Distance Running Performance Research Articles

Effects of continuous, interval, and combined training methods on middle- and long-distance runners’ performance

Introduction: Running performance is largely influenced by training methods, including Continuous, Interval, and combined training methods. However, which training method that best improves the performance has not been identified. Aim: This study was to investigate how training methods continuous, interval, and combined training affect distance running performance. Methods: A total of thirty (n=30) athletes from the Ethiopia Hotel Athletics Club were selected as subjects. The studies included trained runners without previous injuries. Interventions lasted at least 12 weeks, with participants allocated to Interval, Continuous or combined training groups. The athletes' performance was assessed through cooper 12 min run test, wall squat test and multiple sprint test using pre- and posttest interventions. MANOVA was performed using SPSS to determine the mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIS) between continuous, interval (CIS), and combined training, and the effect sizes were calculated. Results: All training methods significantly improved VO2max, strength endurance, and speed. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the interval and combined training during the VO2max test (MD = 0.2, P > 0.1). There was no significant difference between continuous and interval training during the posttests VO2max test. During the wall squat test, there was no significant difference between the training methods (p > 0.1). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the continuous and combined, training groups or between the interval and combined training groups at the level of the multiple sprint test (p = 1, MD = 0.53). However, there was a significant difference between the continuous and interval training groups on the multiple sprint test (P = 0.024, MD = -1.75), with an effect size was 0.356.Conclusion: Interval and combined training are better strategies than continuous training for improving athlete performance. Key words: Athletics, continuous, interval, combined training methods, performance

Two sides of the same runner! The association between biomechanical and physiological markers of endurance performance in distance runners

BackgroundThe number of people who run to achieve competitive performance has increased, encouraging the scientific community to analyze the association of factors that can affect a runner performance. Research QuestionIs there association between running spatiotemporal and angular kinematics with the physiological markers of endurance performance during a cardiorespiratory exercise test? MethodsThis was an observational cross-sectional study with 40 distance runners simultaneously submitted to a running biomechanical analysis and cardiorespiratory exercise test on a treadmill. Mixed models were developed to verify the association between angular kinematic data obtained by the Movement Deviation Profile and the running spatiotemporal data with oxygen consumption and ventilatory thresholds. ResultsSpatiotemporal variables [.e., step frequency Odds Ratio 0.09 [0.06–0.12 95 % Confidence Interval], center of mass vertical displacement Odds Ratio 0.10 [0.07–0.14 95 % Confidence Interval], and step length [Odds Ratio −0.01 [-0.01 to −0.00 95 % Confidence Interval]] were associated with VO2. Also, step frequency Odds Ratio 1.03 [1.01–1.05 95 % Confidence Interval] was associated with the first ventilatory threshold, and angular running kinematics [Movement Deviation Profile analysis] Odds Ratio 1.47 [1.13–1.91 95 % Confidence Interval] was associated with peak of exercise during the cardiorespiratory exercise test. SignificanceOur findings demonstrated that: both higher step frequency and center of mass vertical displacement are associated with the increase of oxygen demand; step frequency is associated with the first ventilatory threshold, due to the entrainment mechanism and angular kinematic parameters are associated with peak aerobic speed. Future studies could also compare the biomechanical and physiological characteristics of different groups of distance runners. This could help identify the factors that contribute to oxygen demands during running and performance across different ages, genders, and levels of competition.

Effect of 6-Week Sprint Training on Long-Distance Running Performance in Highly Trained Runners.

Long-distance running performance has been reported to be associated with sprint performance in highly trained distance runners. Therefore, we hypothesized that sprint training could enhance distance running and sprint performance in long-distance runners. This study examined the effect of 6-week sprint training on long-distance running and sprint performance in highly trained distance runners. Nineteen college runners were divided into control (n = 8) and training (n = 11) groups. Participants in the training group performed 12 sprint training sessions in 6weeks, while those in the control group performed 12 distance training sessions. Before and after the interventions, maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), O2 cost during submaximal running (290m·min-1 and 310m·min-1 of running velocity), and time to exhaustion (starting at 290m·min-1 and increased 10m·min-1 every minute) were assessed on a treadmill. Additionally, the 100-m and 400-m sprinting times and 3000-m running time were determined on an all-weather track. In the control group, no measurements significantly changed after the intervention. In the training group, the time to exhaustion, 100-m and 400-m sprinting times, and 3000-m running time improved significantly, while V˙O2max and O2 cost did not change. These results showed that 6-week sprint training improved both sprint and long-distance running performance in highly trained distance runners without a change in aerobic capacity. Improvement in the time to exhaustion without a change in V˙O2max suggests that the enhancement of long-distance running performance could be attributable to improved anaerobic capacity.

