Running - Fighting Prep or Waste of time?

Over the years I've forgotten how many lectures I've given over running and how essential it is for fighting preperation. I've also lost count of how many have failed to fight because they have failed to prepare.

Its got to the stage following another discussion to deaf ears about running that I'm questioning my own approach to fight training - should I be?

We're fortunate that we have a full time gym, everyone's training needs are catered for within normal classes, fitness, technique, ring craft, sparring and body conditioning can be found on our normal time table. We have extra classes for fighters and the gym can be used during the day for extra lessons or general training on a ad hoc basis.

In order to progress to novice and beyond I ask potential fighters to do an extra 3 x 45 min run per week to compliment training, this time increases as you progress. So why aren't people doing it? Or worse still lying about doing it?

My reasoning behind 45mins is simple - is a case of aerobic vs anaerobic! Running long distances and at a slower speed fall into the "aerobic" category, this means there is a constant supply of oxygen to keep your muscles contracting and propelling you forward. 

My 45min run out is about pushing your limits and increasing distance and personal best each time you run - this is anaerobic activity - the difference is "anaerobic" or low oxygen (intensive) training promotes muscle fatigue - your body can't supply sufficient oxygen to muscles so you rely on chemical reactions to propel you along. After a period of time (dependant on your fitness level) you will need to slow down, chemical reactions leave molecules behind (fatigue) that need flushing out this is done by moving from anaerobic (low oxygen) to aerobic (high oxygen) when this happens the increase of oxygen flow flushes the molecules away and you recover.

I'm not dismissing aerobic activity, it's just that anaerobic activity simulates conditions in the ring, where you need to "dig deep" to continue the fight. The problem is when fatigue sets in you lose the ability to do the basics like push forward or more dangerously keep your guard up!

The more time you spend doing anaerobic (or high intensity) training the better your body will become at flushing these molecules, the faster your heart rate will recover and the more information you'll be able to take on board during your fight interval.

So is 3 x 45mins a week too much? I don't think so. Do you understand my processes? I hope so. Will you change? Doubtfull.

I can understand that not everyone wants to compete, that's honestly not a problem Muay Thai has lots to offer other than fighting. But those who do want to fight and I'm talking novice upwards (where your fighting for a knockout) need to put the homework in..

Every single fighter of all disciplines does their road work. Like it or not.

If you train in Thailand (seriously - not just on holiday) you will be expected to run every day, circa 10km or 6miles (coincidently the same distance that can be achieved with 45mins anaerobic activity) it's the prerequisite to stepping into the gym and warrenting your coaches time. 

Is this reason alone that NO "wannabe fighters" will be taken seriously without showing this very small commitment to me as someone who is expected to take them on a potentially dangerous (yet very rewarding) journey.

Over the years I've heard every excuse (no time, work commitments etc) and seen some remarkable human endeavours (people getting up at 3am, running and then back to bed before work) the differece is simple - the desire to win!

I've also seen people with huge natural abilities, lose fight after fight because fatigue takes over, they start moving backwards and start taking hits and losing points.. It's all down to aerobic vs anaerobic training.. And desire to win....