Lower volume throughout the taper and higher intensity in the last interval session prior to a 1,500 m time trial improves performance

Spilsbury, KL, Fudge, BW, Nimmo, MA and Faulkner, SH ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4688-7252, 2021. Lower volume throughout the taper and higher intensity in the last interval session prior to a 1,500 m time trial improves performance. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. ISSN 1715-5312

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Abstract

Eight highly-trained middle-distance runners (1,500 m personal best 4:01.4 ± 0:09.2 min) completed two 7-day tapers, separated by at least 3 weeks of regular training: (i) prescribed using prediction models from elite middle-distance runners, where continuous running volume was reduced by 30% and interval intensity was equal to 1,500 m race pace (RP); and (ii) continuous running volume was reduced by 60% and intensity of the final interval session was completed at 110% of 1,500 m race pace (HI). Performance was assessed using 1,500 m time trials on an indoor 200 m track one day before, and one day after each taper. Performance time was improved after HI by 5.2 ± 3.7 s (mean ± 90% confidence limits, p = 0.03) and by 3.2 ± 3.8 s after RP (p = 0.15). The first and second 300-m segments of the 1,500 m time trial were faster post-taper in RP (p = 0.012 and p = 0.017, respectively) and HI (both p = 0.012). Running faster than race pace late in a low-volume taper is recommended to improve 1,500 m track performance. A positive pacing strategy is adopted after tapering, although care should be taken to avoid an over-fast start. Novel Findings: A large reduction in volume during tapering and an increase in final interval session intensity improves running performance. Athletes adopt a negative pacing strategy before tapering and a positive-pacing strategy after tapering.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Creators:	Spilsbury, K.L., Fudge, B.W., Nimmo, M.A. and Faulkner, S.H.
Publisher:	Canadian Science Publishing
Date:	1 June 2021
ISSN:	1715-5312
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1139/apnm-2021-0103 DOI 1443059 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	15 Jul 2021 14:21
Last Modified:	10 Jan 2022 09:55
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/43489

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