Effect of change of the training load for middle-distance runner on physiological indexes and running performance:

Pay attention to distance and intensity of running training

Abstract

    This study was conducted to clarify the effect of changing the training load on middle-distance running performance and various physiological indexes during intermittent running tests including maximal anaerobic running test (MART) and maximal aerobic running test (VO₂-LT test). The subject was a well-trained female collegiate middle-distance runner. The results can be summarized as follows. 1) The total running distance of the third season in college (2,053km) decreased significantly (40 to 50 percent) compared with the first season in college (3,540km). In contrast, the distance of high-intensity running training increased about 35 percent (170 to 232km). 2) Physiological indexes (VO₂max, vVO₂max and velocity estimated by blood lactate movement) during running tests in the third season in college improved compared with indexes of the same period of the first season in college. 3) The 800m race time decreased 1.60 seconds and the average of race time meeting the criteria for Sports Form(minus 2 percent level of season best record) was reduced of 2.23 seconds from the first season to the third season in college. These results indicate that high-intensity running training throughout the season provides the possibility to avoid trading off aerobic power for anaerobic power and to improve the 800m race time.