This document discusses the physiology of training distance runners. It covers the biological law of training, where the structure and performance of organs is determined by genetics and the quality and quantity of work. It states that the more demand placed on an organ within physiological limits, the more it will adapt and become efficient. It also discusses objectives of physiological testing, training goals, variables of endurance performance, training intensities and zones, methods for measuring VO2 max, predictive time charts, and the major mechanisms for optimal distance running performance.

1. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF
TRAINING THE DISTANCE
RUNNER
Dr. Joe Vigil

2. THE BIOLOGIC LAW OF
TRAINING
• The structure and performance capability
of an organ/organ system is determined by
the following:
– Its genetic constitution
– The quality and quantity of work carried out
• The greater the demand/stress placed on
an organ within its physiological limits, the
more intensely it adapts and the more
efficient it becomes.

4. Physiological Testing
Objectives:
• Provide baseline information
• Provide markers for effectiveness of
training
• Detect areas of strength/weakness
• Optimize performance

5. Training Goals
Major Physiological Targets
• Improve body’s ability to transport blood
and oxygen
• Increase ability of specific muscle groups
to effectively use available oxygen
• Shift blood lactate threshold to higher
proportion of maximum speed/power
• Increase aerobic capacity
• Improve speed
• Improve economy

6. Variables of Endurance
Performance
1) Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2 max)
2) Economy of Motion
3) Lactate Threshold
4) Fractional Utilization of VO2 max (%VO2
max)
5) Fuel Supply

14. Training Intensities: Lactate
Threshold and Training Zones
1. Recovery
• Intensity: very low, 2-3 mmol/L below LT,
30-5- bpm below LT
• Duration: 30-45 min
• Objective: To promote recovery following
high intensity intervals or glycogen-
depleting overdistance workouts.
Maintenance of cardiovascular
adaptations and muscle-skeletal system.

15. Training Intensities: Lactate
Threshold and Training Zones
2. Endurance
• Intensity: moderate, 1-2 mmol/L below LT,
10-30 bpm below LT
• Duration: 30 min- 3hrs
• Objective: Develop peripheral training
adaptations: increase fat metabolism,
increase number of aerobic enzymes,
increase size and number of mitochondria,
increase capillarization

16. Training Intensities: Lactate
Threshold and Training Zones
3. Lactate Threshold
• Intensity: moderate, TEMPO just below LT,
or at LT + 5bpm
• Duration: TEMPO 20-60 min continuous or
LT intervals 5-15 min with equal or one
half recovery
• Objective: Increase LT (%VO2 max at LT)
and maximal aerobic capacity

17. Training Intensities: Lactate
Threshold and Training Zones
4. VO2 max Intervals
• Intensity: high, 1-2 mmol/L, above LT, HR
associated with 95% VO2max
• Duration: 3-5 min intervals with equal
amount of rest
• Objective: Develop central training
adaptations: Increase stroke volume,
increase maximal aerobic capacity and
lactate tolerance (buffering capacity)

18. Training Intensities: Lactate
Threshold and Training Zones
5. Intensive Repetitions
• Intensity: very high, 2-6 mmol/L above LT
• Duration: SHORT 30-60 sec with complete
recovery. LONG 1-2 min with complete
recovery
• Objective: Increase anaerobic capacity
and buffering capacity

20. Method of Balke (VO2max)
A. Walk/Run for 15 min
B. Convert to meters 1 mile + 1609 meters
C. Divide by 15 to calculate meters/min
D. The first 150 meters/min = 33.3 ml VO2
E. For every meter under 150, multiply by
.178 and subtract from 33.3 ml VO2
F. For every meter over 150, multiply by
.178 and add to 33.3 ml

27. PREDICTIVE TIME CHARTS
SEE CHARTS IN YOUR NOTES

29. The ABC’s of Elite Distance Runners
once Aerobic Base has been achieved
I. Improvement in performance occurs in
trained runners when intensity of training is
increased
II. Improvement in Cardiorespiratory fitness
occurs when training intensities correspond
to 90-100% of VO2 max velocity
III. Improvement in endurance performance
occurs when the intensity in a steady state
run does not exceed 4mM lactate
concentration, which corresponds to
approximately 80-90% VO2 velocity

30. Major Mechanisms of Optimal
Distance Running Performance
• Ability to produce high muscle force
output at a high velocity for a prolonged
period of time
1. Muscle Fiber Recruitment: Increase
number of muscle fibers contracting
simultaneously.
Increase number of actin/myosin filament
in each muscle fiber

31. Major Mechanisms of Optimal
Distance Running Performance
2. Muscle Fiber Recruitment Rate:
Increase rate of repetitive activation of
muscle fibers
3. Mitochondrial Density: Increase number
and size of mitochondria around all
muscle fibers