Article

Training Characteristics of Qualifiers for the US Olympic Marathon Trials

April 2007
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 2(1):72-92

DOI:10.1123/ijspp.2.1.72

Source
PubMed

Authors:

To describe and compare training characteristics of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers. All qualifiers (104 men, 151 women) received questionnaires. Ninety-three (37 men, 56 women) responded and were categorized as elite (men <2 hours 15 min, women <2 hours 40 min) or national class. Men and women ran 75% and 68% of their weekly training distance, respectively, below marathon race pace. Men trained longer than women (12.2 +/- 5.3 vs 8.8 +/- 5.6 years), ran more often (8.7 +/- 2.8 vs 7.1 +/- 2.5 times/wk), and ran farther (145.3 +/- 25.6 vs 116.0 +/- 26.5 km/wk). Elite women ran more than national-class women (135.8 +/- 31.5 vs 111.3 +/- 23.3 km/wk). Distances run at specific intensities were similar between sexes. For men and women, respectively, 49% and 31% did not have a coach and 65% and 68% trained alone. Marathon performance correlated to 5-km, 10-km, and half-marathon performance and to years training, average and peak weekly distance, number of weekly runs, and number of runs > or = 32 km for women. Among U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers, there is no consensus as to how to prepare for the marathon beyond running at a pace slower than race pace. Weekly training distance seems to influence women's marathon performance more than it does men's. Because many of these athletes train alone and without a coach, further research is warranted on the reasons that these athletes train the way they do.

Self Reported History of Eating Disorders, Training, Weight Control Methods, and Body Satisfaction in Elite Female Runners Competing at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials

Article

May 2022

Athletes participating in endurance sports report frequent attempts to lose weight and greater training volumes in attempt to gain a competitive advantage. Increased exercise energy expenditure through training, weight periodization, and prevalence of eating disorder (ED) may affect energy availability. Low energy availability (LEA) is associated with negative physiological effects and an increased risk of bone fractures and illness in athletes. This study investigated the relationship between self-reported history of an ED with training, body satisfaction, and weight-control methods among female Olympic marathon trials participants. Female runners (n = 146; 30.8 ± 5.0 years of age) who participated in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon completed an online questionnaire examining training volume, weight-control methods, and self-reported diagnosis of an ED. 32% of participants reported previous ED while 6% reported a current ED and were grouped together based on a self-reported lifetime diagnosis of ED (current or past) or no ED for further analysis. A Chi-square analysis indicated a statistical difference when p ≤ 0.05. Runners who reported ED were significantly more likely to experience weight dissatisfaction (χ2 3,146 = 9.59, p = .022) and restricting or reducing food in the three months prior to the marathon (χ2 5,146 = 17.58, p = .004). Consistent with previous literature, a substantial percentage of participants reported ED. This investigation suggests that ED may be associated with weight control methods and feelings of body dissatisfaction in competitive female runners.

From Raw to Big Data in Endurance Running : Application of Data Science Techniques for Knowledge Creation from Wearable Sensor Data

Thesis

Full-text available

Jan 2022

Markus Zrenner

Body-worn sensors, so-called wearables, are getting more and more popular in the sports domain. Wearables offer real-time feedback to athletes on technique and performance, while researchers can generate insights into the biomechanics and sports physiology of the athletes in real-world sports environments outside of laboratories. One of the first sports disciplines, where many athletes have been using wearable devices, is endurance running. With the rising popularity of smartphones, smartwatches and inertial measurement units (IMUs), many runners started to track their performance and keep a digital training diary. Due to the high number of runners worldwide, which transferred their data of wearables to online fitness platforms, large databases were created, which enable Big Data analysis of running data. This kind of analysis offers the potential to conduct longitudinal sports science studies on a larger number of participants than ever before. In this dissertation, both studies showing how to extract endurance running-related parameters from raw data of foot-mounted IMUs as well as a Big Data study with running data from a fitness platform are presented.

Training and Racing Behaviors of Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Endurance Runners-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 1)

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2021

As a key modulator of training adaptations and racing performance, nutrition plays a critical role in endurance runners’ success, and the training/racing behaviors of runners are potentially affected by their diet types. The present study aimed to investigate whether distance runners with a vegan diet (i.e., devoid of foods or ingredients from animal sources), vegetarian diet (i.e., devoid of meat and flesh foods), and omnivorous diet (i.e., a mixed diet with no restriction on food sources) have different training and racing patterns in general and based on race distance subgroups. A total of 3835 recreational runners completed an online survey. Runners were assigned to dietary (om-nivorous, vegetarian, and vegan) and race distance (<21 km, half-marathon, and mara-thon/ultra-marathon) groups. In addition to sociodemographic information, a complete profile of data sets focusing on running and racing behaviors/patterns was evaluated using a question-naire-based epidemiological approach. There were 1272 omnivores (47% females), 598 vegetarians (64% females), and 994 vegans (65% females). Compared to vegans and vegetarians, omnivorous runners prepared for a longer time period for running events, had a higher number of half-marathons and marathons completed with a better finish time, and had more reliance on training under supervision (p < 0.05). The present findings indicate an important association of diet types with patterns of training and racing amongst endurance runners that may be related to different motives of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan runners for participating in events.

Retrospective Analysis of Training and Its Response in Marathon Finishers Based on Fitness App Data

Article

Full-text available

May 2021

Objective: Finishing a marathon requires to prepare for a 42.2 km run. Current literature describes which training characteristics are related to marathon performance. However, which training is most effective in terms of a performance improvement remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of training responses during a 16 weeks training period prior to an absolved marathon. The analysis was performed on unsupervised fitness app data (Runtastic) from 6,771 marathon finishers. Differences in training volume and intensity between three response and three marathon performance groups were analyzed. Training response was quantified by the improvement of the velocity of 10 km runs Δ v 10 between the first and last 4 weeks of the training period. Response and marathon performance groups were classified by the 33.3rd and 66.6th percentile of Δ v 10 and the marathon performance time, respectively. Results: Subjects allocated in the faster marathon performance group showed systematically higher training volume and higher shares of training at low intensities. Only subjects in the moderate and high response group increased their training velocity continuously along the 16 weeks of training. Conclusion: We demonstrate that a combination of maximized training volumes at low intensities, a continuous increase in average running speed up to the aimed marathon velocity and high intensity runs ≤ 5 % of the overall training volume was accompanied by an improved 10 km performance which likely benefited the marathon performance as well. The study at hand proves that unsupervised workouts recorded with fitness apps can be a valuable data source for future studies in sport science.

Strength Training Habits in Amateur Endurance Runners in Spain: Influence of Athletic Level

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2020

This study determined the strength training (ST) habits of amateur endurance runners in Spain regarding athletic level. A sixteen-item online questionnaire comprised of (i) demographic information, (ii) performance, and (iii) training contents was completed by 1179 athletes. Five group levels were determined according to the personal best times of the athletes in a 10-km trial (LG1: level group 1, 50-55 min; LG2: level group 2, 45-50 min; LG3: level group 3, 40-45 min; LG4: level group 4, 35-40 min; LG5: level group 5, 30-35 min). Most athletes (n = 735, 62.3%) perceived ST as being a key component in their training program. Resistance training (RT) was reported as a ST type used by 63.4% of the athletes, 66.9% reported using bodyweight exercises, 46.8% reported using plyometric training, 65.6% reported using uphill runs, and 17.8% reported using resisted runs. The prevalence of runners who excluded ST from their training programs decreased as the athletic performance level increased (18.2% in lower-level athletes vs. 3.0% in higher-level), while the inclusion of RT, bodyweight exercises, plyometric training, and uphill and resisted runs was more frequent within higher-level groups. Most athletes included ST using low-to-moderate loads and high a number of repetitions/sets comprised of RT, plyometric training, resisted runs, and core, respiratory, and foot muscles training.

Journal Pre-proof An evaluation of the training determinants of marathon performance: a meta-analysis with meta-regression Title: An evaluation of the training determinants of marathon performance: a meta-analysis with meta-regression. Word count: 4044

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2019
J SCI MED SPORT

Objectives: Marathoners rely on expert-opinion and the anecdotal advice of their peers when devising their training plans for an upcoming race. The accumulation of results from multiple scientific studies has the potential to clarify the precise training requirements for the marathon. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of available literature to determine if a dose-response relationship exists between a series of training behaviours and marathon performance. Design: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. Methods: A systematic search of multiple literature sources was undertaken to identify observational and interventional studies of elite and recreational marathon (42.2km) runners. Results: Eighty-five studies which included 137 cohorts of runners (25% female) were included in the meta-regression, with average weekly running distance, number of weekly runs, maximum running distance completed in a single week, number of runs ≥32km completed in the pre-marathon training block, average running pace during training, distance of the longest run and hours of running per week used as covariates. Separately conducted univariate random effects meta-regression models identified a negative statistical association between each of the above listed training behaviours and marathon performance (R2 0.38-0.81, p<0.001), whereby increases in a given training parameter coincided with faster marathon finish times. Meta-analysis revealed the rate of non-finishers in the marathon was 7.27% (95% CI 6.09%-8.65%). Conclusions: These data can be used by athletes and coaches to inform the development of marathon training regimes that are specific to a given target finish time.

Physiological and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2017

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the physical and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners within finish time bandings (2.5–3 h, 3–3.5 h, 3.5–4 h, 4–4.5 h and >4.5 h). Materials and methods A total of 97 recreational marathon runners (age 42.4 ± 9.9 years; mass 69.2 ± 11.3 kg; stature 172.8 ± 9.1 cm), with a marathon finish time of 229.1 ± 48.7 min, of whom n = 34 were female and n = 63 were male, completed an incremental treadmill test for the determination of lactate threshold (LT1), lactate turn point (LT2) and running economy (RE). Following a 7-min recovery, they completed a test to volitional exhaustion starting at LT2 for the assessment of V˙O2max. In addition, all participants completed a questionnaire gathering information on their current training regimes exploring weekly distances, training frequencies, types of sessions, longest run in a week, with estimations of training speed, and load and volume derived from these data. Results Training frequency was shown to be significantly greater for the 2.5–3 h group compared to the 3.5–4 h runners (P < 0.001) and >4.5 h group (P = 0.004), while distance per session (km·session⁻¹) was significantly greater for the 2.5–3 h group (16.1 ± 4.2) compared to the 3.5–4 h group (15.5 ± 5.2; P = 0.01) and >4.5 h group (10.3 ± 2.6; P = 0.001). Race speed correlated with LT1 (r = 0.791), LT2 (r = 0.721) and distance per session (r = 0.563). Conclusion The data highlight profound differences for key components of marathon running (V˙O2max, LT1, LT2, RE and % V˙O2max) within a group of recreational runners with the discriminating training variables being training frequency and the absolute training speed.

