Hints and Tips

To get the most out of anaerobic training, do it in the afternoon or early evening

This study (Bernard et al (1998), European Journal of Applied Physiology, 77, pp. 133-138) looked at differences between the results of three different anaerobic power tests: a 50m dash, vertical jump and max cycles sprint at three different times of day. A group of 23 men undertook each of the three tests on three separate days at 0900, 1400 and 1800 hours.

Results showed that anaerobic power and max running speed were significantly lower in the morning compared with the afternoon, with 5 to 7% greater power achieved in the afternoon. There were no differences between either afternoon test time. This suggests that for fitness testing procedures, trainers need to be consistent with the time of day when the tests are performed.

In addition, this finding suggests that the best time of day for anaerobic training is in the afternoon or early evening. This is consistent with other research into circadian rhythms which shows heart rate, body temperature and muscular strength are all higher in the afternoon than in the morning.

Triathletes are right to combine cycling and running in the same training session

The purpose of this study (Hue at al (1998), European Journal of Applied Physiology, 77, pp. 98-105) was to see if any differences existed in the 10k run immediately following a 40K cycle (Olympic distance triathlon) compared with 10k running alone. A group of male triathletes completed two testing sessions on two different days:

1. 40K of cycling followed by a 10K treadmill run
2. a 10K treadmill run at the same speed as (1)

Cardiorespiratory data was collected during both runs and stride length and frequency were analysed using videotape. The researchers found that for run (1), the oxygen cost was greater (51.7 ml/kg/min vs. 48.3 ml/kg/min), heart rate was higher (175 vs. 168) as was ventilation rate (55.8 vs. 49 breaths/min).

In contrast, the biomechanical variables between the two runs were unchanged. This suggests that the cycling section prior to the run in a triathlon competition places an extra physiological demand on the run. This could be due to a variety of factors, which reduce physiological economy, such as increased lipid metabolism, increased body temperature and dehydration status.

However, it would appear that the biomechanics are unchanged, although only stride length and frequency were analysed in this study, and other variables exist that can affect efficiency. For instance, the degree of knee flexion would be an interesting variable to study since this is related to biomechanical economy.

This research supports the practice of combining cycling and running in the same training session, as the transition between bike and run seems to alter the physiological stress of running.

Article Reference

• Mackenzie B. (2003), Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching (ISSN 1745-7513), Issue 5

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