Abstract

It has recently been shown that a 70 reduction in training volume, while maintaining training intensity, results in the maintenance of VO2max and 5 km running performance in distance runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4 wk reduction in training volume and intensity in distance runners. Ten well-conditioned males (VO2max = 63.4 +/- 1.3 ml/kg/min) underwent 4 wks of base training (BT) at their accustomed training distance (71.8 +/- 3.6 km/wk) and intensity (76 of total distance >70 VO2max). Training volume (-66), frequency (-50), and intensity (all running <70 VO2max) were then decreased for a 4 wk reduced training period (RT). Treadmill VO2max was unchanged with RT as were resting plasma volume, estimated from haemaglobin and haematocrit levels, and resting heart rate (HR). Submaximal treadmill exercise VO2, ventilation and HR were also unchanged, however, submaximal exercise RER and blood lactate accumulation following 4 mins at 95 VO2max (8.39 vs 9.89 mmol/l) were significantly elevated by RT. Estimated percent body fat also increased (10.4 vs 11.8). Five km race completion time significantly increased from 16.6 +/- 0.3 mins at week 4 of BT to 16.8 +/- 0.3 mins (12 s) at week 4 of RT. Nine of the 10 subjects were slower after RT. It is concluded that aerobic capacity was maintained in these runners, despite the combined reduction in training volume and intensity. However, it appears that training intensity during RT is important for the maintenance of 5 km running performance. Verf.-Referat