Strength and Conditioning Habits of Competitive Distance Runners

Article

Oct 2017

Blagrove, RC, Brown, N, Howatson, G, and Hayes, PR. Strength and conditioning habits of competitive distance runners. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2017-Targeted strength and conditioning (S&C) programs can potentially improve performance and reduce injury risk factors in competitive runners. However, S&C practices of distance runners are unknown. This study aimed to explore S&C practices of competitive middle- and long-distance runners and examined whether reported frequency of injuries was influenced by training behaviors. One thousand eight hundred eighty-three distance runners (≥15 years old) completed an online survey. All runners who raced competitively were included in data analysis (n = 667). Distance runners mainly engaged with S&C activities to lower risk of injury (63.1%) and improve performance (53.8%). The most common activities used were stretching (86.2%) and core stability exercises (70.2%). Resistance training (RT) and plyometric training (PT) were used by 62.5 and 35.1% of runners, respectively. Junior (under-20) runners include PT, running drills, and circuit training more so than masters runners. Significantly more international standard runners engaged in RT, PT, and fundamental movement skills training compared with competitive club runners. Middle-distance (800-3,000 m) specialists were more likely to include RT, PT, running drills, circuit training, and barefoot exercises in their program than longer-distance runners. Injury frequency was associated with typical weekly running volume and run frequency. Strength and conditioning did not seem to confer a protection against the number of injuries the runners experienced. Practitioners working with distance runners should critically evaluate the current S&C practices of their athletes, to ensure that activities prescribed have a sound evidence-based rationale.

Distance Running as an Ideal Domain for Showing a Sex Difference in Competitiveness

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2012
ARCH SEX BEHAV

Robert O Deaner

Men are over-represented in the arts, sciences, and sports. This has been hypothesized to reflect an evolved male predisposition for enduring competitiveness or long-term motivation to improve one's performance and "show-off." Evidence for this hypothesis is equivocal, however, because there are viable alternative explanations for men's dominance in most cultural display domains. Here, I argue that distance running is an ideal domain for addressing this issue. Distance running is ideal because it indicates enduring competitiveness, allows objective comparisons, and is accessible, acceptable, and popular for both men and women. I review recent studies and present new data showing that substantially more men than women run relatively fast in the U.S., that this sex difference in relative performance can be attributed, at least in part, to men's greater training motivation, and that this pattern has been stable for several decades. Distance running thus provides compelling evidence for an evolved male predisposition for enduring competitiveness. I conclude with suggestions regarding how variation in achievement motivation can be informed by considering how evolved predispositions interact with environmental and social conditions.

Participation and performance characteristics in half-marathon run: A brief narrative review

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022
J MUSCLE RES CELL M

Half-marathon (HM) is a running sport of increasing popularity in both sexes and in all age groups worldwide during the last years. Many studies have examined several aspects of HM, such as performance and participation trends, sex and age differences, physiological correlates, and training; however, no comprehensive review has ever been contacted to summarize the recently accumulated knowledge. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review all previous research in this sport, focusing on participation and performance aspects. It was shown that HM runners had similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics as full-marathon runners which should be attributed to the affinity of these two races in terms of metabolic demands. Performance in HM was related with superior scores in aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold and running economy) and training characteristics (sport experience, weekly distance, training speed, frequency of sessions and long single endurance run distance), and lower scores in adiposity-related scores (e.g. body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage and skinfold thickness). Considering the popularity of HM race and the lack of many original studies (compared to FM race), this is an exciting field for scientific research with a large potential for practical applications, since the majority of HM runners are amateur runners in need of sex-, age- and performance-tailored exercise prescription.

Who Is Running in the D-A-CH Countries? An Epidemiological Approach of 2455 Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Recreational Runners—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 1)

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2022

Accompanied by the growing popularity of distance running, the prevalence of vegan and vegetarian diets in endurance runners has increased across the globe and especially in German-speaking (D-A-CH: Germany, Austria, Switzerland) countries. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the epidemiological characteristics associated with diet types and running behaviors of recreational endurance runners. From a total number of 7422 runners who started to fill in the online survey, 3835 runners completed the questionnaire. After data clearance, 2455 distance runners (mean age: 37 years; 56% females, 44% males) were selected as the final sample and classified as 1162 omnivores (47.4%), 529 vegetarians (21.5%), and 764 vegans (31.1%). Sociodemographic information and general characteristics in training and competition were evaluated using a questionnaire-based approach. A significant association was found between diet type and race distance (p < 0.001). In females, vegan ultra-marathoners and omnivorous half-marathoners had better individual running records among dietary groups. Sex differences in running performance had a minimizing trend with increasing race distance. Most runners reported independent race preparation (90%) over less than four months (73%). From an epidemiological viewpoint, the present findings suggest a central role of plant-based diets in running performance and behaviors among active distance runners in D-A-CH countries and that vegetarian and vegan diets are compatible with competitive running.

Concurrent complex and endurance training for recreational marathon runners: Effects on neuromuscular and running performance Concurrent complex and endurance training for recreational marathon runners: Effects on neuromuscular and running performance

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2020
EUR J SPORT SCI

Marathon performance is influenced by factors such as aerobic capacity and those related to neuromuscular function. Complex training (CPX) is a multicomponent training method, wherein heavy strength and plyometric exercises alternate within a single session and is an effective method to improve neuromuscular adaptations. This study compared the effects of CPX, heavy strength training (HST) and endurance-strength (EST) combined with running endurance training on neuromuscular adaptations and running performance in 38 recreational marathoners (age:31.4 ± 3.8 years, VO 2max :57.6 ± 6.8 ml·kg −1 ·min −1). Athletes were allocated in 3 groups: CPX, HST and EST and were tested for one maximum repetition strength (1RM), squat jump and countermovement jumps (SJ, CMJ), leg press (LP) concentric and eccentric strength, running economy (RE) and velocity at VO 2max (vVO 2max) before and after the 6-week intervention. CPX and HST were performed 2 times per week in conjunction with the running endurance training. RE and vVO 2max improved in CPX and HST groups (p < 0.01, RE: −5% to −6.4%, vVO2max: 5.7% and 4.2%, respectively) with no change in EST. Similarly, all neuromuscular performance indicators improved in CPX and HST (p < 0.0167, 1RM strength:19.7% to 25.1%, SJ and CMJ: 5.3% to 11.6%, LP concentric and eccentric strength: 5.5% to 18.0%). In summary, 6-week of concurrent CPX or HST and endurance training resulted in similar improvement in maximum strength, RE, and vVO 2max. Importantly, both CPX and HST training resulted in greater improvements in eccentric strength and RE compared to EST that performed concurrent endurance-strength and endurance training. Highlights. Six weeks (two times per week) of concurrent complex or heavy strength and endurance training resulted in similar improvements on maximum strength, jumping performance, RE, and vVO 2max in recreational marathon runners.. Complex training can effectively increase eccentric strength and eccentric utilisation ratio for the runners who have not previously attended strength training without changing their body composition and maximal aerobic capacity.. Both complex and heavy strength training resulted in greater improvements in eccentric strength and RE compared to the concurrent low-intensity endurance-strength and endurance training.

Concurrent Complex and Endurance Training for Recreational Marathon Runners: Effects on Neuromuscular and Running Performance

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2020
EUR J SPORT SCI

Marathon performance is influenced by factors such as aerobic capacity and those related to neuromuscular function. Complex training (CPX) is a multicomponent training method, wherein heavy strength and plyometric exercises alternate within a single session and is an effective method to improve neuromuscular adaptations. This study compared the effects of CPX, heavy strength training (HST) and endurance-strength (EST) combined with running endurance training on neuromuscular adaptations and running performance in 38 recreational marathoners (age:31.4 ± 3.8 years, VO2max:57.6 ± 6.8 ml·kg-1·min-1). Athletes were allocated in 3 groups: CPX, HST and EST and were tested for one maximum repetition strength (1RM), squat jump and countermovement jumps (SJ, CMJ), leg press (LP) concentric and eccentric strength, running economy (RE) and velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) before and after the 6-week intervention. CPX and HST were performed 2 times per week in conjunction with the running endurance training. RE and vVO2max improved in CPX and HST groups (P<0.01, RE: -5% to -6.4%, vVO2max: 5.7% and 4.2%, respectively) with no change in EST. Similarly, all neuromuscular performance indicators improved in CPX and HST (P<0.0167, 1RM strength:19.7% to 25.1%, SJ and CMJ: 5.3% to 11.6%, LP concentric and eccentric strength: 5.5% to 18.0%). In summary, 6-week of concurrent CPX or HST and endurance training resulted in similar improvement in maximum strength, RE, and vVO2max. Importantly, both CPX and HST training resulted in greater improvements in eccentric strength and RE compared to EST that performed concurrent endurance- strength and endurance training.

The “athlete’s heart” features in amateur male marathon runners

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2013

Background: Training on a professional level can lead to cardiac structural adaptations called the "athlete's heart". As marathon participation requires intense physical preparation, the question arises whether the features of "athlete's heart" can also develop in recreational runners. Methods: The study included 34 males (mean age 40 ± 8 years) who underwent physical examination, a cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiographic examination (ECHO) before a marathon. ECHO results were compared with the sedentary control group, reference values for an adult male population and those for highly-trained athletes. Runners with abnormalities revealed by ECHO were referred for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Results: The mean training distance was 56.5 ± 19.7 km/week, peak oxygen uptake was 53.7 ± 6.9 mL/kg/min and the marathon finishing time was 3.7 ± 0.4 h. Compared to sedentary controls, amateur athletes presented larger atria, increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, larger LV mass and basal right ventricular (RV) inflow diameter (p < 0.05). When compared with ranges for the general adult population, 56% of participants showed increased left atrial volume, indexed to body surface area (LAVI), 56% right atrial area and interventricular septum thickness, while 47% had enlarged RV proximal outflow tract diameter. In 50% of cases, LAVI exceeded values reported for highly-trained athletes. Due to ECHO abnormalities, CMR was performed in 6 participants, which revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 1 runner. Conclusions: "Athlete's heart" features occur in amateur marathon runners. In this group, ECHO reference values for highly-trained elite athletes should be considered, rather than those for the general population and even then LAVI can exceed the upper normal value.

Development in Adolescent Middle-Distance Athletes: A Study of Training Loadings, Physical Qualities, and Competition Performance

Article

Dec 2019

Jones, TW, Shillabeer, BC, Ryu, JH, and Cardinale, M. Development in adolescent middle-distance athletes: a study of training loadings, physical qualities, and competition performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The purpose of this study was to examine changes in running performance and physical qualities related to middle-distance performance over a training season. The study also examined relationships between training loading and changes in physical qualities as assessed by laboratory and field measures. Relationships between laboratory and field measures were also analyzed. This was a 9-month observational study of 10 highly trained adolescent middle-distance athletes. Training intensity distribution was similar over the observational period, whereas accumulated and mean distance and training time and accumulated load varied monthly. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) and large effect sizes (Cohen's d) (>0.80) were observed for improvements in: body mass (5.6%), 600-m (4.6%), 1,200-m (8.7%), and 1,800-m (6.1%) time trial performance, critical speed (7.1%), V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (5.5%), running economy (10.1%), vertical stiffness (2.6%), reactive index (3.8%), and countermovement jump power output relative to body mass (7.9%). Improvements in 1,800 m TT performance were correlated with increases in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (r = 0.810, p = 0.015) and critical speed (r = 0.918, p = 0.001). Increases in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and critical speed were also correlated (r = 0.895, p = 0.003). Data presented here indicate that improvements in critical speed may be reflective of changes in aerobic capacity in adolescent middle-distance athletes.

