We've all been there; the legs feel tired, the heart is pounding and the body's exhaust systems are beginning to shut down- and the workout is just starting to wind down! The question is, how much should you cool down? "Junk miles", as they are generally known, are the miles that serve as padding for many an athlete's training program and they boost weekly mileage and offer bragging rights to anybody who will listen, but are they really effective or are they just a big waste of time?
[...] are no junk miles in my swim training, but there are junk miles in my run and bike training during this period.” With even the elites sporting different views, it can get a little sticky when trying to determine how to best approach even basic training. But before we get into the junk or no junk controversy it's important that we define exactly what ‘junk miles' are and what most athletes mean when they refer to them. Junk miles in general are typically referred to as any type of workout that interferes (i.e. [...]
[...] No matter how much disagreement may surface from this junk mileage talk most triathletes will agree and say get more junk! You know what, if only they would say the same thing about eating habits! David Hunt is a freelance writer and runner from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He writes about running, fitness and overall well-being while at the same time racing in road races and triathlons around the country and of course, trying to keep up a steady flow of junk miles and not so much junk food! [...]
[...] The American Heart Association is quick to note that several high blood pressure medications tend to lower the maximum heart rates of certain individuals, which in turn lowers their target zone rate (i.e. their junk training pace). If you're taking any blood pressure medication be sure to consult your physician regarding your targeted heart rate zone. But if you're the rare triathlete who trains ‘heartless' (without a heart rate monitor) then you may be a little more interested in what the elites have to say about training efforts. [...]
[...] Allen tends to think that junk miles can be done at varying intensities, he says, can actually have "junk" miles at high intensity if you are doing another fast workout even though your body is too tired to absorb Allen continued saying, “Junk is not the correct word for miles that are done at lower intensities. You can push beyond your capacity to absorb a workout that is junk just as much as doing hard training.” Thompson reflects Allen's sentiments saying, way I define junk miles is that you can do junk miles at any intensity you want. [...]
[...] Allen said, “Running and cycling (unlike swimming) benefit greatly from workouts that are just "time in the saddle" type workouts if done with proper cadence rates and form. If you are out there at low cadence or running with poor form then they are junk miles.” Thompson simply explains that there are junk miles in my swim training.” He also states that, really only do junk miles on the bike and running in the off-season. I just need to stay active and keep some feel for these disciplines.” So, swimming is a pretty tiring activity and according to most elites it is a tough discipline to rack up junk miles, but not impossible. [...]
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