When doing time trials during testing week, should you run alone, or as a group?
My early days with Coach Dennis Barrett were always in a group to simulate a race condition. Some of us didn’t use starting blocks because our Club only owned two! As an Alan Wells fan, I would say “screw it” and get down on all fours on the track.
Later in my Masters years when I moved out West and trained with Laurier Primeau and Kevin Tyler’s group, time trial runs were always individual. I’ll admit, I had a hard time adjusting to that concept. The coach only has one set of eyes, so it’s best to run them alone.
Today, we bring along our camcorders for immediate feedback.
Running alone means no distractions for the runner. No racing, no tensing up (or getting discouraged) trying to catch the person ahead of you. Just relax and focus on form. And run fast.
Should you do Time Trials Alone or in a Group?
Take a look at this training session on YouTube with Asafa Powell and the MVP group. Note how they “race” four at a time. Even mixing men and women. I assume they have 4 timers, too.
Should you do Time Trials alone or in a group?
First and foremost, this isn’t cycling and the Tour de France. I am sure the opinions are mixed. Weaker athletes will definitely get drawn faster with a faster athlete in front. Women can feed off the men, though it must get discouraging to see the men pull away.
In Asafa Powell’s 300m (fast forward to the 2:08 mark), he runs 31.60 and splits 200m in 20.28 according to the footage on the video. I assumed it’s all hand timed.
Jimson Lee
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I’ve done both and it’s clearly easier to run a time trial with a group. Other runners provide motivation and you’ll be more likely to give your best. Better yet, run an actual race as your time trial (road race or track). There’s no faking the race day nerves and excitement. Cheers, – Fitz.
Not a bad outing for Asafa. This might be his year, with his return to form and with Bolt’s Achilles injury. In any event, Powell has been superb in his 100 meter outings this year. That is the Asafa of old, with good starting technique and good reaction times.
Rumour has it Tyson Gay is injured (again) following his 200m straight WR. I think he is pushing his body to the limit.