Abstract

This report describes the training and dietary manipulations used by selected marathon runners in preparation for major events in which they have been successful. The programme is organized in such a way that there is a gradual adaptation to the training load. This peaks with a weekly schedule of about 170 km/week. The VO2max has been recorded at 81 ml/kg/min at this time and the ventilatory threshold at 85 VO2max. The programme is then altered to include one ultra-long run every 3-week cycle to promote fat metabolism. There is emphasis placed also on the quality of training, reflected in intermittent 400m runs and culminating in 5-10 km races approaching the main competitive event. Dietary considerations include the mixture of macronutrients as substarte durinmg prolonged exercise. Calculations of the involvement of branch chain amino acids, fat and carbohydrate as substarte for muscle activity show that the latter is the more important and the more amenable to short-term manipulations. The way in which the diet and training have been combined to optimise preparation for Olympic Games marathon selection is described. Verf.-Referat