Specific Intensity for Peaking: Is Race Pace the Best Option?

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Endurance Training

Background:

• Peaking for endurance competition involves increasing training intensity after a high-volume, lower-intensity phase.
• Understanding optimal training strategies during peaking is crucial for well-trained athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological and 10 km performance effects of high-intensity training (HIT) versus race pace interval training (RP) during the peaking phase.
• To evaluate the impact of different interval training intensities on maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) and running economy.

Main Methods:

• 13 well-trained runners participated, divided into HIT and RP groups for a 6-week peaking intervention.
• HIT involved intervals at ~105% MAV, RP at ~90% MAV (approximating 10 km race pace).
• 10 km time trials and graded treadmill tests to determine VO2max and running economy were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both HIT and RP groups achieved significant improvements in 10 km race times.
• VO2max increased significantly in the HIT group but not in the RP group.
• Running economy significantly decreased in the HIT group, while no significant change was observed in the RP group.

Conclusions:

• A 6-week peaking period using either HIT or RP training resulted in similar 10 km performance gains.
• HIT training positively impacted VO2max but detrimentally affected running economy.
• RP training did not yield significant changes in VO2max or running economy, despite similar performance improvements.