Predicting race time in male amateur marathon runners

Article

Jul 2017

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between anthropometry, training characteristics, muscular strength and effort-related cardiovascular response and marathon race time in male amateur runners. Methods: A total of 84 male amateur marathon runners aged between 23 and 70 years took part in this study (41.0±9.5 years). All of them competed in the 2013 edition of the Madrid Marathon with a finish time between 169.8 and 316 min (226.0±28.5 min). Age, running experience, number of marathon races finished, mean kilometres run weekly in the last three months, and previous personal best time in the 10 km, half marathon and marathon were recorded. Moreover, anthropometric characteristics, and the results from the Ruffier test and a whole-body isometric force test were measured. After the marathon, the race time was registered. Results: Training volume (r=-0.479; P=0.001), previous running milestones (marathon r=0.756; half-marathon r=0.812; 10-km r= 0.732; P<0.001), cardiovascular fitness (r=0.371; P=0.001) and anthropometric variables (body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, skinfolds and lower leg volume) were correlated to marathon performance (P<0.05). Two regression models appeared from the data with r2>0.50. The best, including body fat percentage, heart rate change during the recovery after the Ruffier test and the half-marathon race time, was strongly correlated with real marathon performance (r=0.77; P<0.001). A second regression model was proposed replacing the half-marathon performance with the 10-km race time, reducing the correlation to 0.73 (P<0.001). Conclusion: Marathon performance could be partially predicted by two different equations, including body fat percentage, recovery heart rate in the Ruffier test and a half- marathon or 10-km performance.

RoadtoGold 2014

Data

Jul 2014

The Road to Gold: Training and Peaking Characteristics in the Year Prior to a Gold Medal Endurance Performance

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2014
PLOS ONE

Purpose: To describe training variations across the annual cycle in Olympic and World Champion endurance athletes, and determine whether these athletes used tapering strategies in line with recommendations in the literature. Methods: Eleven elite XC skiers and biathletes (4 male; 28±1 yr, 85±5 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1) VO2max, 7 female, 25±4 yr, 73±3 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1) VO2max) reported one year of day-to-day training leading up to the most successful competition of their career. Training data were divided into periodization and peaking phases and distributed into training forms, intensity zones and endurance activity forms. Results: Athletes trained ∼800 h/500 sessions x year(-1), including ∼500 h x year(-1) of sport-specific training. Ninety-four percent of all training was executed as aerobic endurance training. Of this, ∼90% was low intensity training (LIT, below the first lactate threshold) and 10% high intensity training (HIT, above the first lactate threshold) by time. Categorically, 23% of training sessions were characterized as HIT with primary portions executed at or above the first lactate turn point. Training volume and specificity distribution conformed to a traditional periodization model, but absolute volume of HIT remained stable across phases. However, HIT training patterns tended to become more polarized in the competition phase. Training volume, frequency and intensity remained unchanged from pre-peaking to peaking period, but there was a 32±15% (P<.01) volume reduction from the preparation period to peaking phase. Conclusions: The annual training data for these Olympic and World champion XC skiers and biathletes conforms to previously reported training patterns of elite endurance athletes. During the competition phase, training became more sport-specific, with 92% performed as XC skiing. However, they did not follow suggested tapering practice derived from short-term experimental studies. Only three out of 11 athletes took a rest day during the final 5 days prior to their most successful competition.

The Effect of Strength Training on Performance in Endurance Athletes

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2014

Economy, velocity/power at maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) and endurance-specific muscle power tests (i.e. maximal anaerobic running velocity; vMART), are now thought to be the best performance predictors in elite endurance athletes. In addition to cardiovascular function, these key performance indicators are believed to be partly dictated by the neuromuscular system. One technique to improve neuromuscular efficiency in athletes is through strength training. The aim of this systematic review was to search the body of scientific literature for original research investigating the effect of strength training on performance indicators in well-trained endurance athletes-specifically economy, [Formula: see text] and muscle power (vMART). A search was performed using the MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science search engines. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria (athletes had to be trained endurance athletes with ≥6 months endurance training, training ≥6 h per week OR [Formula: see text] ≥50 mL/min/kg, the strength interventions had to be ≥5 weeks in duration, and control groups used). All studies were reviewed using the PEDro scale. The results showed that strength training improved time-trial performance, economy, [Formula: see text] and vMART in competitive endurance athletes. The present research available supports the addition of strength training in an endurance athlete's programme for improved economy, [Formula: see text], muscle power and performance. However, it is evident that further research is needed. Future investigations should include valid strength assessments (i.e. squats, jump squats, drop jumps) through a range of velocities (maximal-strength ↔ strength-speed ↔ speed-strength ↔ reactive-strength), and administer appropriate strength programmes (exercise, load and velocity prescription) over a long-term intervention period (>6 months) for optimal transfer to performance.

Comparison of Training and Anthropometric Characteristics between Recreational Male Half-Marathoners and Marathoners

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2013
CHINESE J PHYSIOL

Participation in endurance running such as half-marathon (21-km) and marathon (42-km) has increased over the last decades. We compared 147 recreational male half-marathoners and 126 recreational male marathoners to investigate similarities or differences in their anthropometric and training characteristics. The half-marathoners were heavier (P < 0.05), had longer legs (P < 0.001), thicker upper arms (P < 0.05), a thicker thigh (P < 0.01), a higher sum of skinfold thicknesses (P < 0.01), a higher body fat percentage (P < 0.05) and a higher skeletal muscle mass (P < 0.05) than the marathoners. They had fewer years of experience (P < 0.05), completed fewer weekly training kilometers (P < 0.001), and fewer weekly running hours (P < 0.01) compared to the marathoners. For halfmarathoners, body mass index (P = 0.011), percent body fat (P = 0.036) and speed in running during training (P < 0.0001) were related to race time (r 2 #61; 0.47). For marathoners, percent body fat (P #61; 0.001) and speed in running during training (P < 0.0001) were associated to race time (r 2 #61; 0.47). When body mass index was excluded for the half-marathoners in the multi-variate analysis, r 2 decreased to 0.45, therefore body mass index explained only 2% of the variance of half-marathon performance. Percent body fat was significantly and negatively related to running speed during training in both groups. To summarize, half-marathoners showed differences in both anthropometry and training characteristics compared to marathoners that could be related to their lower training volume, most probably due to the shorter race distance they intended to compete. Both groups of athletes seemed to profit from low body fat and a high running speed during training for fast race times.

The Influence of Training and Mental Skills Preparation on Injury Incidence and Performance in Marathon Runners

Article

Feb 2013
J STRENGTH COND RES

There has been a considerable increase in the number of participants running marathons over the past several years. The 26.2 mile race requires physical and mental stamina to successfully complete. However, studies have not investigated how running and mental skills preparation influence injury and performance. The purpose of our study was to describe the training and mental skills preparation of a typical group of runners as they began a marathon training program, assess the influence of training and mental skills preparation on injury incidence, and examine how training and mental skills preparation influence marathon performance. Healthy adults (N=1957) participating in an 18-week training program for a fall 2011 marathon were recruited for the study. One hundred twenty-five runners enrolled and received four surveys: pre-training, 6-weeks, 12-weeks, post-training. The pre-training survey asked training and mental skills preparation questions. The 6- and 12-week surveys asked about injury incidence. The post-training survey asked about injury incidence and marathon performance. Tempo runs during training preparation had a significant positive relationship to injury incidence in the 6-week survey (ρ (93) = 0.26, P=0.01). Runners who reported incorporating tempo and interval runs, running more miles/week, and running more days/week in their training preparation ran significantly faster than those reporting less tempo and interval runs, miles/week, and days/week (P≤0.05). Mental skills preparation did not influence injury incidence or marathon performance. To prevent injury, as well as maximize performance, while marathon training, it is important to that coaches and runners ensure a solid foundation of running fitness and experience exists, followed by gradually building volume, and then strategically incorporating runs of various speeds and distances.

Interactions between monthly training volume, frequency and running distance per workout on marathon time

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2022
EUR J APPL PHYSIOL

PurposeThis study attempted to clarify the relationships between marathon time and monthly training volume, training frequency and the longest (LRD) or average running distance per workout (ARD), as well as their interactions.Methods Male recreational runners (n = 587) participating in the Hokkaido Marathon 2017 completed a questionnaire before the race; of these, 494 finished the race. We assessed age, running career, body height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), monthly training volume, training frequency, the LRD and the ARD. These indicators were each divided into 4 or 5 homogeneous subgroups to determine whether the other indicators in each subgroup predicted marathon time.ResultsIn the training frequency subgroups, there were significant correlations between monthly training volume, the LRD or the ARD and marathon time, except for the subgroup that trained 2 times per week or less; in this subgroup, the relationship between the ARD and marathon time was not significant. In all monthly training volume subgroups, there were no significant relationships between training frequency, the LRD or the ARD and marathon time. In the ≥ 21 km LRD and ≥ 10 km ARD subgroups, there were significant correlations between monthly training volume and marathon time (all P < 0.01); these correlations were not significant in the 1–20 km LRD and < 10 km ARD subgroups.Conclusion These results indicate that monthly training volume is the most important factor in predicting marathon time and that the influence of monthly training volume is only significant if the running distance per workout exceeded a certain level.

Tactical behavior of high‐level male marathon runners

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2021
SCAND J MED SCI SPOR

This study analyzes the strategy used by the best male runners who participated in one of the major city marathons (Frankfurt Marathon, 2008‐2018), the all‐time performances <2:04:00, the male world records achieved during the 21st century and the Nike Breaking2 Project and INEOS 1:59 Challenge (total = 235 races). The races of the best runners in the Frankfurt Marathon (top 10) were analyzed (n = 110 runners, range: 2:03:42‐2:14:05 hours); the runners were divided into two groups according to the tactical used. The pace of Group A (stable pace) remained steady throughout the race, while in Group B (decrease in running speed toward the end of the race) a moderate, but significant drop in speed was detected (P ≤ .001), starting from halfway through the race and getting sharper from the 30th kilometer (30‐35 km = 1.6%, P ≤ .001 – 35‐40 km = 4.3%, P ≤ .001 – 40‐42.195 km: 3.9%, P ≤ .001, total = ≈10%). In the races in which the world record is achieved, the running speed tends to be steady and relatively conservative during the first stretch of the race, increasing smoothly in the second half and achieving a significant increase in the last 2195 m of the race (P = .016, ES = 1.14). Among all the possible strategies, running at a steady pace throughout the race seems the most effective option, especially when priority is given to time rather than position (ie, world records and best all‐time races).

Why does strength training improve endurance performance?

Article

Oct 2020

Andrew W Best

Objective The specificity of training principle holds that adaptations to exercise training closely match capacity to the specific demands of the stimulus. Improvements in endurance sport performance gained through strength training are a notable exception to this principle. While the proximate mechanisms for how strength training produces muscular adaptations beneficial to endurance sports are increasingly well understood, the ultimate causes of this phenomenon remain unexplored. Methods Using a holistic approach tying together exercise physiology and evolution, I argue that we can reconcile the apparent “endurance training specificity paradox.” Results and Conclusions Competing selective pressures, inherited mammalian biology, and millennia of living in energy‐scarce environments constrained our evolution as endurance athletes, but also imparted high muscular plasticity which can be exploited to improve endurance performance beyond what was useful in our evolutionary past.

