THE ENERGETICS OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNING

In order to assess the relative contribution of aerobic processes to running velocity (v), 27 male athletes were selected on the basis of their middle-distance performances over 800, 1500, 3000 or 5000 m, during the 1987 track season. To be selected for study, the average running velocity {Mathematical expression} corresponding to their performances had to be superior to 90% of the best French {Mathematical expression} of the season. Maximum O2 consumption {Mathematical expression} and energy cost of running (C) had been measured within the 2 months preceding the track season, which, together with oxygen consumption at rest {Mathematical expression} allowed us to calculate the maximal v that could be sustained under aerobic conditions: {Mathematical expression}. The treadmill running v corresponding to a blood lactate of 4 mmol·-1 (vla4), was also calculated. In the whole group, C was significantly related to height (r=-0.43;P<0.03). Neither C nor {Mathematical expression} (with, in this case, the exception of the 3000 m athletes) were correlated to {Mathematical expression}. On the other hand, va max was significantly correlated to {Mathematical expression} over distances longer than 800 m. These {Mathematical expression} were also correlated to vla4. However vla4 occurred at 87.5% SD 3.3% of va max, this relationship was interpreted as being an expression of the correlation between va max and {Mathematical expression}. Calculation of va max provided a useful means of analysing the performances. At the level of achievement studied, {Mathematical expression} sustained over 3000 m corresponded to va max. The shape of the relationship of v/va max as a function of the duration of the event raised the question of a possible change in C as a function of v during middle-distance running competitions. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.