Performance and Training Load Profiles in Recreational Male Trail Runners: Analyzing Their Interactions during Competitions

Abstract

Endurance sports like trail running constitute an extensive individual modality causing numerous physiological changes to occur in the athlete. In this sense, an adequate monitoring of training load appears to be essential to improve competition performance. The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to analyze trail runners’ weekly load variations in the four weeks leading up to a trail running competition, and (ii) to determine the relationship between the runners’ pacing in competitions and their physical fitness and workload parameters. Twenty-five amateur male trail runners (age: 36.23 ± 8.30 years old; minimum International Trail Running Association performance index: 600) were monitored daily for the duration of a season (52 weeks). External load (distance covered, pace) and internal load (rate of perceived exertion) were measured daily. Additionally, weekly workload measures of acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), training monotony, and training strain were calculated. The runners were also assessed for maximal aerobic speed (MAS) every four months. No significant differences in workload measures (p > 0.05) were observed in the four weeks leading up to each short trail competition; however, leading up to the long trail, ultra-trail medium, and ultra-trail long/extra-long competitions, the differences in the runners’ workload measures were significant (p < 0.05). In the short trail, pace was found to be moderately correlated with the ACWR of total distance (r = −0.334) and with training monotony of rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (r = −0.303). In the ultra-trail, a large correlation was observed between pace and elevation accumulated (r = 0.677). We concluded that significant workload differences from one week to the next only occurred in preparation for longer-distance competitions, with sudden acute load decreases and very low ACWR values reported mainly in weeks 1 and 2 of the taper. Meaningful relationships were found between performance (pace) and MAS for longer trails and between pace and MAS for ultra-trail competitions.

Effects of Ultratrail Running on Neuromuscular Function, Muscle Damage and Hydration Status. Differences According to Training Level

“…The percentage of increase in creatinine levels was higher in the high-level group ( p < 0.05). Research concerning the study of trail running has increased in recent years [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]…”

Monitorización y periodización del rendimiento desde la fisioterapia deportiva ¿Hacia dónde vamos?

“…La monitorización y periodización es un concepto que se ha desarrollado en la última década donde se busca tener un control de la carga interna y externa en los deportistas de distintas disciplinas deportivas que 2022;11(2): 31-43 son expuestos a factores de prescripción de ejercicio que producen modifi caciones a nivel fi siológico, bioquímico, biomecanico, muscular, cardiovascular y causan tensión en los subsistemas del movimiento corporal humano que buscan una adaptación especifi ca ante una carga determinada que puede ser medida mediante el uso de tecnología especifi ca o test indirectos mediante la aplicación de pruebas (11), desde fi sioterapia siempre se ha establecido como un reto controlar los procesos de rehabilitación, recuperación, prevención y readaptación deportiva donde se establezcan perfi les de seguimiento específi cos por jugador, posición y disciplina deportiva a nivel de lesiones, retorno al juego, control de la carga y procesos de recuperación que permita mejorar la toma de decisiones por parte de fi sioterapia (12)(13)(14).…”

Variations of Trail Runner’s Fitness Measures across a Season and Relationships with Workload

“…Trail running is performed on uneven off-road routes (e.g., through mountains, forests, deserts), depending on the distance or elevation of any given race [ 17 ]. Given these particularities, the athlete’s demands are higher due to the number of kilometers, uneven ground, and constant ascents and descents; it is essential to understand this relationship and which fitness levels most strongly affect performance [ 18 ]. At the same time, it is essential to understand what physical variables (e.g., strength and balance) should be included in the training process to enhance the athlete’s performance.…”