Number of finishers and performance of age group women and men in long-distance running: Comparison among 10 km, half-marathon and marathon races in Oslo

Article

Feb 2020

The aim of the present study was to examine the number of finishers and performance trends in 10 km, half-marathon and marathon races in Oslo. Data (total 115,725 finishers; women, n = 50,595; men, n = 65,130) from 10 km, half-marathon and marathon races in Oslo from 2008 to 2018 were analysed considering number, sex, age and running speed of finishers. The total men-to-women ratio was the smallest in the 10 km race (0.60) and the largest in the marathon (3.86) (p < 0.01, φ = 0.28). In both women and men, the slowest running speed was shown in the older age groups (p < 0.01). Based on the findings of the present study, it was concluded that relatively more women finished a 10 km and less a half-marathon and a marathon. Our results indicated that the sex difference in performance was attenuated in the longer race distances and older age groups.

Marathon Pacing Ability: Training Characteristics and Previous Experience

Article

Oct 2019
EUR J SPORT SCI

Even pacing within the marathon has been associated with faster marathon performance times, however, little literature has investigated the association between pacing ability during a marathon and a recreational marathoner’s training characteristics and previous experiences. N = 139 participants completed an online questionnaire concerning training history in relation to a 2017 marathon and previous long-distance running experiences. Online databases were used to collect split times of the participants after successfully completing a 2017 marathon, identifying the percentage slowdown in pace between the first half and second half of the marathon, used for correlational analyses. The strongest correlates for pacing ability were marathon finishing time and previous distance race personal best finishing times (i.e. marathon, half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km). There were many weaker, however significant correlates for training history characteristics and previous long-distance running experience. The current findings demonstrate that greater accrued long-distance running experiences and higher weekly training volumes are strongly associated smaller declines in pace during the second half of the marathon in comparison to the first half and less variability in pace during the marathon.

Women, Sport and Physical Activity

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2017

INFLUENCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON RUNNING PERFORMANCE OF ENDURANCE ATHLETES

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2018

Running is a popular form of physical activity and can be carried out through several different distances. Morphological characteristics, such as skin fold thickness, limb girth and length, body weight and body fat percentage have an impact on endurance running. The objective of this systematic review study is to collect and analyze studies about the influence of morphological characteristics on running performance of endurance athletes. Based on an analysis of electronic databases and the inclusion criteria set, 20 studies were included in the analysis. The length of the extremities and the sum of the skin folds thickness have the highest statistical significance as the predictor. The results of the analyzed studies indicate that slim limbs, longer legs, lower total skin fold thickness and lower body fat percentage are some of the characteristics that can be good predictors for competitive success and a model to be tended during the preparation period of male and female endurance runners.

Efektivitas Latihan Tahap Persiapan Khusus terhadap Endurance Atlet Pria Junior Cabang Olahraga Taekwondo

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Efektivitas Latihan Tahap Persiapan Khusus Terhadap Endurance Atlet Pria Junior Cabang Olahraga Taekwondo. Endurance merupakan parameter kebugaran seorang atlet cabang olahraga taekwondo agar dapat berprestasi maksimal. Sampel penelitian dipilih secara acak dari atlet pria junior cabang olahraga taekwondo UPI dan SMAN 23 Bandung sebanyak 20 orang. Jenis penelitian experimental yang dilakukan dengan tes lapangan. Design penelitian ini pre dan post test design. Teknik pengambilan data dari hasil tes lari 12 menit yang diukur sebelum dan sesudah diberi perlakuan TPK. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan Endurance Atlet Pria Junior Cabang Olahraga Taekwondo setelah diberi pelatihan TPK. Endurance akan memengaruhi berapa lama atlet cabang olahraga taekwondo akan mampu bermain dalam lapangan pertandingan.

An empirical study of race times in recreational endurance runners

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2016

Background Studies of endurance running have typically involved elite athletes, small sample sizes and measures that require special expertise or equipment. Methods We examined factors associated with race performance and explored methods for race time prediction using information routinely available to a recreational runner. An Internet survey was used to collect data from recreational endurance runners (N = 2303). The cohort was split 2:1 into a training set and validation set to create models to predict race time. ResultsSex, age, BMI and race training were associated with mean race velocity for all race distances. The difference in velocity between males and females decreased with increasing distance. Tempo runs were more strongly associated with velocity for shorter distances, while typical weekly training mileage and interval training had similar associations with velocity for all race distances. The commonly used Riegel formula for race time prediction was well-calibrated for races up to a half-marathon, but dramatically underestimated marathon time, giving times at least 10 min too fast for half of runners. We built two models to predict marathon time. The mean squared error for Riegel was 381 compared to 228 (model based on one prior race) and 208 (model based on two prior races). Conclusions Our findings can be used to inform race training and to provide more accurate race time predictions for better pacing.

Half-marathoners are younger and slower than marathoners

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2016

Age and performance trends of elite and recreational marathoners are well investigated, but not for half-marathoners. We analysed age and performance trends in 508,108 age group runners (125,894 female and 328,430 male half-marathoners and 10,205 female and 43,489 male marathoners) competing between 1999 and 2014 in all flat half-marathons and marathons held in Switzerland using single linear regression analyses, mixed-effects regression analyses and analyses of variance. The number of women and men increased across years in both half-marathons and marathons. There were 12.3 times more female half-marathoners than female marathoners and 7.5 times more male half-marathoners than male marathoners. For both half-marathons and marathons, most of the female and male finishers were recorded in age group 40–44 years. In half-marathons, women (10.29 ± 3.03 km/h) were running 0.07 ± 0.06 km/h faster (p < 0.001) than men (10.22 ± 3.06 km/h). Also in marathon, women (14.77 ± 4.13 km/h) were running 0.28 ± 0.16 km/h faster (p < 0.001) than men (14.48 ± 4.07 km/h). In marathon, women (42.18 ± 10.63 years) were at the same age than men (42.06 ± 10.45 years) (p > 0.05). Also in half-marathon, women (41.40 ± 10.63 years) were at the same age than men (41.31 ± 10.30 years) (p > 0.05). However, women and men marathon runners were older than their counterpart half-marathon runners (p < 0.001). In summary, (1) more athletes competed in half-marathons than in marathons, (2) women were running faster than men, (3) half-marathoners were running slower than marathoners, and (4) half-marathoners were younger than marathoners.

The effects of strength training on running economy in highly trained runners: a systematic review with meta-analysis of controlled trials

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2015

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials to determine the effect of strength-training programs on the running economy (RE) of high-level middle- and long-distance runners. Four electronic databases were searched in September 2015 (Pubmed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE and CINAHL) for original research articles. After analyzing 699 resultant original articles, studies were included if the following criteria were met: (a) participants were competitive middle- and/or long-distance runners; (b) participants had a VO2max > 60mL·kg-1-·min-1; (c) studies were controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals; (d) studies analyzed the effects of strength-training programs with a duration greater than 4 weeks; (e) RE was measured before and after the strength-training intervention. Five studies met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a total sample size of 93 competitive, high-level middle- and long-distance runners. Four out of five of the included studies used low to moderate training intensities (40-70% one-repetition maximum), and all of them used low to moderate training volume (2-4 resistance lower-body exercises plus up to 200 jumps and 5-10 short sprints) 2-3 per week for 8-12 weeks. The meta-analyzed effect of strength training programs on RE in high-level middle- and long- distance runners showed a large, beneficial effect (standardized mean difference [95%Confidence Interval] = -1.42 [-2.23, -0.60]). In conclusion, a strength-training program including low to high intensity resistance exercises and plyometric exercises performed 2-3 times per week for 8-12 weeks is an appropriate strategy to improve RE in highly training middle- and long-distance runners.

Wheelchair half-marathon and marathon performance – the ‘Oita International Wheelchair Marathon’ 1983-2011

Article

Jan 2013

We compared participation and performance trends of individuals with disabilities competing in the half- and full-marathon in the ‘Oita International Wheelchair Marathon’ from 1981 to 2011. The performance times decreased during the 1980’s until the middle 1990’s and stabilized thereafter for both half-marathoners and marathoners. The mean top five overall finishers times were 0:52±0:07 h:min for half-marathoners and 1:36 ±0:11 h:min for marathoners, respectively. The mean age of the finishers increased significantly (p < 0.01) by 0.51 year per annum for the half-marathoners and by 0.62 year per annum for the marathoners, respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.001) age effect on time performance for both distances. The best time performance was observed for the age comprised between 16 and 54 years for half-marathoners, and between 25 and 49 years for marathoners, respectively.

Relationship of Anthropometric and Training Characteristics with Race Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Athletes

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2014

Beat Knechtle

A variety of anthropometric and training characteristics have been identified as predictor variables for race performance in endurance and ultra-endurance athletes. Anthropometric characteristics such as skin-fold thicknesses, body fat, circumferences and length of limbs, body mass, body height, and body mass index were bi-variately related to race performance in endurance athletes such as swimmers in pools and in open water, in road and mountain bike cyclists, and in runners and triathletes over different distances. Additionally, training variables such as volume and speed were also bi-variately associated with race performance. Multi-variate regression analyses including anthropometric and training characteristics reduced the predictor variables mainly to body fat and speed during training units. Further multi-variate regression analyses including additionally the aspects of previous experience such as personal best times showed that mainly previous best time in shorter races were the most important predictors for ultra-endurance race times. Ultra-endurance athletes seemed to prepare differently for their races compared to endurance athletes where ultra-endurance athletes invested more time in training and completed more training kilometers at lower speed compared to endurance athletes. In conclusion, the most important predictor variables for ultra-endurance athletes were a fast personal best time in shorter races, a low body fat and a high speed during training units.

Ultramarathon Runners: Nature or Nurture?

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2012

Beat Knechtle

Ultramarathon running is increasingly popular. An ultramarathon is defined as a running event involving distances longer than the length of a traditional marathon of 42.195 km. In ultramarathon races, ~80% of the finishers are men. Ultramarathoners are typically ~45 y old and achieve their fastest running times between 30 and 49 y for men, and between 30 and 54 y for women. Most probably, ultrarunners start with a marathon before competing in an ultramarathon. In ultramarathoners, the number of previously completed marathons is significantly higher than the number of completed marathons in marathoners. However, recreational marathoners have a faster personal-best marathon time than ultramarathoners. Successful ultramarathoners have 7.6 ± 6.3 y of experience in ultrarunning. Ultramarathoners complete more running kilometers in training than marathoners do, but they run more slowly during training than marathoners. To summarize, ultramarathoners are master runners, have a broad experience in running, and prepare differently for an ultramarathon than marathoners do. However, it is not known what motivates male ultramarathoners and where ultramarathoners mainly originate. Future studies need to investigate the motivation of male ultramarathoners, where the best ultramarathoners originate, and whether they prepare by competing in marathons before entering ultramarathons.

Strength Training For Distance Running: A Scientific Perspective

Article

Jun 2010

Jason R Karp

ALTHOUGH STRENGTH TRAINING HAS BECOME COMMON AMONG MANY ATHLETES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN STRENGTH/POWER/SPEED SPORTS, IS IT NECESSARY TO IMPROVE DISTANCE RUNNING PERFORMANCE THAT IS PRIMARILY LIMITED BY THE ABILITY TO TRANSPORT AND USE OXYGEN? THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE ISSUE OF STRENGTH TRAINING FOR THE DISTANCE RUNNER AND TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF STRENGTH TRAINING WHEN DONE FOR POWER.

