Training-Load Distribution in Endurance Runners: Objective Versus Subjective Assessment

Abstract

These findings suggest that in recreational LDRs most of the training time is spent at low intensity and that this is associated with improved performances. Session-RPE is an easy-to-use training method that provides responses similar to those obtained with standardized training methodologies.

Training-Intensity Distribution in Road Cyclists: Objective Versus Subjective Measures

“…Seiler and Kjerland 8 showed an intensity distribution of 76%, 6% and 18% in zone 1, 2 and 3 using the sRPE scale in cross-country skiers which is substantially different to the sRPE distribution observed in this study: 42.7%, 29.7% and 27.5%, respectively. Manzi et al 15 also showed substantially different training intensity distribution in runners using the sRPE scale compared to our results with 69.6%, 27.8% and 2.6% for zone 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Differences in training duration and type of the workouts performed by cyclists may explain the differences observed with previous research.…”

“…Differences in training duration and type of the workouts performed by cyclists may explain the differences observed with previous research. For instance, the training duration mentioned by Manzi et al 15 varied between ~50 and ~130mins which is substantially lower than the average training duration of the cyclists in this study (~175 min). Since the cyclists in this study mainly focused on low-intensity endurance sessions (~3-6 hours), the duration and not the intensity of the training will mainly influence the perceived exertion of the riders.…”

“…Previous research has shown similarities between intensity distributions when intensity is measured using sRPE and HR. 8,15 However, there is no research available evaluating or comparing these different measures of intensity in road cyclists. Furthermore, there is a limited amount of research available on training intensity distributions quantified using PO.…”

“…Along with these objective intensity measures, the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) has been used as a more subjective rating of intensity for athletes (zone 1, sRPE scores 1-4; zone 2, sRPE scores 5-6; zone 3, sRPE scores 7-10). 8,15 Analysing multiple ways of measuring training intensity and how these may affect training intensity distributions provides valuable insight for coaches and practitioners working with these measures on a daily basis. Manzi et al 15 and Seiler and Kjerland 8 both reported that training intensity distributions quantified using sRPE and HR provides similar results in recreational long distance runners and well-trained cross country skiers.…”

“…8,15 Analysing multiple ways of measuring training intensity and how these may affect training intensity distributions provides valuable insight for coaches and practitioners working with these measures on a daily basis. Manzi et al 15 and Seiler and Kjerland 8 both reported that training intensity distributions quantified using sRPE and HR provides similar results in recreational long distance runners and well-trained cross country skiers. Discrepancies observed between methods of measuring training intensity have implication for the evaluation of training characteristics and their potential relationship with training outcome.…”