Moving Beyond Weekly "Distance": Optimizing Quantification of Training Load in Runners.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Running distance quantifies some training stress but is an incomplete measure.
• It influences mechanical, cardiovascular, and psychological loads, impacting performance and injury risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critique the sole reliance on running distance for training quantification.
• Advocate for alternative methods to monitor training stress.
• Discuss factors influencing training loads and injury risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• Commentary synthesizing current knowledge on training load quantification.
• Discussion of external (e.g., volume, pace, biomechanics) and internal (e.g., RPE, heart rate, lactate) load metrics.
• Exploration of emerging wearable technologies for advanced load monitoring.

Main Results:

• Running distance alone can obscure cumulative training stress.
• External load metrics beyond volume/pace are increasingly important.
• Integrating biomechanical and physiological data offers a more comprehensive approach.

Conclusions:

• Shifting focus from solely weekly distance is necessary.
• Advanced quantification methods can improve training monitoring and injury risk stratification.
• Further research is needed to validate emerging technologies and approaches.