What is Best Practice for Training Intensity and Duration Distribution in Endurance Athletes?

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2010

Stephen Seiler

Successful endurance training involves the manipulation of training intensity, duration, and frequency, with the implicit goals of maximizing performance, minimizing risk of negative training outcomes, and timing peak fitness and performances to be achieved when they matter most. Numerous descriptive studies of the training characteristics of nationally or internationally competitive endurance athletes training 10 to 13 times per week seem to converge on a typical intensity distribution in which about 80% of training sessions are performed at low intensity (2 mM blood lactate), with about 20% dominated by periods of high-intensity work, such as interval training at approx. 90% VO2max. Endurance athletes appear to self-organize toward a high-volume training approach with careful application of high-intensity training incorporated throughout the training cycle. Training intensification studies performed on already well-trained athletes do not provide any convincing evidence that a greater emphasis on high-intensity interval training in this highly trained athlete population gives long-term performance gains. The predominance of low-intensity, long-duration training, in combination with fewer, highly intensive bouts may be complementary in terms of optimizing adaptive signaling and technical mastery at an acceptable level of stress.

Factors Modulating the Priming Response to Resistance and Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercise Stimuli

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

Trainingsmethodische und leistungssportstrukturelle Tendenzen im Mittel- und Langstreckenlauf in den USA

Thesis

Full-text available

Aug 2013

Nico Walter

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die positiven Entwicklungstendenzen im Mittel- und Langstreckenlauf in den USA thematisiert. Der Autor verfolgt dabei das Ziel, Ursachen für diese Entwicklungen mittels einer systematischen Literaturrecherche herauszuarbeiten und das Konzept des Erfolges darzustellen. Hierbei wird im ersten Teil anhand von Nationenwertungen und Analysen der Jahresbestzeiten sowie der Platzierungen in den Weltjahresbestenlisten diese Entwicklung konkretisiert. Der zweite Abschnitt beinhaltet die möglichen Ursachen, wobei der Autor vorerst auf den High School und College Bereich, an-schließend auf den professionellen Hochleistungsbereich eingeht. Es konnte festgestellt werden, dass die positiven Entwicklungen geschlechts- und disziplinübergreifend sind und ihren Ursprung 2001 im Nachwuchsbereich hatten. Für den Hochleistungsbereich lässt sich der Beginn der positiven Tendenzen mit der Weltmeisterschaft 2007 festhalten. Der Autor kommt des Weiteren zu dem Ergebnis, dass sowohl trainingsmethodische, als auch leistungssportstrukturelle Ursachen auf allen Ebenen des US- amerikanischen Leistungssportsystems diese starken Steigerungsraten erklären lassen. Als Kernaspekt wird auf das Modell der Trainingszentren eingegangen, wobei der Autor im Schlussteil versucht, Anregungen für den deutschen Mittel- und Langstreckenlauf zu geben.

The use of interval-training methods by coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2021

Limited research exists on how coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners implement interval-training (IT) methods. IT interventions within research focus on physiological measures whereas coaches focus on performance, leading to a disconnect between the IT methods utilized in research and practice. This study aimed to identify how coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners implement IT methods within the training regimen. A survey was developed that comprised 5 sections: participant demographics, the use of IT, the type and characteristics of IT, recovery from IT, and reasons for including IT. Thirty (29 male, 1 female) coaches completed the survey. All coaches prescribed short, medium and long work intervals into the training regimen using race paces of 800m, 3000m, and 10000m, respectively, to prescribe intensity. Active recovery modalities were prescribed by the majority of coaches between sets and repetitions of all types of work intervals. The majority of coaches periodized the type of work interval prescribed relative to the competition date, with 1-2 IT sessions prescribed per week, year-round. Most coaches reported learning about IT primarily from their own training and coaching books, however, the most valuable sources of education for IT were ranked as scientific literature, coaching courses and workshops.

Prediction Equations for Marathon Performance: A Systematic Review

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2019

Purpose: Despite the volume of available literature focusing on marathon running and the prediction of performance, no single prediction equations exists that is accurate for all runners of varying experiences and abilities. Indeed the relative merits and utility of the existing equations remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to collate, characterize, compare, and contrast all available marathon prediction equations. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify observational research studies outlining any kind of prediction algorithm for marathon performance. Results: Thirty-six studies with 114 equations were identified. Sixty-one equations were based on training and anthropometric variables, whereas 53 equations included variables that required laboratory tests and equipment. The accuracy of these equations was denoted via a variety of metrics; r2 values were provided for 68 equations (r2 = .10-.99), and an SEE was provided for 19 equations (SEE 0.27-27.4 min). Conclusion: Heterogeneity of the data precludes the identification of a single "best" equation. Important variables such as course gradient, sex, and expected weather conditions were often not included, and some widely used equations did not report the r2 value. Runners should therefore be wary of relying on a single equation to predict their performance.

Relationship between anthropometric and bio-motor profile with competitive performance of Iranian national cross-country running team

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2018

Hadi Nobari

Abstract Background & Purpose: Cross-country running is considered as one of the most exciting and popular series of the endurance running and because of the specific circumstances of this field which helds in the off-road environment, it requires high fitness. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to determine anthropometric and Bio-motor profile of national Cross-Country running team members. Materials & Methods: The participants were 9 male national Iranian cross-country runners. The age of athletes was 25.4±4.1 years and records 36.55±47 min for the 12 km; All subjects anthropometric characteristics, height, weight, lengths, width, circumference and skin-fold thickness were calculated and bio-motor factors, including VO2MAX, anaerobic power, explosive power, speed, agility, flexibility, maximum heart rate and resting heart rate were assessed and measured with standard methods. Results: The findings indicated a significant relationship between anthropometric variables, femur length (r=-0.69, p=0.038), anterior-posterior chest width (r=-0.80, p=0.009), chest width (r=-0.82, p=0.006), Mid-axilla skinfold (r=0.75, p=0.019) and Chest circumference (r=0.709, p=0.032). Among the bio motor variables, there were a significant relationship only in resting heart rate (r=0.94, p=0.001) and 10 km record (r=0.62, p=0.05) with competitive performance of cross-country runners. Also, 2.12 minutes difference has been observed between the male's national team record and international average record of runners, which significantly (0.001) indicates that the foreign runners’ records are better than the records of runners inside the country. Conclusions: According to these findings, the national team cross-country runners’ underperformance refers to their anthropometric characteristics, bio motor factors and the type of training. Therefore, it recommended to coaches, athletes and athletics Federation officials to consider special attention to some of these indicators in formulation of their strategies and planning in order to implement the proper exercises to strengthen and enhancement of developmental factors. Highlights . Keywords Profile; aerobic power; Cross-country running; Somatotype; Endurance runners

A Better Predictor of Marathon Race Times Based on Neural Networks

Conference Paper

Nov 2017

Dimitris C. Dracopoulos

A novel application of artificial neural networks is presented for the prediction of marathon race times based on performances in races of other distances. For many years Riegel’s formula was used for the prediction of time in running races, given the race time of a person in a different distance. Recently, two different models which perform better than the classic formula in the prediction of marathon times were published in the literature. This work shows how a new approach based on artificial neural networks outperforms significantly these recently published models for marathon time prediction.

Sylta, Ø.: Endurance training organization in elite endurance athletes – From description of best practice towards individualized prescription. Doktorgradsavhandling ved Universitetet i Agder. (2017)

Thesis

Full-text available

May 2017

Øystein Sylta

Laufsport und der Zusammenhang zwischen Training und Körperbau: Running and the association with anthropometric and training characteristics

Article

Full-text available

May 2015
Ther Umsch

Running can be performed as a sprint discipline on the track over a few meters up to 10 km to the marathon and ultramarathon running distances over hundreds to thousands of kilometers. Running performance is influenced by a variety of anthropometric and training factors. Morphological features such as skin fold thickness, body fat percentage, circumferences and length of limbs, body weight, body height and body mass index (BMI) seem to have an influence on the running performance. The training volume and running speed during training are also correlated with running performance. When all variables were investigated comparatively, body fat and running speed during training were usually the most important influencing factors. For longer running performances (over 6 hours or 100 km, respectively), the aspects of experience (number of successfully finished races) and personal best times were, however, far more important than training volume or morphological characteristics such as body fat. It was also shown that ultra runners prepare differently (lower running speed and higher running volume) as runners competing over shorter distances such as half-marathon and marathon.

Distance Running as an Ideal Domain for Demonstrating a Sex Difference in Enduring Competitiveness

Article

May 2011

Robert O Deaner

Men’s dominance of cultural displays has been hypothesized to reflect an evolved male predisposition for enduring competitiveness. Evidence for this hypothesis is equivocal, however, because there are viable alternative explanations for men’s dominance in most display domains. Here I argue that distance running is an ideal domain for addressing this issue. Distance running is ideal because it indicates enduring competitiveness, allows objective comparisons, and is accessible, acceptable, and popular for both men and women. I review recent studies and present new data showing that substantially more men than women run relatively fast in the U.S., that this sex difference in relative performance can be attributed to men’s greater training motivation, and that this pattern has been stable for several decades. Distance running thus provides compelling evidence for an evolved male predisposition for enduring competitiveness. I conclude with suggestions regarding how variation in achievement motivation can be informed by considering how evolved predispositions interact with environmental and social conditions.

Interval Training for Performance: A Scientific and Empirical Practice

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2001

Veronique Louise Billat

This article traces the history of scientific and empirical interval training. Scientific research has shed some light on the choice of intensity, work duration and rest periods in so-called ‘interval training’. Interval training involves repeated short to long bouts of rather high intensity exercise (equal or superior to maximal lactate steady-state velocity) interspersed with recovery periods (light exercise or rest). Interval training was first described by Reindell and Roskamm and was popularised in the 1950s by the Olympic champion, Emil Zatopek. Since then middle- and long- distance runners have used this technique to train at velocities close to their own specific competition velocity. In fact, trainers have used specific velocities from 800 to 5000m to calibrate interval training without taking into account physiological markers. However, outside of the competition season it seems better to refer to the velocities associated with particular physiological responses in the range from maximal lactate steady state to the absolute maximal velocity. The range of velocities used in a race must be taken into consideration, since even world records are not run at a constant pace.

Interval training for performance: A scientific and empirical practice. Special recommendations for middle- and long-distance running. Part I: Aerobic interval training

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2001

Veronique Louise Billat

This article traces the history of scientific and empirical interval training. Scientific research has shed some light on the choice of intensity, work duration and rest periods in so-called 'interval training'. Interval training involves repeated short to long bouts of rather high intensity exercise (equal or superior to maximal lactate steady-state velocity) interspersed with recovery periods (light exercise or rest). Interval training was first described by Reindell and Roskamm and was popularised in the 1950s by the Olympic champion, Emil Zatopek. Since then middle- and long- distance runners have used this technique to train at velocities close to their own specific competition velocity. In fact, trainers have used specific velocities from 800 to 5000m to calibrate interval training without taking into account physiological markers. However, outside of the competition season it seems better to refer to the velocities associated with particular physiological responses in the range from maximal lactate steady state to the absolute maximal velocity. The range of velocities used in a race must be taken into consideration, since even world records are not run at a constant pace.

