maki.
The Interval Method - Germany 1936-1960 also called Gershler
Interval Training
Professor of physical Education Woldemar Gerschler and
He...