5ExploringPCIntervals

Another Vorsprung session, that pays homage to a major hero and influence on The Vorsprung Coaching Academy.

PC Intervals have been adapted from the legendary Peter Coe.

The multi-tier system which included 400 mts., 800 mts., 1500 mts., 3000 mts. and 5000 mts. paced sessions was, in the words of Peter, “designed to prevent developing the kind of athlete, that, is locked into one pace”.

Sometimes Seb would do pyramid sessions which utilise a multi-pace ethos within one single session. In the competition phase of the macro-cycle, he would focus far more on sessions which engendered race pace specificity.

For Vorsprung, the PC Intervals are less flexible (as we leave that to the Endurance sessions) and more like what was called a 'lactate session', a few decades ago.

We focus on repetitions over a set distance and set number of times, which in-turn improves the lactate threshold.

Too often, however, people obsess about 'getting-in the distance', improving V02 max and lactate thresholds. But, V02 max reflects the current level of fitness. So, stop thinking about it and get the training in elsewhere, and the V02 will improve!

Nothing works in isolation.

Training or exercise is (like Vorsprung) a complex. You have to work at many elements to see improvements in one element. Work on A, B, C and improvements to D will follow, without trying or thinking about D.

The Vorsprung PC Intervals, additionally, take people off the running track, away from the usual landscapes frequented by sports people. This, relaxes the mind and body. Helping to throw-in a fresh environment and stimulates the mind and body. Ensuring, that, we are not 'locked into one' place in time and space…

5. Exploring: PC Intervals