The aim of this study was to compare training volume and the distribution of training intensity of six of the best long-distance runners in Norway from the last decade.Three international-level long-distance runners (two males and one female) and three marathon runners (one male and two females) were included. The runners' training diaries for one of the seasons they competed in an international championship were analysed. The reported running volume (km/week) was used to estimate the distribution of training at the prescribed intensity zones in representative weeks in the preparation period and in the competition season.During the preparation period (November -February) the marathon runners ran an average of 186.6 ± 25.7 km/week and the track runners 161 ± 11 km/week. For all runners, 80 ± 5% of the weekly training distance (km/week) in this period was continuous running with a heart rate (HR) between 65-82% of maximum. The remaining 20% of total training volume (km/week) was performed at intensities near and above the anaerobic threshold (82-92% of HRmax). This was done in three to five weekly interval sessions or continuous running sessions. All athletes ran 11 -13 sessions per week. The training volume (km/week) in the pre-competition period and the competition season did not differ much from the volume in the preparation period. The track runners increased the amount of highintensity training at specific race pace in the pre-competition period (March and April), and in the track competition season (May -September).

The purpose of the present study was to describe training characteristics of distance junior runners at European top level. INTRODUCTIONThe question of how to organize daily training to improve aerobic capacity in elite junior endurance athletes is a debated topic among coaches and researchers throughout the world, and several attempts have been made to construct a model of optimal endurance training 1,2 . In a training program for long-distance runners, the most essential exercise variables are training volume (km/week), training frequency (training units/week) and intensity distribution measured in percent of maximum heart rate (% HR max ) or in percent of V · O 2 max

Already at junior level, there were performance and physiological differences distinguishing those who later became WT riders. The findings emphasize the need for high volumes of training and competition, as well as a high level of race performance already at junior level, to become a successful elite road cyclist.

The aim of this study was to analyse the performance development and training structure of three Norwegian brothers, HI, FI and JI who are all European 1500 m champions, and to examine to what extent training, environment and family support has been decisive in their development. Their performance development and training from the age of 13 was examined through analysis of the Norwegian Athletic Federation (Norges Friidrettsforbund) all-time best results for boys in 800 m and 1500 m; analysis of training diaries; observation of training sessions; and dialogue with the three runners, their father and coach and their mother. All three were very physically active from a young age, and they have taken part in different sports. In the preparation period leading up to the 2018 and 2019 seasons, these three athletes ran an average of 140–160 km·week–1, with 23–25% at and above anaerobic threshold pace. Training intensity was monitored and controlled via blood lactate measurements taken during all interval sessions. Throughout childhood and adolescence, the boys were highly motivated and strongly encouraged to take part in sport and training by their close family. All the three were coached by their father. An active childhood, a gradual progression in training volume, strong family support, mental toughness, a high volume of training at and above anaerobic threshold, and mindful monitoring and regulation of training intensity have brought these brothers to a top international level in distance running.