Quantifying training intensity distribution in elite endurance athletes: is there evidence for an "optimal" distribution?

Seiler KS, Kjerland GØ

Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports · February 1, 2006

This study was designed to quantify the daily distribution of training intensity in a group of well-trained junior cross-country skiers. Eleven male athletes performed treadmill tests to determine ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2), used to delineate three intensity zones. Intensity distribution across endurance training sessions (n=318) was similar when based on heart rate analysis (75±3%, zone 1; 8±3%, zone 2; 17±4%, zone 3) or session RPE. In this group of nationally competitive junior skiers, training was organized after a polarized pattern, with most sessions performed clearly below (about 75%) or with substantial periods above (15-20%) the lactate accommodation zone bounded by VT1 and VT2. It appears that elite endurance athletes train surprisingly little at the lactate threshold intensity.

PMID: 16430681