A thought-realization

• I have (often) been accused of being all over the place with my training. Mixing hard running with easy running. Doing short speedy workouts when I should also be doing longer workouts. And that I don’t come back to the same workouts consistently enough to effectively measure any improvement (or lack thereof). I think that I have come to some realization why: I want to run everything. I want to not only run Pikes well but want to be able to run a decent (for me) 5k or 10k. And then I also want to run R2R2R. And I want to run USATF XC as a master next year. I see guys who are actually somewhat successful at this … Ames, DoubleJ, DD … and guys who take a laser focus … like Elliott (and when he really does, watch out).
• For me, this attitude of all over the place creates a lack of focus and hence a lack of specificity in my training. I have believed that my fitness at 10k has a direct correlation for my ability execute at the marathon, including mountain marathons. There is some correlation, but I do know they are not the same animals.  To some extent, I also see this “debate” in the training circles … guys who advocate a “mixed” blend approach, or multi-phasic – where they stress aerobic and anaerobic systems throughout the year (ala DeCastella) versus a more phased approach (ala Lydiard) where the aerobic system is built on and built on until it stagnates and then the anaerobic system is stressed.  This puts into question what is the most effective way for me to train right now. Should I be out banging up Linden’s (4 minute hill repeats … well, four if I am on and lucky) or  doing easy 18 mile runs with the last 20 minutes uphill and hard?  I know that doing 10 x 400 on the track has more direct bearing on performance on a road 10k then it does at Pikes. I know that so it is not a question of understanding that.  It is a question of focus and what I want to do.  I am coming to a realization that when I can begin to focus more on an event, that will reflect in better focus in my training and workouts.  And I think performance … but admittedly, I am not sure.
• Reference … http://www.mensracing.com/athletes/interviews/2005/renatocanova.html and http://www.endurancecorner.com/Intervals_for_Base