Determinants of Performance in Paced and Maximal 800-m Running Time Trials

We aimed to identify the underpinning physiological and speed/mechanical determinants of different types of 800-m running time trials (i.e., with a positive or negative pacing strategy) and key components within each 800-m time trial (i.e., first and final 200 m).

Twenty trained male 800-m runners (800-m personal best time (min:s): 1:55.10 ± 0:04.44) completed a maximal 800-m time trial (800MAX) and one pacing trial, whereby runners were paced for the first lap, and speed was reduced by 7.5% (800PACE) relative to 800MAX, whereas the last lap was completed in the fastest time possible. Anaerobic speed reserve, running economy, the velocity corresponding with V˙O2peak (VV˙O2peak), maximal sprint speed (MAXSS), maximal accumulated oxygen deficit, and sprint force-velocity-power profiles were derived from laboratory and field testing. Carnosine content was quantified by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the gastrocnemius and soleus and expressed as a carnosine aggregate Z (CAZ) score to estimate muscle typology. Data were analyzed using multiple stepwise regression analysis.

MAXSS and vV˙O2peak largely explained the variation in 800MAX time (r2 = 0.570; P = 0.020), whereas MAXSS was the best explanatory variable for the first 200-m time in 800MAX (adjusted r2 = 0.661, P < 0.001). Runners with a higher CAZ score (i.e., higher estimated percentage of type II fibers) reduced their last lap time to a greater extent in 800PACE relative to 800MAX (adjusted r2 = 0.413, P < 0.001), whereas better maintenance of mechanical effectiveness during sprinting, a higher CAZ score and vV˙O2peak was associated with a faster final 200-m time during 800PACE (adjusted r2 = 0.761, P = 0.001).

These findings highlight that diversity in the physiological and speed/mechanical characteristics of male middle-distance runners may be associated with their suitability for different 800-m racing strategies to have the best chance of winning.