EVALUATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF DEVELOPING THE FUNCTIONAL FITNESS OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNERS

Abstract

This article examines the evaluation and methodological approaches for developing the functional fitness of middle-distance runners. By analyzing physiological markers such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold, running economy, and anaerobic capacity, this study investigates how targeted training interventions influence overall performance. The findings highlight that periodized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with threshold training yields optimal physiological adaptations, significantly improving race times in 800m to 3000m events