PhD, Associate Professor E.S. Inozemtseva¹
Z.S. Zemlyakova^1
1National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk

Corresponding author: a.zagrevskaya@yandex.ru

Abstract

Objective of the study was to develop and test benefits of a new pre-season physical fitness model for junior middle-distance runners at the excellence stage as complementary to the regular training service.

Methods and structure of the study. The pre-season physical fitness model testing experiment was run in November 2019 through April 2020 at “Leader” Children and Youth Olympic Reserve Sport School (CYORSS) in Seversk city (Tomsk Oblast). We sampled the young skilled middle-distance runners (n=24) and split them up into Experimental and Reference Groups (EG, RG) of 12 people each. The group progresses were tested by the pre- versus post-experimental physical fitness tests and verified by the actual competitive accomplishments of the sample for the period.

Results and conclusion. The EG training model included nine weekly microcycles including one preconditioning plus eight basic pre-season microcycles. The unspecific/ specific/ speed endurance and explosive strength in the EG was trained by the standard-continuous and alternating-continuous practices, interval runs, competitive conditioning method and static-dynamic training exercises [4]. We used the following special training tools in the above training formats: 30-60min moderate-intensity evenly-paced long runs to keep up the unspecific endurance and post-training rehabilitation capacity; high-intensity runs and fartlek to enhance the aerobic/ anaerobic capacities with the heart rate varying within 130-180 beats/ min; 100-800m uphill runs for the leg muscle strength, both in the evenly-paced and interval run formats; soft-surface (sand/ snow) runs to strengthen the leg muscles and ligaments; jumping workouts; pace-stepping/ rhythmic runs for speed training; short (100m at most) weighted runs with a cart to strengthen the leg muscles and train explosive strength and speed endurance; strength practices with weights for strength endurance; and a range of rehabilitation services including sauna and swimming pool

Keywords: track and field athletics, training process, physical training structure, physical fitness, competitive performance.

Background. Competitive accomplishments in the modern middle-distance running sport are secured by excellent physical fitness, high unspecific endurance, speed qualities, and speed/ specific endurance [1, 2]. Pre-season training service for elite middle-distance runners traditionally gives a special priority to these physical qualities [3]. Trainings in Western Siberia with the frosty weather staying for almost half a year are traditionally dominated by outdoor workouts, with a professional coaching service and athlete’s determination and enthusiasm always required for competitive progresses and successes. Indoor/ gym trainings are relatively seldom and always prudently combined with the outdoor ones. These and other factors were taken into account in our study of the pre-season physical fitness model for the skilled junior middle-distance runners.

Objective of the study was to develop and test benefits of a new pre-season physical fitness model for junior middle-distance runners in excellence stage as complementary to the regular training process.

Methods and structure of the study. The pre-season physical fitness model testing experiment was run in November 2019 through April 2020 at “Leader” Children and Youth Olympic Reserve Sport School (CYORSS) in Seversk (Tomsk Oblast). We sampled the young skilled middle-distance runners (n=24) and split them up into Experimental and Reference Groups (EG, RG) of 12 people each. The group progresses were tested by the pre- versus post-experimental physical fitness tests and verified by the actual competitive accomplishments of the sample for the period.

Results and discussion. The EG training model included nine weekly microcycles including one preconditioning plus eight basic pre-season microcycles. The unspecific/ specific/ speed endurance and explosive strength in the EG was trained by the standard-continuous and alternating-continuous practices, interval runs, competitive conditioning method and static-dynamic training exercises [4]. We used the following special training tools in the above training formats: 30-60min moderate-intensity evenly-paced long runs to keep up the unspecific endurance and post-training rehabilitation capacity; high-intensity runs and fartlek to enhance the aerobic/ anaerobic capacities with the heart rate varying within 130-180 beats/ min; 100-800m uphill runs for the leg muscle strength, both in the evenly-paced and interval run formats; soft-surface (sand/ snow) runs to strengthen the leg muscles and ligaments; jumping workouts; pace-stepping/ rhythmic runs for speed training; short (100m at most) weighted runs with a cart to strengthen the leg muscles and train explosive strength and speed endurance; strength practices with weights for strength endurance; and a range of rehabilitation services including sauna and swimming pool [5].

 Table 1. Pre- versus post-experimental group physical fitness test data,

Note: * significant (p≤0.05) intergroup difference

The above group test data show significant (p≤0.05) intergroup differences in the unspecific endurance, speed endurance and explosive strength tests. It should be mentioned that the 60m sprint test found insignificant intergroup differences that means that the EG training service should be complemented by special speed training tools.

Table 2. Competitive accomplishments of the EG and RG in the 800m events for the experimental period,

Note: *significant intergroup difference (p≤0.05); ** significant intra-RG difference (p≤0.05); *** significant intra-EG difference (p≤0.05)

As demonstrated by Table 2, the EG made an impressive competitive progress due to significant (p≤0.05) improvements in the pre-season physical fitness – versus the RG that also made some competitive progress for the period albeit significantly lower that the EG.

Conclusion. The new pre-season physical fitness model for the junior middle-distance runners at the excellence training stage tested as complementary to the regular training service and including nine weekly (preconditioning plus eight basic) microcycles was found beneficial for the pre-season physical fitness as verified by the group physical fitness progress test data and the actual competitive progress for the period in the 800m events.

References

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