Is less better and more bad?

[rsbmg]

Going to post a thread in the running forum reference running & weights.

[furry]

Originally Posted by rsbmg

I think often times in these debates of whats better more or less there really is no debate at all. Assumptions are made on both sides in regards to exactly what is considered more and what is considered less.

A perfect example would be CFE. Now for those who are not familar with the program or those who think they are but really are not the assumption is always made that well how can you be doing a 4 minute run and think that will prepare you for a marathon.

The reality of it is depending on what crossfit workout came up or what CFE workout came up that week you could easily be doing a 25 mile week. Now for the true long distance crowd this is a very very light week but in terms of just reguler training its a respectable amount of milage especially when you look at the warning order and see what the weekly milage is. Hmmm pretty similar right?

Likewise when I think of typical runners I think of 30-50 mile weeks. Nothing but going out and putting one foot in front of the other, wasting muscle mass and getting weaker by the day.

...

I guess when it comes to getting better physically in all aspects of fitness my program is to do just enough to see improvement in ALL areas. So if I get better working out 20 minutes but at 21 I am too sore and tired to workout the next day did I need that one extra minute? As we get fitter that envelope increases obviously but at some point we all reach a point of diminishing returns and that is where I want people to stay away from. Not to much not to little, perfect.

I very much agree, and to that last point I would add that a very useful metric is "intensity." Once a workout - be it a metcon, CFE WOD, or simple deadlift day - hits a volume where intensity is sacrificed you are doing too much. Of course, that tipping point will be totally dependent on the athlete and how far their personal "envelope" has expanded.

As far as David Goggins...well, c'mon. That guy's just a genetic freak. This is mere speculation, but I would surmise that he must have massively abnormal (but natural) levels of testosterone, HGH, etc. flowing through his veins to recover and keep up that volume day to day. He is incredible, but I've always thought him an outlier when considering whether to apply his training regime to others.