The effect of forward postural lean on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activation.

Running economy, commonly defined as the metabolic energy demand for a given submaximal running speed, is strongly associated with distance running performance. It is commonly believed among running coaches and runners that running with increased forward postural lean either from the ankle or waist improves running economy. However, recent biomechanical research suggests using a large forward postural lean during running may impair running economy due to increased demand on the leg muscles. This study tests the effect of altering forward postural lean and lean strategy on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activity. 16 healthy young adult runners (23±5 years, 8M/8F) ran on a motorized treadmill at 3.58m/s using three postural lean angles [upright, moderate lean (50% of maximal lean angle), and maximal lean] and two strategies (lean from ankle and lean from waist [trunk lean]). Metabolic energy consumption, leg kinematics, and muscle activation data were recorded for all trials. Regardless of lean strategy, running with an increased forward postural lean (up to 8±2 degrees) increased metabolic cost (worsened economy) by 8% (p < .001), increased hip flexion (p < .001), and increased gluteus maximus (p = .016) and biceps femoris (p = .02) muscle activation during the stance phase. This relation between running economy and postural lean angle was similar between the ankle and trunk lean strategies (p = .743). Running with a large forward postural lean reduced running economy and increased reliance on less efficient extensor leg muscles. In contrast, running with a more upright or moderate forward postural lean may be more energetically optimal, and lead to improved running performance.

Longer Ground Contact Time Is Related to a Superior Running Economy in Highly Trained Distance Runners.

Tanji, F, Ohnuma, H, Ando, R, Yamanaka, R, Ikeda, T, and Suzuki, Y. Longer ground contact time is related to a superior running economy in highly trained distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 985-990, 2024-Running economy is a key component of distance running performance and is associated with gait parameters. However, there is no consensus of the link between the running economy (RE), ground contact time, and footstrike patterns. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between RE, ground contact time, and thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in highly trained distance runners and to compare these parameters between 2 habitual footstrike patterns (midfoot vs. rearfoot). Seventeen male distance runners ran on a treadmill to measure RE and gait parameters. We collected the CSAs of the right thigh muscle using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The RE had a significant negative relationship with distance running performance ( r = -0.50) and ground contact time ( r = -0.51). The ground contact time had a significant negative relationship with the normalized CSAs of the vastus lateralis muscle ( r = -0.60) and hamstrings ( r = -0.54). No significant differences were found in RE, ground contact time, or normalized CSAs of muscles between midfoot ( n = 10) and rearfoot ( n = 7) strikers. These results suggest that large CSAs of knee extensor muscles results in short ground contact time and worse RE. The effects of the footstrike pattern on the RE appear insignificant, and the preferred footstrike pattern can be recommended for running in highly trained runners.

Lactate threshold training to improve longdistance running performance: A narrative review

This narrative review revealed the crucial aspects that need to be highlighted when introducing the lactate threshold (LT) training protocol to improve the distance running performance of athletes. The authors searched Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and categorized the search results into nine themes. These aspects include the physiology of LT training, the individualization of LT training programs, the effects of the LT training protocol on endurance performance, the practical application of LT training for distance runners, progress monitoring and LT training adaptation, and the role of nutrition and recovery in LT training, the role of artificial intelligence in LT training, possible drawbacks and remedial strategies, and future directions in LT training research. This review suggests improving endurance through improving muscle lactate utilization and highlights the need for individualization of LT training programs, taking physiological variations and psychological factors into account to effectively tailor training. In particular, physiological adaptations such as improved metabolic efficiency and lactate clearance contribute to longer time to exhaustion and longer overall athletic performance. Additionally, the author covers structured training, pacing strategies, and real-world considerations such as terrain and altitude necessary for training long-distance runners. Finally, it is important to monitor progress and adjust LT training protocols based on physiological markers, performance indicators, and environmental factors. Possible disadvantages such as overtraining and injury risks are discussed, as well as strategies to limit damage through regular assessments and biomechanical analysis. This review covers key aspects of LT training and provides insights for athletes and coaches to optimize programs, improve performance, and guide future research.

