PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNING PERFORMANCE

Middle distance running involves popular race distances with performan ce dependent on a number of physiological factors. The physiological c haracteristics of successful runners are different from those of sprin ters and long distance runners. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), runnin g economy and the anaerobic threshold are variables that have been sho wn to limit performance during long distance running, and rapid veloci ty and anaerobic variables have been shown to limit performance during sprinting. Success with middle distance running is dependent on an in tegrative contribution from aerobic and anaerobic variables which allo ws a runner to maintain a rapid velocity during a race. The relative c ontributions of the 2 energy systems are functions of distance, intens ity and the physiological abilities of the runner, Middle distance run ners can be successful with physiological profiles that include a vari ety of aerobic and anaerobic capabilities, and this characteristic sep arates them from long distance runners.