Middle Distance Theory

The document summarizes a presentation on speed work for high school middle distance runners. The presentation defines speed work as workouts that either build up lactate levels or improve the nervous system, not workouts that make athletes vomit or are solely faster than race pace. It also likens an athlete's muscle fiber ratio to a computer's wiring, saying coaches can improve the "wiring" of an athlete's nervous system through speed work, but cannot significantly change the fiber ratio "computer" itself. Coaches are encouraged to focus on improving the connection between the athlete's brain and muscles.