2PEAK training planning is based on state of the art science and therefore takes into account the latest findings in performance physiology. We will show you how endurance performance is delineated and classified on a scientific basis. In further articles we will show how these scientific facts influence modern training planning and how, thanks to the newest knowledge, you can increase your performance quicker and more specifically.
Components of Endurance Performance: central versus peripheral components
Maximum Oxygen intake – VO2Max – means the highest measurable amount of oxygen, which can be absorbed by the body and then used. Because there is a direct relationship between this term and Endurance-Performance, it is often used as a measure of an athlete’s performance (= gross criterion of endurance-performance).
According to Fick’s law, the VO2Max depends upon the maximum heart-minute volume (heart pumping performance = central component) and the maximum arterio-venous oxygen difference (a measurement of oxygen utilisation in the tissue = peripheral component). These two components make differing contributions to modifications in performance level. For this reason, we should not consider VO2Max alone when classifying performance improvements in training but also its constituent components. In training planning we go a bit further:
Potential, Utilisation and Fatigue-resistance: The 3-Component-Model as a basis for Training Planning
On the basis outlined above, we can in a further step use the practical 3-component model, which is used by 2PEAK in its training planning. In the 3-component model we divide the peripheral components into two sub areas.
While the Potential (the central component – see above) describes how many litres of blood per minute your heart can circulate, the Utilisation describes how many percent of your potential can actually be made use of during an endurance effort. Finally, the Fatigue-resistance shows for how long you can maintain this Utilisation level. (As described above, Utilisation and Fatigue-resistance are both parts of the peripheral component).
The extent to which these three components manifest themselves differs from individual to individual and is dependent upon the state of training. Your “fitness” is a direct result of how well these three components; Potential, Utilisation and Fatigue-resistance have been worked upon and on their proportional relationship.
Your TRAININGMETER in your plan reflects how well each of these components has been training during the last 60 days.
Authored by Dr. Piero Fontana, PhD, our scientific advisor.*
*Dr. Piero Fontana, PhD: In his dissertation at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology he discusses the adaptation of the heart’s pumping volume to different new training stimuli.
Piero is a member of our team of experts and can be contacted there personally.