parabol said:
I can't remember where I heard it or how true it is, but I was told always training at that kind of intensity were you want to puke is bad for you and halts progression (or atleast slows it). Apparently for optimum progression train around the 75-80% max HR area? I don't know, I heard it on some random forum a good while ago. I've tried abiding to this while on runs, but I can't help it I always end up pushing myself, particularly if I'm timing myself.
Any thoughts on this?
its swings and round abouts. the running world has its fads like every other activity in the world.
pushing yourself to the max is very important if you want to make solid gains in running. if im training to race, its important to train at race pace which is pretty much the limit of your speed over the distance.
training over 80% is anaerobic and so will help increase your lactate threshold which is basicly the level of effort that makes your muscles feel like they are burning. its good because it helps develop performance at the high level intensity.
generally though, if your puking because your going full tilt, every session, sooner or later your body will not be able to withstand it. performance would decrease because of over training, but this is simple to correct with rest. the most likely result if your not a pt machine would be injury or problems associated with being constantly overtrained (fatigue, depression, lethargy etc)
i find it beneficial to only take a watch out every so often. most of the time, listen to your body. if your feeling it, ease off a little and if its easy push a bit, rather then pushing when your tired.