Effect of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Distance Running Performances in Well-Trained Athletes

Athletes competing in distance competitions have used a combination of aerobic and anaerobic training approaches to train and enhance the performance-determining elements. Nevertheless, few studies have reported data related to the effect of concurrent training on well-trained distance (3,000 m – 10,000 m) runners. Because of limited evidence available for this population, this study aimed to investigate the effect of concurrent strength and endurance training on distance running performance. A randomized study was conducted. Thirty-nine distance runners (16.62±0.71 years) were randomly assigned into the endurance training group (ETG; n=13), strength training group (STG; n=13), and concurrent training group (CTG; n=13). The 12 weeks of training in which each group trained 3 times a week. The participants were tested on 1RM squat test, push-up test, VO2 max, and 5-km time trial. Findings showed that STG significantly higher than ETG enhancements on 1RMsquat (p&lt;0.001) and push-up (p&lt;0.001) and STG significantly higher than CTG enhancements on 1RM squat (p&lt;0.001), push up (p=0.045). ETG results were significantly better than those obtained by STG on VO2 max (p=0.002) and 5-km time trial (p=0.004). Finally, the improvements obtained by CTG were significantly higher than those attained by ETG on 1RM squat (p&lt;0.001), push-up (p&lt;0.001); VO2 max (p&lt;0.001) and 5-km time trial (p=0.002). In conclusion, performing 12-week concurrent training program improves performance variables that can be obtained with strength and endurance training in long-distance running. Athletes can acquire strength and endurance adaptations by engaging in concurrent training regimens.

Physiological Profile and Correlations between VO2max and Match Distance Running Performance of Soccer Players with Visual Impairment

Aerobic capacity is crucial for the performance of soccer players; however, the relationship between VO2max and the running performance of soccer players with visual impairment is not known. Possibly finding relationships would help in the training process, as training would be more targeted. Additionally, both bodyweight and relative VO2max are factors that affect people’s health and wellness. From the literature, it appears that there are no studies that present the normal profile of soccer players with visual impairment. The aims of this study were to (a) determine the differences in VO2max between soccer players and sedentary men with visual impairment; (b) to assess the relationship between the VO2max of players with visual impairment and the distance covered in a soccer match and (c) to describe a profile of physiological parameters and distance running during a soccer match. Six male soccer players with VI and six male sedentary people with VI participated in this study. Anthropometric characteristics (age, height, bodyweight, body fat (BF), body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory markers (VO2max, maximum heart rate (HRmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER)) and the running performance of soccer players during matches were measured, and the VO2max of all the participants was measured in a laboratory. Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate differences between sedentary and soccer players’ anthropometric characteristics and performance. A correlation analysis by Spearman’s’ method was used to examine relationships between VO2max and the rest of the physical values during the match. The level of statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. The soccer players’ weight was 33% lower, and their BMI was 23% lower than that of sedentary men (p = 0.023, η2 = 0.457 and p = 0.048, η2 = 0.394, respectively). The relative body mass VO2max of the athletes was 42.9% higher in comparison with sedentary men with VI (p = 0.002, η2 = 0.755). No correlations were found between VO2max and match running performance (p = 0.957, r = −0.029) or other parameters during the match in soccer players with VI. In conclusion, relative VO2max is not related to the match running performance of soccer players. The tactics applied by the team, the style of play and the position of the player may affect the distances covered. Also, as expected, the soccer players showed lower bodyweight and higher relative VO2max. However, this is the first study to observe the level of these differences.

Racing Experiences of Recreational Distance Runners following Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets (Part B)-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2).

The potential running or endurance performance difference based on following different general types of diets, such as omnivorous, vegetarian, or vegan, remains questionable. Several underlying modifiable factors of long-distance running performance, especially runner training behaviors and experience, diminish the clarity of results when analyzing dietary subgroups. Based on the cross-sectional design (survey), the NURMI Study Step 2 aimed to investigate a plethora of training behaviors among recreational long-distance running athletes and the relationship of general diet types with best time race performance. The statistical analysis was based on Chi-squared and Wilcoxon tests. The final sample (n = 245) included fit recreational long-distance runners following an omnivorous diet (n = 109), a vegetarian diet (n = 45), or a vegan diet (n = 91). Significant differences were found between the dietary subgroups in body mass index (p = 0.001), sex (p = 0.004), marital status (p = 0.029), and running-related motivations for well-being (p < 0.05) but not in age (p = 0.054). No significant difference was found for best time half-marathon, marathon, and/or ultra-marathon race performance based on diet type (p > 0.05). Whether the vegan diet is associated with enhanced endurance performance remains unclear. Although, the present results are suggestive that 100% plant-based (vegan) nutrition is compatible with distance running performance at the least.

