Is Marathon Training Harder than the Ironman Training? An ECO-method Comparison

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Endurance Sports Training

Background:

• Recreational athletes engage in diverse endurance events like marathons and Ironman triathlons.
• Understanding the training load differences between these events is crucial for optimizing athlete preparation and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the absolute and relative training load between Marathon (42k) and Ironman (IM) training in recreational athletes.
• To assess training efficiency by examining the ratio of training load to training time and competition time.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen marathoners and fifteen triathletes with similar performance levels participated.
• Training load was quantified using the Objective Load Scale (ECOs) over the final 16 weeks.
• Individual training zones were established using gas exchange and lactate tests.

Main Results:

• Ironman athletes had significantly higher weekly training time and average ECOs (training load) than marathoners.
• Marathon runners exhibited a superior ratio of training load to training time (ECOs/time) and training load to competition time.
• The training time to competition time ratio was also significantly higher for marathoners.

Conclusions:

• Despite higher absolute training volume, Ironman training appears less intense relative to race duration compared to marathon training.
• Marathon preparation demonstrates greater training efficiency when considering load and time relative to race demands.
• These findings highlight the distinct physiological and time-based demands of preparing for a marathon versus an Ironman triathlon.