The 800 meter run is defined as an endurance event in track and field because the aerobic energy demand is slightly higher than the anaerobic energy demand at race pace. It is an event that draws participants both from the long sprint group as well as distance runners that possess good speed. It is not…
Archives for endurance events
The Nine Day Cross Country Training Microcycle
Applying the principles of contemporary training theory is an important aspect of coaching cross country runners. In general, training theory applies the laws of the natural world to the science of longer distance running so that coaches do not have to rely on trial and error or anecdotal beliefs in setting up a sequential training…
The Healthy Runner Project
Over the last 50 years the training of distance runners has evolved from a process of trial and error testing, to specific event-centered progressions that are deeply based in the scientific method. Exercise physiologists, cardiologists, and endocrinologists, working with training theorists, have provided a wealth of empirical evidence for coaches to use as a resource…
The Athlete Profile – Part 1
Track coaches use the disciplines of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes. This can be difficult in part because coaches usually work with large groups of athletes in their training group. The application of unique training and psychological stimuli within the training group is called individualization of training. To do this effectively is critical…
How to Establish Cross Country Training Groups
The cross country season begins anew and the coaches face their first training challenges as the team gathers for the first day of practice. Foremost in training group formation is the fact that half the team has done some summer training, while the other half has not run a mile all summer long. To further…
Fatigue, Part 5 – The Central Governor Theory
The scientific information presented in the first four sections on the onset of fatigue during exercise (Part 1 Fatigue-Energetics, Part 2 Fatigue-Anaerobic Alactic Energy System, Part 3 Fatigue-Anaerobic Glycolytic Energy System, and Part 4 Fatigue-Aerobic Energy System) pointed out the importance of beginning each discussion on energy system metabolism and fatigue with basic knowledge…