Effects of plyometric jump training on running economy in endurance runners

Running economy (RE) has a strong relationship with distance running performance and is defined as the energy demand for a given velocity. Plyometric jump training may improve RE. The present study aimed to assess the effects of plyometric jump training on endurance runners’ running economy and to estimate the effectiveness of program duration, training frequency, total sessions, age, training status and velocity. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Subgroup and single training factor analyses of program duration, frequency, total sessions, chronological age, training status, and running velocity were performed. A random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Eighteen studies were selected for the systematic review and 10 for the meta-analysis. A trivial effect was noted for plyometric jump training on running economy (ES=0.19). However, plyometric jump training combined with resistance training revealed a large effect on running economy (ES=1.34). Greater running economy improvements were noted after training interventions with &amp;gt;15 total sessions (ES=1.00), &amp;gt;7 weeks (ES=0.95) and &amp;gt;2 days/week (ES=0.89). The youngest (ES=0.95) and highly trained participants (ES=0.94) with faster velocities (ES=0.95) obtained better results. Our findings highlight the effect of plyometric jump training that may improve running economy, particularly in combination with resistance training, after longer-term interventions (i.e., &amp;gt;15 total sessions, &amp;gt;7 weeks), with greater frequency, and among younger and more highly trained runners, especially during running at higher competitive velocities.

Do Carbon-Plated Running Shoes with Different Characteristics Influence Physiological and Biomechanical Variables during a 10 km Treadmill Run?

Footwear properties can influence physiological and biomechanical variables, which may lead to positive changes in distance running performance. One innovative development in running shoe technology is adding carbon fiber plates to increase midsole bending stiffness. However, there are only a few studies investigating the influence of shoe conditions on both physiological and biomechanical variables, simultaneously, when running for longer than 5 min or for distances &gt; 1 km. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of different running shoe concepts with carbon fiber plates on physiological and biomechanical parameters during a 10 km treadmill run. Twenty-three athletes participated in the study, which comprised four measurement days for each subject. On the first day, subjects performed a treadmill exhaustion test to determine maximum oxygen uptake. On the second, third, and fourth days, each subject ran 10 km at 70% of their maximum oxygen uptake in one of three shoe models. Significant differences were found between the shoe conditions for the biomechanical parameters, but not for the physiological parameters. It seems that runners adjusted their running styles to the shoe conditions during the 10 km run to reduce the load on the lower extremities without compromising their endurance performance. These results may have practical implications for runners, coaches, and shoe manufacturers.

Running interval training combined with blood flow restriction increases maximal running performance and muscular fitness in male runners

We investigated the effects of 8 weeks (3 days per week) of running interval training (RIT) combined with blood flow restriction (RIT-BFR) on the maximal running performance (RPmax), isokinetic muscle strength, and muscle endurance in athletes. Twenty endurance-trained male runners were pair-matched and randomly assigned to the RIT-BFR and RIT groups. The RIT-BFR group performed RIT (50% heart rate reserve, 5 sets of 3 min each, and 1-min rest interval) with inflatable cuffs (1.3× resting systolic blood pressure), and the RIT group performed the same RIT without inflatable cuffs. RPmax, isokinetic muscle strength, and muscle endurance were assessed at pre-, mid-, and post-training. Compared with the RIT group, the RIT-BFR group exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) greater increase in RPmax, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, and knee extensor endurance after 24 training sessions. These results suggested that RIT-BFR may be a feasible training strategy for improving muscular fitness and endurance running performance in distance runners.

