Training-intensity distribution during an ironman season: relationship with competition performance.
OBJECTIVE
To describe training loads during an Ironman training program based on intensity zones and observe Training-performance relationships.


METHODS
Nine triathletes completed a program with the same periodization model aiming at participation in the same Ironman event. Before and during the study, subjects performed ramp-protocol tests, running, and cycling to determine aerobic (AeT) and anaerobic thresholds (AnT) through gas-exchange analysis. For swimming, subjects performed a graded lactate test to determine AeT and AnT. Training was subsequently controlled by heart rate (HR) during each training session over 18 wk. Training and the competition were both quantified based on the cumulative time spent in 3 intensity zones: zone 1 (low intensity; <AeT), zone 2 (moderate intensity; between AeT and AnT), and zone 3 (high intensity; >AnT).


RESULTS
Most of training time was spent in zone 1 (68% ± 14%), whereas the Ironman competition was primarily performed in zone 2 (59% ± 22%). Significant inverse correlations were found between both total training time and training time in zone 1 vs performance time in competition (r = -.69 and -.92, respectively). In contrast, there was a moderate positive correlation between total training time in zone 2 and performance time in competition (r = .53) and a strong positive correlation between percentage of total training time in zone 2 and performance time in competition (r = .94).


CONCLUSIONS
While athletes perform with HR mainly in zone 2, better performances are associated with more training time spent in zone 1. A high amount of cycling training in zone 2 may contribute to poorer overall performance.
European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Iker
I
Muñoz
Roberto
R
Cejuela
Stephen
S
Seiler
Eneko
E
Larumbe
Jonathan
J
Esteve-Lanao
D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D001642:Bicycling; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001944:Breath Tests; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D055070:Resistance Training; D012420:Running; D013550:Swimming; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D019344:Lactic Acid