Making Middle Distance Superstars: The Science Wisconsin Track and Field Clinic 2018 1/29/2018 1
Scott Christensen Stillwater, Minnesota, head coach for 33 years. 1997 National High School Champions (The Harrier). Four Stillwater alumni have broken 4:00 in the mile since 2003. Fourteen year USATF Level 2 Lead Instructor in Endurance. Past 5 years with USTFCCCA. USA World Cross Country Team Leader 2003 and 2008. 1/29/2018 2
Coaching distance runners has always been my calling. It is not what I do, it is what I am. Joe Vigil USA Olympic Coach
Outline of Wisconsin Middle Distance Science Presentation Introduction to Distance Science Scientific Principles and Theory Introduction to Training Technique Conclusion
Scientific Principles and Theory
Role of Science in Understanding Distance Training To understand growth and development issues. To select and sequence appropriate and timely workouts. To apply the principles of exercise physiology to workout selection. 1/29/2018 6
Scientific Concerns in Developing Distance Runners Energy systems Muscular system Psychological issues Athletic lifestyle Perspective 1/29/2018 7
Growth and Development The training program for the young distance runner must be designed to work in concert with the natural maturation process. Age may be the most important variable to consider when determining the appropriateness of training activities.
Age Appropriate Distance Training (14 and under) Athletes (6-10 years) are taught only very basic skills Interest awakening activities, allowed to play and have fun Energy system fitness should not be stressed, as the body does not respond to such training at these ages. Athletes (11-14 years) subject to a variety of activities Taught a variety of skills. Energy system fitness training can be introduced at this time, particularly aerobic training and limited interval work. Team oriented activities are important due to the social nature of children at these ages.
Age Appropriate Distance Training (15 and over) Athletes in late adolescence (age 15-19) are ready for more specific and demanding training, as well as higher training volumes. Boys and girls are both developing quickly at these ages, and are capable of performing more complex activities. More advanced anaerobic training can be done at these ages.
Maturation Young distance runners mature at different rates, so it is wise to ascertain the degree of readiness of each athlete to undertake each type of training activity. Profiling each athlete is important in preventing injuries and controlling mental fatigue seen in young distance runners who are trained at very high levels.
Gender There is little difference between age appropriate training for young male and female distance runners. The distance coach should provide equal opportunities for both genders to participate, and be sensitive to developmental differences.
Energy Systems in the Body Energy molecules are necessary for contracting muscles. Energy source is the food eaten. Some foods provide energy more readily than others. 9 KCAL vs 4 KCAL/gram The two main energy systems in the body differ by RATE of energy production. or
Two Energy Systems Aerobic: with oxygen, low force, high endurance. Few fibers. Anaerobic: without oxygen, high force, low endurance. Many fibers.
Combined Zone Races All races longer than 800 meters have an aerobic and anaerobic component of energy contribution, and are called combined zone races. Combined zone races have a comfort zone and a critical zone. The critical zone is where the race is won or lost. 1/29/2018 15
A Variety of Training is Necessary for Combined Zone Races % Aerobic % Anaerobic Race Distance: derived energy derived energy 800 Meters 50% 50% 1600 Meters 70% 30% 3200 Meters 87% 13% 5000 Meters 92% 8%
Transitioning to a Higher Dependence on Anaerobic Energy As we have seen the faster and shorter the race (the intensity), then the greater the contribution of anaerobic energy. The aerobic system gets maxed out as the intensity of the race increases to a critical point. This point is called VO 2 max. It is important to train at that point often.
Training Index Aerobic workouts use date pace vvo 2 max as the index. Anaerobic workouts use date pace 400 meters and/or PR 400 meter times as the training index.
What is VO 2 max?
VO 2 max Field Tests for Coaches Astrand protocol: 2 miles at exhaustive pace yields a time we call date pace. Divide this time in half to get per mile training pace. Date pace index value.
Training at Key Points of Pace vvo 2 max pace improvement occurs at 97-101% of date pace aerobic power fitness (Astrand test). Aerobic threshold pace occurs at about 70% of VO 2 max pace. The long run.. Lactate threshold pace occurs at about 85% of VO 2 max pace. The tempo run. 1/29/2018 21
Athlete Profiling vvo 2 max pace [date] vat pace [date] vlt pace [date] 400 pace [date] 400 pace [PR] Econ pace [date]
Understanding Distance Training Through Graphs and Charts
Running and Training Aerobic Fitness and the Heart Stroke Volume (ml/beat) 190 170 150 130 110 90 70 50 50 70 90 110 130 150 170 190 Heart Rate (BPM) Elite Trained Untrained 1/29/2018 24
No Running and De-Training Aerobic Enzyme Activity (SDH) (40 mpw training stopped at week 14) 60 % of Mitochondrial Enzyme Activuty Change During and After Aerobic Training 50 40 30 20 10 0-10 -20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Weeks
Endurance Training Volume The Concept of a Training Base Training Mileage Models 60 Total Training Miles 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 Winter/Spring Weeks No Winter Running 400 Mile Winter 1/29/2018 26
Mileage Model as a an Event Marker Total Running Miles 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ----General Prep-----I Training Begins High School Distance Mileage Model (Advanced Macrocycle Model) Specific Prep-----------I Pre-Comp----I Comp--- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 3200 1600 Type 2 1600 Type 1 800 Type 2 800 Type 1 Weeks of Training
Energy Contributions at Max Effort Astrand 2003, Noakes 2004, Chapman 2004 Event Duration Aerobic KCAL used 800 Meters 2 minutes Anaerobic Glycolytic KCAL used Anaerobic Alactic KCAL used 50 % 45 44 % 40 6 % 5 90 Total KCAL used 1600 Meters 3200 Meters 5000 Meters 10,000 Meters 4 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 30 minutes 70 % 100 28 % 42 2 % 3 145 87 % 249 13 % 36 <1 % 1 286 92 % 372 8 % 32 <1 % 1 405 95 % 700 5 % 30 <1 % 1 730 1/29/2018 28
Where is the Distance Race Anaerobic? Anaerobic Contribution in a 3200 % Anaerobic 100 80 60 40 20 0 Start Settling on pace Comfort Zone Critical Zone Finish 0 800 1600 2400 3200 Meters
Conclusion Design blocks of time and individual workouts that address both the aerobic and anaerobic development. Develop a written plan based around the calendar, date pace and athlete profile. Make sure the workout you design meets the physiological outcome desired. Educate yourself as to what the goal of the plan is to be. Do not be rigid. Adjust on the fly if needed. 1/29/2018 30
For More Endurance Information Reference Textbook: The Complete Guide to Track and Field Conditioning for Endurance Events. CD/Streaming Packages: XC Theory and Application XC Complete Workout Program Mid-distance Theory and Application By Scott Christensen http://completetrackandfield.com/scott-christensen