Distance running performance and physiological variables in highly trained female distance runners

article: Distance running performance and physiological variables in highly trained female distance runners - Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2022 January-February;181(1-2):1-7 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Effect of beetroot supplementation on 10 km time trial performance of distance runners

Objective: To find out the effect of 15 days of beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on 10 km time trial performance in trained distance runners of University level.Methods: Thirty trained athletes,15 males age = 26.3 y ± 1.52, height 170.5 ± 0.2 cm, and 15 females, age = 25.2 y ± 1.30, height 157.8 ± 0.3 cm were selected for the present study. Two experimental and two control groups were made consisting of males and females separately. The first group of male and female (Experimental Group) consumed the BRJdaily 250 ml/dayand the second group (Control Group) did not consume beetroot juice. Both groups underwent a regular athletics training programme. All the subjects were tested on Ten Km Time Trial (TT)performance before supplementation of BRJ and after 15 days of supplementation of BRJ. Results: The significant effect of BRJ supplementationwas observed (p &lt; 0.05) between pre and post measures of 10 km TT in experimental group. BRJ supplementation significantly improved performance in 10 km TT in both groups (respectively male; P&lt; 0.006; F=11.09, ES = .480, female; P &lt; 0.000, F=40.45, ES = .771.Conclusion: Consumption of BRJ250 ml/day in improved 10 km time trial performance in traineddistance runners.

Influence of Minimalist Footwear on Running Performance and Injury

ABSTRACT Runners and clinicians have long sought to enhance distance running performance and reduce the occurrence of running-related injuries. Footwear selection often comes to the forefront in such pursuits, yet remains a common source of controversy in the literature and practice. In particular, the utilization of minimalist footwear has fluctuated in popularity over the last several decades, with some proponents suggesting that it can promote improvements in running economy and reduce injury rates. However, a closer look at the literature shows anything but straightforward and consistent recommendations. The purpose of this article is to outline the effects of minimalist footwear on running performance and injury, with a focus on its associated impact on running mechanics. The authors also aim to identify who may be the ideal client to transition to minimalist running and how to minimize the risk of injury during the transition.

Does running speed affect the response of joint level mechanics in non-rearfoot strike runners to footwear of varying longitudinal bending stiffness?

BackgroundModifying the longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS) of footwear has become a popular method to improve sport performance. It has been demonstrated to influence running economy by altering lower extremity joint level mechanics. Previous studies have only examined within-participant effects at one running speed. Research questionDo joint level mechanics differ in response to varying footwear LBS at a range of running speeds? MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional repeated measure study design using a convenience sample. Ten well trained non-rearfoot strike male distance runners ran at 3.89, 4.70, and 5.56 m/s (14, 17, 20 km/hr) in footwear of three different LBS levels. Mechanics and energetics of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), ankle, knee, and hip joints during stance phase were assessed using an 8-camera optical motion capture system (fs = 200 Hz), a force instrumented treadmill (fs = 1000 Hz) and standard inverse dynamics theory. ResultsRange of motion and negative work decreased and angular stiffness increased for the MTPJ with increasing LBS at all speeds (p < .001). Peak MTPJ moment did not change at any speed in response to increased LBS. Negative work at the ankle decreased in the stiff shoe at 17 km/hr (p = .036). Peak ankle plantar flexion velocity decreased with increasing LBS at all speeds (p < .05). SignificanceWhile changes in MTPJ mechanics were consistent across speeds, decreased negative ankle work was only observed at 17 km/hr in the stiff shoe, suggesting that perhaps tuned footwear LBS may need to focus primarily on metabolically beneficial changes in ankle plantar flexor mechanical behavior to improve performance in distance runners. Tuning footwear stiffness may also be beneficial to clinical populations, as clinicians seek to optimize their patients’ locomotion economy.

Adding carbon fiber to shoe soles may not improve running economy: a muscle-level explanation

In an attempt to improve their distance-running performance, many athletes race with carbon fiber plates embedded in their shoe soles. Accordingly, we sought to establish whether, and if so how, adding carbon fiber plates to shoes soles reduces athlete aerobic energy expenditure during running (improves running economy). We tested 15 athletes as they ran at 3.5 m/s in four footwear conditions that varied in shoe sole bending stiffness, modified by carbon fiber plates. For each condition, we quantified athlete aerobic energy expenditure and performed biomechanical analyses, which included the use of ultrasonography to examine soleus muscle dynamics in vivo. Overall, increased footwear bending stiffness lengthened ground contact time (p = 0.048), but did not affect ankle (p ≥ 0.060), knee (p ≥ 0.128), or hip (p ≥ 0.076) joint angles or moments. Additionally, increased footwear bending stiffness did not affect muscle activity (all seven measured leg muscles (p ≥ 0.146)), soleus active muscle volume (p = 0.538; d = 0.241), or aerobic power (p = 0.458; d = 0.04) during running. Hence, footwear bending stiffness does not appear to alter the volume of aerobic energy consuming muscle in the soleus, or any other leg muscle, during running. Therefore, adding carbon fiber plates to shoe soles slightly alters whole-body and calf muscle biomechanics but may not improve running economy.

