Training Intensity Distribution and Changes in Performance and Physiology of a 2nd Place Finisher Team of the Race across America Over a 6 Month Preparation Period

Abstract

Aim: To monitor the training intensity distribution (TID) and the development of physiological and performance parameters.Methods: During their preparation period for the RAAM, 4 athletes (plus 1 additional backup racer) performed 3 testing sessions; one before, one after 3, and one after 6 months of training. VO2max, maximal rate of lactate accumulation (dLa/dtmax), critical power, power output at lactate minimum (MLSSP), peak and mean power output during a sprint test, heart rate recovery, isometric strength, jumping height, and body composition were determined. All training sessions were recorded with a power meter. The endurance TID was analyzed based on the time in zone approach, according to a classical 3-zone model, including all power data of training sessions, and a power specific 3-zone model, where time with power output below 50% of MLSSP was not considered.Results: The TID using the classical 3-zone model reflected a pyramidal TID (zone 1: 63 ± 16, zone 2: 28 ± 13 and zone 3: 9 ± 4%). The power specific 3-zone model resulted in a threshold-based TID (zone 1: 48 ± 13, zone 2: 39 ± 10, zone 3: 13 ± 4%). VO2max increased by 7.1 ± 5.3% (P = 0.06). dLa/dtmax decreased by 16.3 ± 8.1% (P = 0.03). Power output at lactate minimum and critical power increased by 10.3 ± 4.1 and 16.8 ± 6.2% (P = 0.01), respectively. No changes were found for strength parameters and jumps.Conclusion: The present study underlines that a threshold oriented TID results in only moderate increases in physiological parameters. The amount of training below 50% of MLSSp (~28% of total training time) is remarkably high. Researchers, trainers, and athletes should pay attention to the different ways of interpreting training power data, to gain realistic insights into the TID and the corresponding improvements in performance and physiological parameters.

Evaluation of a sport-specific field test to determine maximal lactate accumulation rate and sprint performance parameters in running

“…4,6,38 Consequently, faster sprints result in a lower denominator and thus higher estimation ofVLa max compared to cycling. 7,8,27 For the estimation of glycolytic power, the increase in lactate concentration (La ) is the key variable of this approach. An individual quantification of the underlying physiology (capacity and power of the phosphagenous system) cannot be provided using this approach.…”

“…(1). [6][7][8] To compare approximation approaches (for t alac ), t alac was determined as t pmax−3.5% and interpolated according to previous research. 6,7,9 For exercises lasting 10.5 and 21.5 s, t alac was assumed to be 3 and 4 s, respectively.…”

“…(1). [6][7][8] VLa max = La max -La Pre t test -t alac (1) As a representation of phosphocreatine metabolism, t alac can be determined using different approaches. As applied in cycling, t alac can be determined as the period when power output decreased by 3.5% (t pmax−3.5% ).…”

“…14,[18][19][20][21] In summary, by knowing the acute velocity of the athlete during an all-out exercise of 10 to 15 s, external work components, power output and thus t pmax−3.5% can be determined to calculateVLa max in running. Even though the need for an adequate, reliable and practical parameter of anaerobic metabolism in running has been stressed by several authors 2,22 , VLa max and/or its training induced changes have only been examined in swimming [23][24][25][26] and cycling [7][8][9]27,28 .…”

“…28 In ultra-endurance cyclists, a training-induced increase in MLSS was associated with an increase in maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and a decrease inVLa max . 8 Since running is the most common type of locomotion in sports andVLa max already demonstrated its sensitivity to certain training regimes, there is a need to develop and evaluate a sport-specific field test to determineVLa max and sprint performance parameters in running. Hence, the aims of this study were to:…”