Distribution of training volume and intensity of elite male and female track and marathon runners

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare training volume and the distribution of training intensity of six of the best long-distance runners in Norway from the last decade. Three international-level long-distance runners (two males and one female) and three marathon runners (one male and two females) were included. The runners’ training diaries for one of the seasons they competed in an international championship were analysed. The reported running volume (km/week) was used to estimate the distribution of training at the prescribed intensity zones in representative weeks in the preparation period and in the competition season. During the preparation period (November - February) the marathon runners ran an average of 186.6 ± 25.7 km/week and the track runners 161 ± 11 km/week. For all runners, 80 ± 5% of the weekly training distance (km/week) in this period was continuous running with a heart rate (HR) between 65-82% of maximum. The remaining 20% of total training volume (km/week) was performed at intensities near and above the anaerobic threshold (82-92% of HRmax). This was done in three to five weekly interval sessions or continuous running sessions. All athletes ran 11 - 13 sessions per week. The training volume (km/week) in the pre-competition period and the competition season did not differ much from the volume in the preparation period. The track runners increased the amount of highintensity training at specific race pace in the pre-competition period (March and April), and in the track competition season (May - September).