Physical and training characteristics of top-class marathon runners

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2001
MED SCI SPORT EXER

This study compares the physical and training characteristics of top-class marathon runners (TC), i.e., runners having a personal best of less than 2 h 11 min for males and 2 h 32 min for females, respectively, versus high-level (HL) (< 2 h 16 min and < 2 h 38 min). Twenty marathon runners (five TC and HL in each gender) ran 10 km at their best marathon performance velocity (vMarathon) on a level road. This velocity was the target velocity for the Olympic trials they performed 8 wk later. After a rest of 6 min, they ran an all-out 1000-m run to determine the peak oxygen consumption on flat road (.VO(2peak)). Marathon performance time (MPT) was inversely correlated with .VO(2peak). (r = -0.73, P < 0.01) and predicted 59% of the variance of MPT. Moreover, TC male marathon runners were less economical because their energy cost of running (Cr) at marathon velocity was significantly higher than that of their counterparts (212 +/- 17 vs 195 +/- 14 mL.km(-1).kg(-1), P = 0.03). For females, no difference was observed for the energetic characteristics between TC and HL marathon runners. However, the velocity reached during the 1000-m run performed after the 10-km run at vMarathon was highly correlated with MPT (r = -0.85, P < 0.001). Concerning training differences, independent of the gender, TC marathon runners trained for more total kilometers per week and at a higher velocity (velocity over 3000 m and 10,000 m). The high energy output seems to be the discriminating factor for top-class male marathon runners who trained at higher relative intensities.

Effect of Training on the Physiological Factors of Performance in Elite Marathon Runners (Males and Females)

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2002

This study examined the effect of 8 weeks of specific marathon training before the Olympic trials on the physiological factors of the marathon performance in top-class marathon runners. Five males and four females, age 34 +/- 6 yr (+/- SD) with a marathon performance time of 2 h 11 min 40 s +/- 2 min 27 s for males and 2 h 35 min 34 s +/- 2 min 54 s for females, performed one test ten and two weeks before the trials. Between this period they trained weekly 180 +/- 27 km and 155 +/- 19 km with 11 +/- 7 and 7 +/- 0% of this distance at velocity over 10000 m for males and females, respectively. The purpose of this test was to determine in real conditions i. e. on level road: VO2 peak, the energy cost of running and the fractional utilisation of VO2 peak at the marathon velocity (vMarathon). They ran 10 km at the speed of their personal best marathon performance on a level road and after a rest of 6 min they ran an all-out 1000 m run. VO2 peak increased after the 8 weeks of pre-competitive training (66.3 +/- 9.2 vs 69.9 +/- 9.4 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1), p = 0.01). Moreover, since the oxygen cost of running at vMarathon did not change after this training, the fractional utilization (F) of VO2 peak during the 10 km run at vMarathon decreased significantly after training (94.6 +/- 6.2% VO2 peak vs 90.3 +/- 9.5% VO2 peak, p = 0.04). The high intensity of pre-competitive training increased VO2 peak and did not change the running economy at vMarathon and decreased the fractional utilization of VO2 peak at vMarathon.

Endurance training and performance in runners: research limitations and unanswered questions

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2003

Kris Berg

The purpose of this review is to discuss several limitations common to research concerning running and, secondly, to identify selected areas where additional research appears needed. Hopefully, this review will provide guidance for future research in terms of topics, as well as design and methodology. Limitations in the research include: lack of longitudinal studies, inadequate description of training status of individuals, lack of confirmation of state of rest, nourishment and hydration, infrequent use of allometric scaling to express oxygen uptake, relative neglect of anaerobic power and physical structure as determinants of performance, neglect of the central nervous system, and reliance on laboratory data. Further research in a number of areas is needed to enhance our knowledge of running performance. This includes: body mass as a performance determinant, evaluation of methods used to measure economy of running, assessing the link between strength and running performance, and further examination of training methods. While the amount of research on distance running is voluminous, the present state of knowledge is somewhat restricted by the limitations in research design and methodology identified here.

Training and Bioenergetic Characteristics in Elite Male and Female Kenyan Runners

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2003
MED SCI SPORT EXER

This study compares the training characteristics and the physical profiles of top-class male and female Kenyan long-distance runners. The subjects were 20 elite Kenyan runners: 13 men (10-km performance time: 10-km performance time of 28 min, 36 s +/- 18 s) and 7 women (32 min, 32 s +/- 65 s). The male runners were separated into high-speed training runners (HST: N = 6) and low-speed training runners (LST: N = 7) depending on whether they train at speeds equal or higher than those associated with the maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max ). All but one woman were high-speed training runners (female HST: N = 6). Subjects performed an incremental test on a 400-m track to determine VO2max, vVO2max, and the velocity at the lactate threshold (vLT). Within each gender among the HST group, 10-km performance time was inversely correlated with vVO2max (rho = -0.86, P = 0.05, and rho = -0.95, P = 0.03, for men and women, respectively). HST male runners had a higher VO2max, a lower (but not significantly) fraction of vVO2max (FVO2max ) at the lactate threshold, and a higher energy cost of running (ECR). Among men, the weekly training distance at vVO2max explained 59% of the variance of vVO2max, and vVO2max explained 52% of the variance of 10-km performance time. Kenyan women had a high VO2max and FVO2max at vLT that was lower than their male HST counterparts. ECR was not significantly different between genders. The velocity at the VO2max is the main factor predicting the variance of the 10-km performance both in men and women, and high-intensity training contributes to this higher VO2max among men.

Strength and Conditioning Practices of National Hockey League Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2004

This study describes the results of a survey of the practices of National Hockey League strength and conditioning (NHL S&C) coaches. The response rate was 76.6% (23 of 30). This survey examines (a) background information, (b) physical testing, (c) flexibility development, (d) speed development, (e) plyometrics, (f) strength/power development, (g) unique aspects, and (h) comments. Results indicate, in part, that coaches assess an average of 7.2 parameters of fitness, with tests of strength and power being the most common. All coaches used a variety of flexibility-development strategies. Results reveal that 21 of 23 (91.3%) of NHL S&C coaches follow a periodization model (PM). Of the coaches who follow a PM, 21 of 21 (100%) indicated that their athletes used Olympic-style lifts, and 21 of 21 coaches (100%) trained athletes with plyometric exercises. For those who used plyometrics with their athletes, 17 of 21 (80.1%) reported no plyometric-related injuries in the past year. Coaches who report they did not follow a PM also did not use Olympic-style lifts, plyometrics, or speed development strategies, such as assisted, resisted, or interval training, with their athletes. Finally, coaches reported that the squat and their variations, as well at the Olympic-style lifts and its variations, were most frequently used with their athletes. The survey serves as a review, as well as a source of applied information and new ideas.

Strength and Conditioning Practices of Major League Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2005

This study describes the results of a survey of the practices of Major League Baseball strength and conditioning (MLB S&C) coaches. The response rate was 70.0% (21 of 30). This survey examines (a) background information, (b) physical testing, (c) flexibility development, (d) speed development, (e) plyometrics, (f) strength/power development, (g) unique aspects, and (h) comments. Results indicate, in part, that coaches assess an average of 3.6 parameters of fitness, with body composition testing being the most commonly assessed parameter. All coaches use a variety of flexibility development strategies. All coaches use speed development strategies, with form running drills being the most common. Twenty of 21 (95.2%) coaches employ plyometric exercises with their athletes. Eighteen of 21 (85.7%) of MLB S&C coaches follow a periodization model (PM). Five of 21 coaches (23.8%) indicated that their athletes use Olympic-style lifts. The squat and its variations and the lunge and its variations were most frequently identified as the first and second most important exercises used to train the athletes. This survey provides detailed information about strength and conditioning practices at the most competitive level of baseball and serves as a review, as well as a source of applied information and new ideas.

Strength and Conditioning Practices of National Basketball Association Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2005

This study describes the results of a survey of the practices of National Basketball Association strength and conditioning (NBA S&C) coaches. The response rate was 68.9% (20 of 29). This survey examines (a) background information, (b) physical testing, (c) flexibility development, (d) speed development, (e) plyometrics, (f) strength/power development, (g) unique aspects, and (h) comments from coaches providing additional information. Results indicate, in part, that coaches assess an average of 7.3 parameters of fitness, with body composition testing being the most common. All coaches used a variety of flexibility development strategies. Results reveal that 17 of 20 (85.0%) of NBA S&C coaches follow a periodization model. Nineteen of 20 coaches (95.0%) indicated that their athletes used Olympic-style lifts. All coaches employed plyometric exercises with their athletes. The squat and its variations, as well as the Olympic-style lifts and their variations, were the most frequently used exercises. The survey serves as a review and a source of applied information and new ideas.

“Living high-training low” altitude training improves sea level performance in male and female elite runners

Article

Sep 2001

Acclimatization to moderate high altitude accompanied by training at low altitude (living high-training low) has been shown to improve sea level endurance performance in accomplished, but not elite, runners. Whether elite athletes, who may be closer to the maximal structural and functional adaptive capacity of the respiratory (i.e., oxygen transport from environment to mitochondria) system, may achieve similar performance gains is unclear. To answer this question, we studied 14 elite men and 8 elite women before and after 27 days of living at 2,500 m while performing high-intensity training at 1,250 m. The altitude sojourn began 1 wk after the USA Track and Field National Championships, when the athletes were close to their season's fitness peak. Sea level 3,000-m time trial performance was significantly improved by 1.1% (95% confidence limits 0.3–1.9%). One-third of the athletes achieved personal best times for the distance after the altitude training camp. The improvement in running performance was accompanied by a 3% improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (72.1 ± 1.5 to 74.4 ± 1.5 ml · kg ⁻¹ · min ⁻¹ ). Circulating erythropoietin levels were near double initial sea level values 20 h after ascent (8.5 ± 0.5 to 16.2 ± 1.0 IU/ml). Soluble transferrin receptor levels were significantly elevated on the 19th day at altitude, confirming a stimulation of erythropoiesis (2.1 ± 0.7 to 2.5 ± 0.6 μg/ml). Hb concentration measured at sea level increased 1 g/dl over the course of the camp (13.3 ± 0.2 to 14.3 ± 0.2 g/dl). We conclude that 4 wk of acclimatization to moderate altitude, accompanied by high-intensity training at low altitude, improves sea level endurance performance even in elite runners. Both the mechanism and magnitude of the effect appear similar to that observed in less accomplished runners, even for athletes who may have achieved near maximal oxygen transport capacity for humans.

The Effect of Hypo and Hyperbaria on Performance

Article

Jan 2000

Endurance Training and Performance in Runners

Article

Oct 2003

Kris Berg

Training and Bioenergetic Characteristics in Elite Male and Female Kenyan Runners

Article

Feb 2003
MED SCI SPORT EXER

Timothy D Noakes

An abstract is unavailable. This article is available as HTML full text and PDF.

