Marathon Training Using the Slow Method
Course Units
Unit 1: Introduction to Marathon Training Using Hadd
Learning Objectives. By the end of this module you should be able to:
• Define the marathon
• Describe Hadd (John Walsh) and why he is important
• Explain the in one sentence what the Hadd approach to long distance running
• Describe how the Hadd approach to marathon training differs from traditional approaches
• Use a personal record distance equivalency table set a target goal in the marathon
Unit 2: Slow training
Learning Objectives. By the end of this module you should be able to:
• Describe capillary density
• Explain why capillary density is important in long distance running
• Summarize how to build capillary density
Unit 3: Beginning your training program
Learning Objectives. By the end of this module you should be able to:
• Take your heart rate using your finger and a watch
• Describe how heart rate is associated with effort
• Discover your heart rate max
• Find your ideal training pace based on your heart rate
Unit 4: Building Aerobic Capacity
Learning Objectives. By the end of this module you should be able to
• Identify enzymes that are causing muscle fatigue
• Define how to build tolerance to lactic acid
• Compare and contrast breaking down glucose aerobically verses anaerobically
Unit 5: Working in V02 and Lactate Threshold Runs
Learning Objectives. By the end of this module you should be able to
• Distinguish when you are ready for V02 and Lactate Threshold Runs
• Use V02 and Lactate Threshold Runs effectively to improve speed
• Describe how V02 and Lactate Threshold Runs impact training and race performance
Unit 6: Race day and Course Conclusion
Learning Objectives. By the end of this module you should be able to:
• Choose a marathon that best meets your performance goals
• Identify when you have peaked in your training program
• Describe best practices for race day
• Explain how tapering down in training and how it will impact race day performance
Supporting material:
• Self made learning videos
• Information Graphics
• Additional open source streaming content
• Photos from stock photo library
• PDF of primary source content
• Self-Check module quizzes
Course Level Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course you should be able to:
• Describe why your personal record in distance equivalencies is not being met
• Self identify what is wrong with your performance as distance increased using distance equivalencies
• Outline the importance of capillary density in relationship to training
• Explain what V02 max is and why it important in marathon training
• Apply slow training practice using heart rate as a measure of effort
• Describe how aerobic enzymes impact performance
• Summarize how to build a high lactate threshold
• Race a personal record in the marathon
Title: Training Slow Race Fast
Course Description:
This course will be a stand-alone fully online course open to the public. I will take about one hour to complete. The course will summarize and training methodology that was invited by a running coach in Malta named John Walsh who rose to popularity in an obscure running forum in the mid 2000s. His single post was turned into a running bible for many young runners and continues to have great popularity in underground circles in the running community.
This method is different than most training programs because it’s total lack of V02 Max and lactate threshold runs until that runner has completed a long training cycle of only slow long running.
This online training will focus on those training methods and will help runners get the most of their training and hopefully avoid injury caused by the tendency for new runners to do too much too soon.
