World-Class Long-Distance Running Performances Are Best Predicted by Volume of Easy Runs and Deliberate Practice of Short-Interval and Tempo Runs

Casado, A, Hanley, B, Santos-Concejero, J, and Ruiz-Pérez, LM. World-class long-distance running performances are best predicted by volume of easy runs deliberate practice short-interval tempo runs. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2525–2531, 2021—The aim this novel study was to analyze the effect (DP) continuous completed elite-standard world-class runners on competitive during first 7 years their sport careers. Eighty-five male reported times in different events amounts DP activities (tempo short- long-interval sessions) 1 non-DP activity (easy runs) after 3, 5, systematic training. Pearson's correlations were calculated between (calculated using International Association Athletics Federations' scoring tables) distances run for (and overall total). Simple multiple linear regression analysis how well these performance. showed consistently large effects performance total distance (r ≥ 0.75, p < 0.001), 0.68, 0.50, training 0.53, 0.001). Long-interval not strongly correlated 0.22). Total accounted significant variance (R2 0.57, Of modes, hierarchical that (p 0.01). Although activities, particularly training, important improving performance, coaches should note crucial better performances, partly because its contribution run.