Originally Posted by Tim Mousel

If the primary objective is speed and power development I am opposed to distance running based on current scientific research and results.

I realize many boxers traditionally run distances of 3-6 miles. That doesn't make it the optimal training method.

There is no need to build a cardio base through distance running. That is an old concept that is detrimental to power and speed development. An increase in cardio (VO2 Max) can be obtained through high intensity interval training. This type of training is much, much better for the speed/power athlete (fighter). It also is more effective at training the same energy systems used in a fight.

Other factors include muscle fiber training and changes associated with the stimulus applied. LSD - Long Slow Distance forces some of the Fast Twitch (Type IIa) fibers to take on certain characteristics of the Slow Twitch (Type I) fibers while high intensity training causes the opposite to occur.

Another "traditional" mistake is to do the running before the technique and speed training. It is not possible to obtain maximal speed and power when the muscles/neuromuscular system is in a fatigued state. Speed and power training should be performed when you are fresh.

Many of the world's greatest athletes use training techniques that are less than optimal. Why? Tradition. It's always been done that way. There are also exceptions to the rule. Imagine how much better these athletes/fighters would be if they trained using the latest training methods and techniques. Most would be at least somewhat better than they are now.

When I started training 2x World Boxing Champ Reggie Johnson, I changed his training regimen dramatically. There are a whole list of things he had done in his training through his early career, including the early morning distance runs. After the new program had time to take effect, he was amazed at how much harder he could hit and how much faster his punches got.

Tim