Is polarized training the best type of training? | #19 ft. Jonah Rosner CSCS, M.Sc.

In this episode, Phil and Jonah discuss the concept of polarized training and whether it is the best approach for all athletes. They start by recapping Jonah's experience at the New York Marathon and the inspiring culture of running. They then define polarized and pyramidal training and discuss the importance of specificity in training. The conversation shifts to the periodization of training intensity distribution and the role of technology in monitoring training. They emphasize the pitfalls of overtraining and the benefits of individualized coaching. TAKEAWAYS 1) Polarized training may not be the best approach for all athletes and all phases of training. 2) Specificity is key in training for endurance events, and training at race-specific intensities is important for optimal performance. 3) Periodizing training intensity distribution based on the phase of training and individual goals is crucial for success. 4) Technology can be a useful tool in monitoring training intensity, but it should be used in conjunction with other factors such as physiological response and performance output. 5) Individualized coaching can help athletes navigate the complexities of training and optimize their performance. Enjoy! Great paper discussing training intensity distributions - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641476/ If you have a question or topic you want us to address, leave a comment! Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2 Follow Jonah on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jonah_jarperformance Interested in testing, courses, or other long form content check out the critical oxygen website - https://www.criticaloxygen.com OUTLINE 00:00 Introduction and New York Marathon Recap 03:00 The Culture of Running and Community Support 08:00 Understanding Polarized and Pyramidal Training 13:00 The Importance of Specificity in Training 20:00 Periodizing Training Intensity Distribution 25:00 The Role of Technology in Monitoring Training Intensity 29:00 The Pitfalls of Overtraining and the Benefits of Individualized Coaching 31:00 Summary and Closing Remarks