Maximal Aerobic Capacity, Running Economy, and Performance in Highly Trained Marathon Runners and Master Long-Distance Runners

Abstract

Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) and running economy (RE) are key predictors of distance-running performance. Whether VO2max and RE change with marathon-specific training in competitive sub-elite runners is unclear. While VO2max is known to decline with age, RE may be maintained in older runners. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate VO2max and RE at the beginning and end of a marathon training block in highly trained runners. Furthermore, master athletes training for a long-distance running event were evaluated shortly prior to their goal race to investigate relationships between age and running performance variables. Physiological and training factors were assessed to determine predictors of race performance in master runners. Several measures of RE were used. METHODS: In the study of younger competitive runners, participants were studied ~10 and 1-2 weeks before their goal marathons. They logged their workouts throughout a 12-week training period. The study on master athletes was cross-sectional. These runners were surveyed about recent and long-term training patterns. All participants completed a treadmill marathon-intensity effort (MIE) and VO2max test. RESULTS: Among the sub-elite runners, VO2max increased across the training period, while the percent of VO2max used during the MIE decreased. Race performance, quantified using a temperature-converted VDOT score, was negatively correlated with MIE allometrically scaled oxygen consumption (alloVO2). Among master runners, age was negatively associated with VO2max and alloVO2. Age was positively related to the MIE energy cost (EC) of running in females and to MIE oxygen consumption (VO2) in males. The most important predictors of converted VDOT in master runners were VO2max and three-year peak weekly training distance (3YP). Other significant predictors of VDOT were alloVO2 and EC. CONCLUSION: Experienced open-age marathon runners may experience an increase in VO2max with a block of marathon training. Age is negatively associated with VO2max and alloVO2 in fit master runners. Long-distance race performance in master athletes is positively associated with VO2max, 3YP, and alloVO2, and negatively associated with EC. Allometrically scaled MIE VO2 may therefore be a useful and performance-related measure of RE in trained runners of all ages.