Striders 10k - Training diary, week zero
We tried a very advanced scientific experiment last week. When it comes to experiments, the only failure is a failure to obtain a clear cut result, so I'd say that the experiment was a resounding success!
Hypothesis. Our hypothesis was - "Great results can be obtained in a 10k race by spending the better part of the preceding week lying around in spas and eating (not necessarily at the same time, although that was open to experiment too)".
Method. Given our dedication to practicing the scientific method, we took ourselves off to a wonderful little place called Kims (a place known primarily for its seclusion and its food - how many other places post sample menus on their web site??) and devoted ourselves to fully testing our hypothesis. Regardless of our commitment to scientific endeavour, I do have to admit that we had a wonderfully relaxing time, which is something we haven't had a lot of lately.
Results. So much for the experiment; what about the results? Well, if you'll pardon the culinary metaphor, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. On Saturday morning I lined up for the 10k with the 45 minute pacer (CR Over The Hill), started a little faster than necessary and then just got slower and slower and slower... Apart from a few people in the first 500m, I did no overtaking but instead got continually overtaken for the entire rest of the race (I have to admit to speeding up to overtake one poor suffering soul in the last few hundred just so I could claim a meagre triumph. Pathetic, isn't it :-) ).
Conclusion. I think that it is reasonable to draw a preliminary conclusion that the hypothesis is flawed, and lazing and lots of fine food is not necessarily the best preparation for a race. However, it should be noted that a test of one instance is statistically insufficient to draw firm conclusions, and hence it is recommended that the test be repeated a number of times. For further variation, it maybe could be repeated before different length races such as marathons, halves and 3 & 5k to ascertain their effect. There is definitely much to be explored...
(still short, but now slightly fatter) Gnome
posted by TA and the Gnome @ 11:13 pm
4 comments
4 Comments:
Congratulations on your highly successful experiment.
For more anecdotal evidence to support your findings, please refer to any post in my blog from 2006.
I may have been slow, but gee it was fun.
For accurate results I think you need more test subjects. You know how to reach me :-)
Perhaps you could conduct another little experiment. Pick a food you shouldn't eat but really like a lot(say, donuts). Eat two donuts then go for a hard 10k run. Tell the world whether you will ever eat donuts again. Q: could running be useful as food aversion therapy? I am sure Tesso could be recruited to assist, although knowing her, she might run faster on donut power.
Of course, you should recover after the race by spending another week at Kims, then try again.
Post a Comment
<< Home