Applications of the Anaerobic Speed Reserve to Elite 800m running 2018 Gareth Neil Sandford – MSc Primary Supervisor – Dr Andrew Kilding Secondary Supervisor – Dr Paul Laursen Tertiary Supervisor – Dr Angus Ross A thesis submitted to Auckland University of Technology in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Auckland University of Technology Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences 1 Table of Contents Thesis Contents List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... 9 List of Tables .......................................................................................................................... 12 Attestation of Authorship ........................................................................................................ 13 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 14 Ethics Approval ...................................................................................................................... 19 Publications ............................................................................................................................. 20 International Journals .......................................................................................................... 20 National/International Speaking ......................................................................................... 22 Awards ................................................................................................................................ 24 Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................... 25 Abstract ................................................................................................................................... 29 CHAPTER 1: Introduction .............................................................................................. 31 1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 32 1.2 Rationale and Thesis Aims ............................................................................................... 35 1.3 Thesis Structure ................................................................................................................ 37 1.4 Overview of Studies .......................................................................................................... 38 Chapter 3 – Study 1 ............................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 4 – Study 2 ............................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 5 – Study 3 ............................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 6 – Study 4 ............................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 7 – Study 5 ............................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 8 – Study 6 ............................................................................................................. 39 Chapter 9 – Study 7 ............................................................................................................. 39 2 Table of Contents 1.5 Significance of Thesis ....................................................................................................... 39 CHAPTER 2: Literature Review .................................................................................... 40 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 41 2.2 Defining Middle-Distance Running Determinants and Energetic Demands .................... 41 2.3 ‘Classic’ Physiological Determinants of Distance Running Performance ........................ 44 Maximal Oxygen Uptake .................................................................................................... 45 Running Economy .............................................................................................................. 46 Velocity at V̇ O2max ............................................................................................................ 48 Lactate Threshold ................................................................................................................ 49 Critical Speed - Transitioning from Heavy to Severe Exercise .......................................... 51 2.4 Race Analysis.................................................................................................................... 54 Pacing strategies of One-Off Time Trial vs. Championship Racing................................... 54 1500m Championship Race Analysis ................................................................................. 56 Evidence for Neuromuscular/Mechanical Importance ........................................................ 57 2.5 Physiological, Neuromuscular & Biomechanical Correlates of Middle-Distance Running – The Current Landscape ........................................................................................................ 57 Muscle Power ...................................................................................................................... 58 Anaerobic Work Capacity and Anaerobic Power ............................................................... 59 Spring-Mass Characteristics ............................................................................................... 60 Anaerobic Speed Reserve – Origins and Opportunities ...................................................... 62 2.6 Physiological Correlates of Middle-Distance Running..................................................... 65 2.7 Summary and Conclusion ................................................................................................. 68 CHAPTER 3: Tactical Behaviours in Men’s 800m Olympic and World Championship Medallists: a Changing of The Guard ............................................................................. 70 3 Table of Contents 3.1 Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 71 3.2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 72 3.3 Methods............................................................................................................................. 72 Statistics .............................................................................................................................. 74 3.4 Results ............................................................................................................................... 75 3.5 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 78 3.6 Conclusion and Practical Application ............................................................................... 79 3.7 Chapter Link ..................................................................................................................... 80 CHAPTER 4: Anaerobic Energetics of Middle-Distance Running Performance – The Elephant in The Room? ................................................................................................... 81 4.1 Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 82 4.2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 83 4.3 Methods of Determining Anaerobic Energy Contribution to High Speed Running ......... 85 Critical Power (Speed) Modelling ...................................................................................... 85 Maximally Accumulated Oxygen Deficit ........................................................................... 87 Maximal Anaerobic Running Test ...................................................................................... 89 4.4 Anaerobic Speed Reserve ................................................................................................. 90 Sprint Performance (<60s): Mechanical or Metabolic Limitations? ................................... 92 The Challenging Middle Ground of Middle-Distance Running ......................................... 93 4.5 Perspectives - Where to From Here? ................................................................................ 94 4.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 98 4.7 Chapter Link ..................................................................................................................... 99 CHAPTER 5: Estimating The Anaerobic Speed Reserve in World Class Male 800m and 1500m Runners ............................................................................................................. 100 4 Table of Contents 5.1 Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 101 5.2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................