Jack Daniels

A physiologist??s view of running economy

The relationship between VO2 and velocity of running (running economy) has been rather casually dealt with until very recently, and there still remains considerable disagreement as to the importance of this variable. Various factors which have been shown, or appear, to affect running economy include environment (temperature, altitude, running surface), fatigue, age, weight, state of fitness, and inherent differences. That differences between individuals and within individuals can and do exist seems clear; the questions which need to be addressed in future research are: (1) What type of training is most effective in bringing about changes in running economy? and (2) How much change in economy can be expected with optimum training? Furthermore, it is suggested that running economy be investigated as an entity, so that changes that may take place with time or training can be more accurately related to their cause.

Variation in the aerobic demand of running among trained and untrained subjects.

Variation in the aerobic demand (VO2) of submaximal running was quantified among trained and untrained subjects stratified by performance capability. Based on a retrospective analysis of seven published studies, maximal aerobic power (VO2max), and submaximal VO2 values were analyzed in three groups of trained distance runners (Category 1 (C1) (elite runners; N = 22), Category 2 (C2) (sub-elite runners; N = 41), and Category 3 (C3) (good runners; N = 16), and one group (N = 10) of untrained subjects (Category 4; C4). Results indicated that VO2max differed significantly (P < 0.05) across groups, such that C1 > C2 > C3 > C4. Analysis of submaximal VO2 data also revealed that C4 was more uneconomical than C1, C2, and C3 and that C2 and C3 were less economical than C1. Average within-group variability in submaximal VO2 was similar across categories and a marked overlap of minimum, mean and maximal economy values existed across categories. These data suggest that 1) trained subjects are more economical than untrained subjects, 2) elite runners display better economy compared to less-talented counterparts, and 3) economical and uneconomical runners can be found in all performance categories.

Changes in \(\dot V\)O2 max and running performance with training

SummaryThis study was undertaken to determine the response of

Elite Distance Runners: A 45-Year Follow-Up.

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AEROBIC RESPONSES OF FEMALE DISTANCE RUNNERS TO SUBMAXIMAL AND MAXIMAL EXERCISE

O2 max and of running performance (805 and 3218 m) to the onset of training in untrained individuals and to an increase in the volume and intensity of training in well trained individuals. In series A,

Olympic Success and Adult Fitness

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