The Evolution of World-Class Endurance Training
by Doug Stewart
A paper published earlier this week explores sport scientists’ views on the evolution of world-class endurance training, looking at both the current and future trends. 25 renowned scientists (5 women, 20 men) who have considerable experience of working with high performing athletes and coaches in Olympic endurance sports, and from a variety of disciplines (e.g. physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and sports medicine) answered 2 questions.
1. What are the most important trends related directly or indirectly to the training and improved performance of the world’s best endurance athletes during the past 10–15 years?
2. Which advances will contribute to further improving endurance performance during the next 10–15 years?
For each scientist 3 key points for each question were prioritised, with them expanding on their answers.
Overall, the key drivers for development in endurance performance over the past 10 to 15 years were:
Easier access for athletes and coaches to scientific knowledge
Improved incorporation of scientific and practical information in athlete multidisciplinary support teams
Using new technology to assist training/performance
These drivers have seen the following trends emerging:
A greater appreciation of the specific demands of their sport
Better execution at competition by athletes
More specific, more volume, and more precise training
Enhanced quality of training
Adopting a lifestyle that is healthier and more professional
Looking forward, the sports scientists expect the following trends in the future:
Greater adoption of advanced technology – for both setting and monitoring training, and also recovery
Improved use of altitude, heat and nutritional interventions
Improved knowledge of the interactions between athletes and their equipment
Increased focus on preventing illness and injuries
Whilst the focus was on Olympic endurance sports, I think it is fair to say that I have seen these trends across longer distance triathlon, and more recently, in trail and ultra-running. As these sports have become more professional, with more money involved, it is not surprising that these areas are growing and present lots of opportunities for the future.
References:
Sandbakk, Ø., Pyne, D. B., McGawley, K., Foster, C., Talsnes, R. K., Solli, G. S., Millet, G. P., Seiler, S., Laursen, P. B., Haugen, T., Tønnessen, E., Wilber, R., van Erp, T., Stellingwerff, T., Holmberg, H., & Bucher Sandbakk, S. (2023). The Evolution of World-Class Endurance Training: The Scientist’s View on Current and Future Trends, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance