Abstract
It was examined in 24 highly trained endurance athletes (middle- and long-distance
runners, triathletes) whether concrete training recommendations can be made for endurance
training and a speed session program (5 × 1000 m with 4.5-min breaks) by means of
incrementally graded treadmill exercise with determination of the individual anaerobic
threshold (IAT). The intensities of the different training sessions were decided upon
using percentages of speed at the IAT and controlled by lactate determinations. The
endurance runs were differentiated by terrain gradation and the speed sessions by
climatic conditions. There is a significant correlation between the behaviour of lactate
during training sessions and the IAT or percentages of speed at the IAT determined
on a treadmill (endurance run flat terrain: r = 0.79, n= 13, p < 0.01; endurance run
graded terrain: r = 0.72, ? = 20, p < 0.001; 5 × 1000 m under good conditions: r =
0.97, r = 9, p < 0.001; 5 × 1000 m under poor conditions: r = 0.91, n = 7, p < 0.001).
Both terrain gradation (endurance runs) and poor climatic conditions (speed sessions)
lead to a left shifting of the regression line with unchanged slope. Conclusively
the IAT determined during a treadmill exercise allows a sufficiently precise control
of training both for endurance runs performed with different intensities and for the
5 × 1000-m speed session program. However, the external conditions have to be considered
in order to provide correct training recommendations.
Key words
Lactate - individual anaerobic threshold - training - middle- and long-distance running