The associations between digit ratio, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite youth distance runners

Lower digit ratios between the lengths of fingers 2 (2D) and 4 (4D) (2D:4D) are associated with superior distance running and athletic performance. We examined relationships between 2D:4D, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite adolescent boy and girl distance runners. Subjects were top five finishers for their sex and age in 10 or more races of 10 km or longer in Michigan in 1981. We calculated 2D:4D of 15 girls and 11 boys from radiographs. Subject peak O2 consumption (VO2Peak ), ventilatory threshold (VT), and point of equivalent change (PEC) were collected during intermittent treadmill protocol tests. Performances on physical skills tests (flex-arm hang, broad jump, vertical jump, figure-8-run, sit ups, and sit-and-reach test) were collected in the laboratory. We examined the interrelationships between 2D:4D, subject sex, aerobic fitness, physical skills test performance, and overall physical fitness, a composite of aerobic and physical skills performance with correlation, linear regression, t tests, and principle component analyses. Girls had significantly larger right hand (R) 2D:4D than boys. Boys had greater VO2Peak by mass than girls. Boys with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VO2Peak and PEC. Girls with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VT. Factors associated with aerobic fitness explained most of the variation in composite physical fitness scores. Composite aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness scores of boys were negatively correlated with R2D:4D. These data suggest that R2D:4D may help predict distance running performance in girls and boys and overall physical fitness in boys and provide additional insights into the innate factors influencing youth physical fitness.

Nutritional Intake and Energy Availability of Collegiate Distance Runners

Objective: Research investigating the dietary habits of distance runners has presented varying results. Proper dietary intake appears to enhance distance running performance and low dietary intake may impact health. The purpose of this investigation was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of nutrient intake of collegiate distance runners with comparison to recommendations for athletes.Methods: Twenty-one men (Age: 19.6 ± 1.2 years; height: 177.1 ± 5.7 cm; body mass: 65.7 ± 4.6 kg; body fat: 15.5 ± 2.2%) and 20 women (Age: 20.2 ± 1.7 years; height: 162.9 ± 6.6 cm; body mass: 53.7 ± 6.5 kg; body fat: 23.3 ± 3.6%) volunteered to participate in the investigation. Energy intake was derived from the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Energy availability was calculated by subtracting exercising energy expenditure from daily energy intake, divided by bone free lean mass and fat-free mass. Macronutrient and micronutrient consumption were compared with the appropriate dietary reference intake values, U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or standards recommended for endurance athletes.Results: Dietary intake for the men was 2,741.0 ± 815.2kilocalories and for the women was 1,927.7 ± 638.2kilocalories. A majority of the runners (73%) consumed less than recommended levels of carbohydrates. All men and 75% of women met or exceeded the recommended daily protein intake. Fifty percent of women and 24% of men did not meet the recommended daily allowance for calcium. Ninety-five percent of the runners did not meet the RDA for vitamin D. All the men and 75% of the women met the RDA for iron intake, with 24 of the runners taking an iron supplement. Eight men and 10 women did not meet the recommended intake for potassium.Conclusion: The dietary intake in this group of distance runners is below that necessary for the level of energy expended in their training. Carbohydrate intake is below the recommended amount for endurance athletes, and the calcium and vitamin D intake may not be favorable for bone health in this group of distance runners.

Predictors of long-distance race performance in master runners.

To determine predictors of temperature-converted VDOT in master runners training for a long-distance race (10-26.2 mi). Twenty-three master runners (age 57±9 years; eight females) performed treadmill marathon-intensity-effort (MIE) and V .O2peak tests within four weeks of their goal race. The MIE occurred at 88% of predicted maximum heart rate, which corresponds to estimated marathon intensity. Participants completed online training-history surveys. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression was used to find key predictors of VDOT. The alpha level for significance was .05. Converted VDOT was significantly associated with three-year peak weekly training distance (3YP) (r = 0.454, p = .039), V .O2peak (r = 0.845, p = .000), alloV .O2 (r = 0.623, p = .005), and EC (r = -0.528, p = .018). The best-fitting model included V .O2peak and 3YP (r = 0.898). Physiological and training factors are related to race performance in master runners. The best predictors of VDOT are V .O2peak and 3YP. Training to enhance these variables may improve distance-running performance in masters.