Comparing Training Load and Intensity Perceptions Between Female Distance Runners and Their Coach

Abstract

The ability of athletes and coaches to adapt training in order to improve athletic performance and prevent injuries is the cornerstone of modern sports medicine. Overtraining syndrome occurs when training consistently occurs at or above lactate threshold without appropriate recovery. It is critical that the coach’s perceptions of effort and intensity of training are similar to what the athlete experiences. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training regimen fidelity and quantify training load and intensity in female division I collegiate distance runners. METHODS: An observational descriptive longitudinal design was utilized. The duration of the data collection was 14 weeks. The subjects were six collegiate female track and field distance athletes (≥18yrs of age) who ran >800 meter events. Baseline pre-training heart rate and blood lactate levels were recorded during a custom six stage treadmill test. Blood lactate, duration, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), average heart rate for each training session and hours slept nightly were recorded. RESULTS: Average training intensity (duration x RPE) over the course of the competitive season as prescribed was 159.56. The mean value was 144.5 and results ranged from 126.21 to 156.62. Coach intended training load (duration x blood lactate average) was 170.75; athletes ranged 73.25 to 140.66; mean = 109.36. Hours of sleep averaged 7.8 the day before a meet and 7.3 the day after. Easy training days (intended RPE of 1.5 out of a possible 10) showed a discernible difference with actual RPE higher than the target value (mean 3.4 ±1.2, range 2.7- 4.26). Intermediate training days (intended RPE of 4.3) had a lower RPE than target with a mean of 3.9 ±1.6 (range 3.0 - 4.8). Hard training days (intended RPE of 8.16) showed the most marked difference from target with a mean of 6.24 ±1.4 (range 4.94 - 7.25). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to male athletes, female athletes perceived easier workouts as more difficult and harder workouts as easier than their coaches intended. Average training intensity and training load (duration x blood lactate average) were measurably less than their coach intended. The combination of poor adherence to their coach’s training regimen and potentially inadequate recovery may be some of the etiologies for increased overuse injuries in female athletes.