OVERVIEW

Article

Dec 2006
ANN NY ACAD SCI

Michael L. Pollock

Medical examination and electrocardiographic analysis of elite distance runners

Article

Feb 1977

Abnormalities simulating organic heart disease often occur in apparently healthy, young, highly conditioned individuals who would seem to have excellent cardiovascular function, and be unlikely to have significant cardiovascular abnormalities. Some of these ECG abnormalities are physiologically reasonable and explainable as a result of the training process (bradycardia, increased precordial R wave voltage, increased PR interval); others are more difficult to explain physiologically. This current study is particularly enlightening for the following reasons: The individuals studied, all world class middle-long distance or marathon runners, represent one of the most highly conditioned groups of athletes ever studied (mean maximal oxygen uptake = 76.9 ml/kg. min; range 71 to 84). Secondly, electrocardiograms were monitored during and immediately following maximal exercise. Most of the electrocardiographic studies on athletes have examined only resting ECGs or have only looked at ECGs taken a few minutes following vigorous exercise. Thirdly, the scope of the cardiovascular evaluation of these athletes was extremely broad and included complete medical history and physical examination, chest X ray, resting ECG, maximum stress ECG, echocardiography, phonocardiography, and vectorcardiography (VCG).

Peak treadmill running velocity during the VO2 max test predicts running performance

Article

Feb 1990

Twenty specialist marathon runners and 23 specialist ultra-marathon runners underwent maximal exercise testing to determine the relative value of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), peak treadmill running velocity, running velocity at the lactate turnpoint, VO2 at 16 km h-1, % VO2max at 16 km h-1, and running time in other races, for predicting performance in races of 10-90 km. Race time at 10 or 21.1 km was the best predictor of performance at 42.2 km in specialist marathon runners and at 42.2 and 90 km in specialist ultra-marathon runners (r = 0.91-0.97). Peak treadmill running velocity was the best laboratory-measured predictor of performance (r = -0.88(-)-0.94) at all distances in ultra-marathon specialists and at all distances except 42.2 km in marathon specialists. Other predictive variables were running velocity at the lactate turnpoint (r = -0.80(-)-0.92); % VO2max at 16 km h-1 (r = 0.76-0.90) and VO2max (r = 0.55(-)-0.86). Peak blood lactate concentrations (r = 0.68-0.71) and VO2 at 16 km h-1 (r = 0.10-0.61) were less good predictors. These data indicate: (i) that in groups of trained long distance runners, the physiological factors that determine success in races of 10-90 km are the same; thus there may not be variables that predict success uniquely in either 10 km, marathon or ultra-marathon runners, and (ii) that peak treadmill running velocity is at least as good a predictor of running performance as is the lactate turnpoint. Factors that determine the peak treadmill running velocity are not known but are not likely to be related to maximum rates of muscle oxygen utilization.

Project Overview and Description of Performance, Training, and Physical Characteristics in Elite Women Distance Runners*

Article

Dec 1987

Fluence of weekly training distance on fractional utilization of maximum aerobic capacity in marathon and ultramarathon runners

Article

Feb 1986
Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol

This study was designed to examine the interrelationships between performance in endurance running events from 10 to 90 km, training volume 3-5 weeks prior to competition, and the fractional utilization of maximal aerobic capacity (%VO2max) during each of the events. Thirty male subjects underwent horizontal treadmill testing to determine their VO2max, and steady-state VO2 at specific speeds to allow for calculation of %VO2max sustained during competition. Runners were divided into groups of ten according to their weekly training distance (group A trained less than 60 km X week-1, group B 60 to 100 km X week-1, and group C more than 100 km X week-1). Runners training more than 100 km X week-1 had significantly faster running times (average 19.2%) in all events than did those training less than 100 km X week-1. VO2max or %VO2max sustained during competition was not different between groups. The faster running speed of the more trained runners, running at the same %VO2max during competition, was due to their superior running economy (19.9%). Thus all of the group differences in running performance could be explained on the basis of their differences in running economy. These findings suggest either that the main effect of training more than 100 km X week-1 may be to increase running economy, or that runners who train more than 100 km X week-1 may have inherited superior running economy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anthropometric and training variables related to 10km running performance

Article

Jan 1987

Sixty male distance athletes were divided into three equal groups according to their personal best time for the 10km run. The runners were measured anthropometrically and each runner completed a detailed questionnaire on his athletic status, training programme and performance. The runners in this study had similar anthropometric and training profiles to other distance runners of a similar standard. The most able runners were shorter and lighter than those in the other two groups and significantly smaller skinfold values (P less than 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for either bone widths or circumferences but the elite and good runners had significantly higher ponderal indices (P less than 0.05) than the average runners, indicating that they are more linear. Elite and good runners were also less endomorphic but more ectomorphic than the average runners. The elite runners trained more often, ran more miles per week and had been running longer (P less than 0.05) than good or average runners. A multiple regression and discriminant function analysis indicated that linearity, total skinfold, the type and frequency of training and the number of years running were the best predictors of running performance and success at the 10km distance.

Anthropometric and training characteristics of female marathon runners as determinants of distance running performance

Article

Feb 1985

The purpose of this study was to determine how female marathon runners of varying standards differed in body composition and physique and in their training regimes, and secondly to develop predictors of distance running performance from the anthropometric and training variables. Female marathon runners (n = 36), all participants in a national 10 mile (16 km) road racing championship, were divided into three groups according to their best time for the 26.2 mile race. They were assessed for body composition and somatotype using anthropometric techniques and completed a questionnaire about their current training for the marathon. No difference was found between the groups of distance runners when measured for height, bone widths and circumferences. The three groups were found to have similar body weights of approximately 53 kg, a value which is much lower than the average for sedentary women, but which compares favourably with those from previous studies of female long distance runners. While all the runners had a lower per cent fat, as measured from skinfold thicknesses, than sedentary women, the elite runners were seen to have significantly lower values (P less than 0.05) than the other two groups. The difference in body fat was particularly reflected in the triceps skinfold value. There was also a tendency for the elite runners to be more ectomorphic and less endomorphic than the others. The better runners were seen, on the whole, to have been running longer, and to have more strenuous regimes, both in terms of intensity of training and distance run per week. Multiple regression and discriminant function analyses indicated that the number of training sessions per week and the number of years training were the best predictors of competitive performance at both 10 mile and marathon distances. They also indicated that a female long distance runner with a slim physique high in ectomorphy has the greatest potential for success.

Physical characteristics of novice and experienced women marathon runners

Article

Oct 1983

The physiological and anthropometric characteristics of 23 non-elite women marathoners were studied. Ten of these women had never run a marathon before (novices) and 13 had run at least one marathon during the previous year (experienced). A comparison of characteristics of these two groups to each other and to elite women marathoners, as reported in the literature, disclosed no significant (p greater than 0.01) among the groups in age, % body fat, body weight, height, lean body mass or HR max. Significant differences (p less than 0.01) were noted, however, in VO2 max (45.8, 51.8, 59.1 ml.kg-1 min-1), VE max (76.3, 94.7, 108.9 L.min-1), and years of training (0.54, 2.06, 4.55 years) with the novice runners having the smallest values, the experienced runners having the next larger values, and the elite runners having the largest values. For our subjects, estimated percentage of body fat did not correlate with finish time, but VO2 max and finish time were significantly related (r = -0.72, p less than 0.01). This suggest that women marathon runners are similar in anthropometric measurements, and that improved performance is associated with higher aerobic capacity and years of training rather than with body dimensions.

Superior fatigue resistance of elite black South African distance runners

Article

Nov 1993

Black athletes currently dominate long-distance running events in South Africa. In an attempt to explain an apparently superior running ability of black South African athletes at distances > 3 km, we compared physiological measurements in the fastest 9 white and 11 black South African middle-to long-distance runners. Whereas both groups ran at a similar percentage of maximal O2 uptake (%VO2max) over 1.65-5 km, the %VO2max sustained by black athletes was greater than that of white athletes at distances > 5 km (P < 0.001). Although both groups had similar training volumes, black athletes reported that they completed more exercise at > 80% VO2max (36 +/- 18 vs. 14 +/- 7%: P < 0.005). When corrections were made for the black athletes' smaller body mass, their superior ability to sustain a high %VO2max could not be explained by any differences in VO2max, maximal ventilation, or submaximal running economy. Superior distance running performance of the black athletes was not due to a greater (+/- 50%) percentage of type I fibers but was associated with lower blood lactate concentrations during exercise. Time to fatigue during repetitive isometric muscle contractions was also longer in black runners (169 +/- 65 vs. 97 +/- 69 s; P < 0.05), but whether this observation explains the superior endurance or was due to the lower peak muscle strength (46.3 +/- 10.3 vs. 67.5 +/- 18.0 Nm/l lean thigh volume; P < 0.01) remains to be established.

Predicting competition performance in long-distance running by means of a treadmill test

Article

Nov 1998
MED SCI SPORT EXER

The purpose of this study was to examine the power of 16 parameters beside the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) in predicting performance in various competition distances. This study examined 427 competitive runners to test the prediction probability of the IAT and other parameters for various running distances. All runners (339 men, 88 women; ages, 32.5 +/- 10.14 yr; training, 7.1 +/- 5.53 yr; training distance, 77.9 +/- 35.63 km.wk-1) performed an increment test on the treadmill (starting speed, 6 or 8 km.h-1; increments, 2 km.h-1; increment duration, 3 min to exhaustion). The heart rate (HR) and the lactate concentrations in hemolyzed whole blood were measured at rest and at the end of each exercise level. The IAT was defined as the running speed at a net increase in lactate concentration 1.5 mmol.L-1 above the lactate concentration at LT. Significant correlations (r = 0.88-0.93) with the mean competition speed were found for the competition distances and could be increased using stepwise multiple regression (r = 0.953-0.968) with a set of additional parameters from the training history, anthropometric data, or the performance diagnostics. The running speed at a defined net lactate increase thus produces an increasing prediction accuracy with increasing distance. A parallel curve of the identity straight lines with the straight lines of regression indicates the independence of at least a second independent performance determining factor.

The Effect of Endurance Training on Parameters of Aerobic Fitness

Article

Jul 2000

Endurance exercise training results in profound adaptations of the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular systems that enhance the delivery of oxygen from the atmosphere to the mitochondria and enable a tighter regulation of muscle metabolism. These adaptations effect an improvement in endurance performance that is manifest as a rightward shift in the 'velocity-time curve'. This shift enables athletes to exercise for longer at a given absolute exercise intensity, or to exercise at a higher exercise intensity for a given duration. There are 4 key parameters of aerobic fitness that affect the nature of the velocity-time curve that can be measured in the human athlete. These are the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), exercise economy, the lactate/ventilatory threshold and oxygen uptake kinetics. Other parameters that may help determine endurance performance, and that are related to the other 4 parameters, are the velocity at VO2max (V-VO2max) and the maximal lactate steady state or critical power. This review considers the effect of endurance training on the key parameters of aerobic (endurance) fitness and attempts to relate these changes to the adaptations seen in the body's physiological systems with training. The importance of improvements in the aerobic fitness parameters to the enhancement of endurance performance is highlighted, as are the training methods that may be considered optimal for facilitating such improvements.

