80/20 Running

80/20 running preaches the importance and dominance of the 80/20 running method as opposed to other training techniques. While the author provides good evidence that 80/20 is a good method for training, I think the name of the technique can be a little misleading.

At a high level the 80/20 technique is the idea that 80% of your time training should be spent in zone 2, approximately the pace at which one can hold a conversation without much trouble. The remaining 20% should be reserved for zome 4 or 5 efforts.

The logic and the evidence make sense for this strategy; training slower allows one to build endurance, enjoy the runs, and not risk injury as much. It also still provides the 20% section for pushing to make sure records can still be set.

The main issue I had with the book is how complicated the actual running plans are despite the simplicity of the title. I suppose this should be expected that there wouldn't be such a simple plan (run 4 days slow and 1 day fast), but the title somewhat made me expect that.

I also grew a bit more skeptical when he postulated that this rule exists not just in running but also in cycling, swimming, etc. These sorts of claims should be put through the same rigorous testing as the original claim, and should be held to the same standards.