The utility of the self-pace submaximal run test for monitoring responses to training in endurance runners

The aim of this thesis was to explore the utility of the novel Self-Paced Submaximal Run Test (SRTRPE); which monitors running velocity (v) and HRex, during 3, 3-min stages prescribed by Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) 10, 13 and 17 (Borg, 1985).

Study one (Chapter 3) assessed the construct validity and reliability of the SRTRPE. Results showed large associations between v at each stage of the SRTRPE and parameters of the graded exercise test including: maximal oxygen consumption (r range = 0.57 - 0.63) and v at 4 mmol∙L-1 blood lactate (0.51 - 0.62), inferring the construct validity of the SRTRPE. The v measured at each stage of the SRTRPE showed low coefficients of variation (range = 2.5 - 5.6%) evidencing acceptable reliability. Study two (Chapter 4) examined longitudinal associations between repeated SRTRPE trials and 12-min time trials (12minTT) conducted at 4-week intervals over a 16-week training period. Results showed vRPE 13 to be the most useful indicator of within-participant variance in v12minTT (r = 0.57). A meaningful change in v12minTT (0.6%) was associated with a 0.26, 0.14 and 0.18 km∙h-1 change in vRPE 10, 13 and 17 respectively. Study three (Chapter 5) explored the sensitivity of the SRTRPE to monitor over-reaching following an ultra-marathon race. Results demonstrated that performance at intensity RPE 17 was the most sensitive to prior competition load, with a meaningful decreased in vRPE 17 from 7-days pre-race to 48-hours post-race (-0.78 km∙h-1), and meaningful increase between 48-hours ¬post-race and 7-days post-race (+0.83 km∙h-1). Study four (Chapter 6) utilised the SRTRPE to monitor within-participant responses to a period of intensified training (+ 30% increase in duration each week for 3-weeks). vRPE 13 was most sensitive to increased training load, showing a meaningful decrease (5.37%) following 3-weeks over-load training. Within-individuals weekly training duration was moderately correlated with vRPE 13 and 17 (r range = -0.30 - -0.46).

In conclusion, this thesis provides evidence that the SRTRPE is a reliable and valid tool for monitoring within-individual responses to training and competition in endurance runners. In particular, v monitored at RPE 13 and 17 is most sensitive to within-individual responses to acute and longitudinal training stress and can provide inference about endurance performance ability.