Stress fracture and bone health in track and field athlete

Article

Oct 2000
J SCI MED SPORT

Aurelia Nattiv

The effect of exercise on bone health has received much attention in recent years. The problems of the female athlete triad: disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis have helped us to better understand and appreciate the important interaction of mechanical, hormonal, nutritional as well as genetic factors on bone health in the young female athlete. The relatively high stress fracture incidence of young track and field athletes can be quite disabling for the athlete's present and future running career. A number of risk factors including low bone mineral density (BMD), menstrual irregularities, dietary factors and prior history of stress fractures have been associated with an increased risk for stress fractures in the female athlete. Few studies have found risk factors for stress fractures in the male athlete. Female gender has been found to be a risk factor for stress fractures in the military population, but this finding is less apparent in athlete studies. Caucasians have been found to have a higher risk for stress fractures than African-American military recruits, but there is very limited data assessing stress fracture risk in athletes of varying ethnicity. Prevention of stress injury to bone involves maximizing peak bone mass in the pediatric and young adult age groups. Maintaining adequate calcium nutrition, caloric intake as well as hormonal and energy balance are important preventive measures, as are ensuring appropriate amounts of weight bearing exercise for optimizing bone health and preventing fractures. More research is needed to determine factors leading to improvements in bone density and fracture reduction in athletes at risk.

Current Trends in Altitude Training

Article

Feb 2001

Randall L Wilber

Recently, endurance athletes have used several novel approaches and modalities for altitude training including: (i) normobaric hypoxia via nitrogen dilution (hypoxic apartment); (ii) supplemental oxygen; (iii) hypoxic sleeping devices; and (iv) intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE). A normobaric hypoxic apartment simulates an altitude environment equivalent to approximately 2000 to 3000m (6560 to 9840ft). Athletes who use a hypoxic apartment typically ‘live and sleep high’ in the hypoxic apartment for 8 to 18 hours a day, but complete their training at sea level, or approximate sea level conditions. Several studies suggest that using a hypoxic apartment in this manner produces beneficial changes in serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels, reticulocyte count and red blood cell (RBC) mass, which in turn may lead to improvements in postaltitude endurance performance. However, other studies failed to demonstrate significant changes in haematological indices as a result of using a hypoxic apartment. These discrepancies may be caused by differences in methodology, the hypoxic stimulus that athletes were exposed to and/or the training status of the athletes. Supplemental oxygen is used to simulate either normoxic (sea level) or hyperoxic conditions during high-intensity workouts at altitude. This method is a modification of the ‘high-low’ strategy, since athletes live in a natural terrestrial altitude environment but train at ‘sea level’ with the aid of supplemental oxygen. Limited data regarding the efficacy of hyperoxic training suggests that highintensity workouts at moderate altitude (1860m/6100ft) and endurance performance at sea level may be enhanced when supplemental oxygen training is utilised at altitude over a duration of several weeks. Hypoxic sleeping devices include the Colorado Altitude Training (CAT) Hatch™ (hypobaric chamber) and Hypoxico Tent System™ (normobaric hypoxic system), both of which are designed to allow athletes to sleep high and train low. These devices simulate altitudes up to approximately 4575m/15006ft and 4270m/14005ft, respectively. Currently, no studies have been published on the efficacy of these devices on RBC production, maximal oxygen uptake and/or performance in elite athletes. IHE is based on the assumption that brief exposures to hypoxia (1.5 to 2.0 hours) are sufficient to stimulate the release of EPO, and ultimately bring about an increase in RBC concentration. Athletes typically use IHE while at rest, or in conjunction with a training session. Data regarding the effect of IHE on haematological indices and athletic performance are minimal and inconclusive.

"Living high - training low" altitude training improves sea level performance in male and female elite runners

Article

Oct 2001

Acclimatization to moderate high altitude accompanied by training at low altitude (living high-training low) has been shown to improve sea level endurance performance in accomplished, but not elite, runners. Whether elite athletes, who may be closer to the maximal structural and functional adaptive capacity of the respiratory (i.e., oxygen transport from environment to mitochondria) system, may achieve similar performance gains is unclear. To answer this question, we studied 14 elite men and 8 elite women before and after 27 days of living at 2,500 m while performing high-intensity training at 1,250 m. The altitude sojourn began 1 wk after the USA Track and Field National Championships, when the athletes were close to their season's fitness peak. Sea level 3,000-m time trial performance was significantly improved by 1.1% (95% confidence limits 0.3-1.9%). One-third of the athletes achieved personal best times for the distance after the altitude training camp. The improvement in running performance was accompanied by a 3% improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (72.1 +/- 1.5 to 74.4 +/- 1.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Circulating erythropoietin levels were near double initial sea level values 20 h after ascent (8.5 +/- 0.5 to 16.2 +/- 1.0 IU/ml). Soluble transferrin receptor levels were significantly elevated on the 19th day at altitude, confirming a stimulation of erythropoiesis (2.1 +/- 0.7 to 2.5 +/- 0.6 microg/ml). Hb concentration measured at sea level increased 1 g/dl over the course of the camp (13.3 +/- 0.2 to 14.3 +/- 0.2 g/dl). We conclude that 4 wk of acclimatization to moderate altitude, accompanied by high-intensity training at low altitude, improves sea level endurance performance even in elite runners. Both the mechanism and magnitude of the effect appear similar to that observed in less accomplished runners, even for athletes who may have achieved near maximal oxygen transport capacity for humans.

Strength and Conditioning Practices of National Football League Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Article

Feb 2001

This article describes the results of a survey of the practices of National Football League strength and conditioning (NFL S&C) coaches. The response rate was 87% (26 of 30). This survey examines survey participant (a) background information, (b) physical testing, (c) flexibility development, (d) speed development, (e) plyometrics, (f) strength/power development, (g) unique aspects, and (h) comments. Results reveal that 18 of 26 (69%) NFL S&C coaches follow a periodization model (PM). Of these coaches, 14 of 16 (88%) who responded to the question reported their athletes used Olympic-style lifts, and 17 of 18 coaches (94%) employed plyometric exercises. Coaches who reported following a PM tested an average of 9.8 variables of fitness, which is an average of 3.55 times per year. Seven of 26 (27%) NFL S&C coaches did not follow a PM (NPM). Five of 7 (71%) of these coaches reported following "high-intensity training" (HIT) principles. None of these coaches reported using Olympic-style lifts. Two of 7 (29%) reported using plyometrics. NFL S&C coaches who follow an NPM reported testing an average of 2.12 variables of fitness, which is an average of 2 times per year. A variety of other strength and conditioning practices were examined.

A Survey of the Scientific Data and Training Methods Utilized by Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Article

Jun 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which scientific research influences college strength and conditioning coaching practices and to determine the training methods utilized. A total of 321 surveys were mailed to Division I strength and conditioning coaches, and the response rate was 42.7% (137 of 321 surveys). Results indicate that all subjects held a baccalaureate degree, the majority in a human performance-related field, and that 75% were Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certified. The respondents' most widely utilized professional resources were the Strength and Conditioning Journal (94%) and other collegiate coaches and programs (93%). Forty-seven percent of respondents indicated that other collegiate coaches and their programs were the most important sources of knowledge outside of formal education. The majority indicated that they used a periodization protocol (93%) utilizing multiple sets (97%), plyometrics (90%), explosive movements (88%), and Olympic lifts (85%). Respondents tend to rely on sources of information that may not be defined as scientific, as evidenced by the low priority given to peer-reviewed literature. Respondents also tend to employ the methods they utilized as athletes. Reliance on these sources may not take advantage of advances made through scientific research in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and more specifically the area of strength and conditioning.

Training and performance characteristics among Norwegian International Rowers 1970–2001

Article

Oct 2004

This study quantified changes in training volume, organization, and physical capacity among Norwegian rowers winning international medals between 1970 and 2001. Twenty-eight athletes were identified (27 alive). Results of physiological testing and performance history were available for all athletes. Twenty-one of 27 athletes responded to a detailed questionnaire regarding their training during their internationally competitive years. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) increased 12% (6.5+/- 0.4 vs. 5.8+/-0.2 L min(-1)) from the 1970s to the 1990s. Similarly, 6-min ergometer rowing performance increased almost 10%. Three major changes in training characteristics were identified: (1) training at a low blood lactate (< 2 mM) increased from 30 to 50 h month(-1) and race pace and supra-maximal intensity training (approximately 8-14 mM lactate) decreased from 23 to approximately 7 h month(-1); (2) training volume increased by approximately 20%, from 924 to 1128 h yr(-1); (3) altitude training was used as a pre-competition peaking strategy, but it is now integrated into the winter preparation program as periodic 2-3-week altitude camps. The training organization trends are consistent with data collected on athletes from other sports, suggesting a "polarized" pattern of training organization where a high volume of low intensity training is balanced against regular application of training bouts utilizing 90%-95% of VO2 max.

Quantifying training intensity distribution in elite endurance athletes: Is there evidence for an "optimal" distribution?

Article

Feb 2006

This study was designed to quantify the daily distribution of training intensity in a group of well-trained junior cross-country skiers and compare the results of three different methods of training intensity quantification. Eleven male athletes performed treadmill tests to exhaustion to determine heart rate and VO2 corresponding to ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and maximal heart rate. VT1 and VT2 were used to delineate three intensity zones. During the same time period, all training sessions (N=384, 37 strength training, 347 endurance) performed over 32 consecutive days were quantified using continuous heart rate registration and session Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). In addition, a subset of 60 consecutive training sessions was quantified using blood lactate measurements. Intensity distribution across endurance training sessions (n=318) was similar when based on heart rate analysis (75+/-3%, zone 1; 8+/-3%, zone 2; 17+/-4%, zone 3) or session RPE (76+/-4%, zone 1; 6+/-5%, zone 2; 18+/-7%, zone 3). Similarly, from measurements of 60 consecutive sessions, 71% were performed with <or=2.0 mM blood lactate, 7% between 2 and 4 mM, and 22% with over 4 mM (mean=9.5+/-2.8 mM). In this group of nationally competitive junior skiers, training was organized after a polarized pattern, with most sessions performed clearly below (about 75%) or with substantial periods above (15-20%) the lactate accommodation zone, which is bounded by VT1 and VT2. The pattern quantified here is similar to that reported in observational studies of elite endurance athletes across several sports. It appears that elite endurance athletes train surprisingly little at the lactate threshold intensity.

Characteristics of elite class distance runners: overview Training of Olympic-Trials Marathoners 93 8. Jones AM, Carter H. The effect of endurance training on parameters of aerobic fi tness

Jan 1977
278-282373

Ml Pollock

Pollock ML. Characteristics of elite class distance runners: overview. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1977;301:278-282. Training of Olympic-Trials Marathoners 93 8. Jones AM, Carter H. The effect of endurance training on parameters of aerobic fi tness. Sports Med. 2000;29:373-386.

Danielsʼ Running Formula. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics

Jan 1998

Jt Daniels

Daniels JT. Danielsʼ Running Formula. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics; 1998.

Jan 2003

Td Noakes
Lore
Running

Noakes TD. Lore of Running. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics; 2003.

Anthropometric Reference Data, United States, 1988-1994. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs

Disease Centers
Control
Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anthropometric Reference Data, United States, 1988-1994. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhanes/Anthropometric%20 Measures.htm.

Training Characteristics of Qualifiers for the US Olympic Marathon Trials

Abstract

No full-text available

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