Thanks Andrew. The plan has always been that if (when) i decide that the explosive journey is over, meaning it isn't worth the trouble training when you can't improve, to switch to running.
cool! you might surprise yourself eventually with running too. You can end up putting in tons of slow miles, and still remain explosive. Alot of it is a mindset. We developed that mindset for many years with hard training for vert/dunking etc. So, when you want to "turn it up" with running or even jumping, you pretty much can. I feel like I could still get my SLRVJ up pretty good, even with these thousands of miles i'm putting in, and doing crazy slow + long running sessions etc. I really don't feel like it hurts my explosiveness much. I mean I hit 18mph 2 days after running a total of 4 hours. Those fast twitch fibers are always there for life or death situations (evolution context), can't make them disappear. So, it then just becomes a matter of recruiting them.
FWIW I don't jump because I don't want to derail my running. It's also why I barely do anything else: I just run/sprint (run fast). I rarely actually sprint, but plan on trying to incorporate it more. I haven't been on my toes much at all in the last year, actually sprinting. Only recently I did a few. It's crazy how I can "run" 18 mph... When I was more explosive & not running nearly as much (and jumping/lunging etc), my max was 18.3, full out 100% MAX EFFORT sprint - pulling my hamstring. Lately i've hit 18.6 using running form lmao. Kinda nuts. I feel like with sprinting form I can def get over 20 mph. Would love to achieve that. Seems fast. lol.
Anyway, sprinting satisfies the explosive itch. So even if you transition to running completely at some point, fast running or explosive sprinting can always fill that void. Feels great & is fun af.
runlife will probably end up making you healthier/leaner/lighter than dunk/jump life too.
;d
I suppose i could get some decent placings in my age groups if i get down to it, i am currently 191lbs , aroudn 15% bodyfat and still smoking. Rooms for progress are huge.
yup!
getting those W's becomes addicting too..
The thing is, i can't relate to that endurance running yet. It is more of a torture than a pleasure. I mean, a volume squat workout is a torture too, but there i get pleasure doing it, not only at the end. With 5K, i get some pleasure at the end for achieving the struggle, but none at all during the struggle. And it is too long to struggle for 20-30 minutes. 1mile and 2km are fine though, i can go on a hard run for 8-10 minutes and i feel nice doing it too. Oh well, we'll see.
it's torture whenever you go hard, no matter what ability you are. If you keep it comfortable, it's pretty enjoyable IMHO. But, whenever you push your current limit, it's always torture. If you're comfortable, then it's comfortable. My goal is to get so fast that I can just win most races comfortably, not hurting at all. Just go out, have fun, fly, and not battle torture. Then in key races, battle torture. Point being, at some point what was once torture, now becomes moderate/easy. Once it's in the easy category, it's fun. The ability to "run easy" for a long time (1+ hour etc) comes eventually and feels great. Feel so good afterwards.
My favorite runs are my ~3 (or more) hour ones. There's something unique about it, that I feel in my lungs afterwards & the day after etc. Feels like I cleaned out my lungs, heart, body etc. I usually have great workouts following those sessions too, just seems like I "open my lungs up".
But ya, the end result of a race, hard workout etc, that's the gratifying part. When you're in it, if you're being pushed or pushing your limits, it's brutal, even for elites. There's absolutely no comparison with jumping etc, totally different hah. The only comparison is like you mentioned, in the training. Even then though, dunk/jump training is far more "enjoyable" from a "lots of cool shit to do" perspective. IMHO, not nearly as fun as just zoning out and being able to run forever though. I'll take that any day. hah.
peace!!
