Developing special speed endurance

Developing special speed endurance involves combining elements of speed and endurance training to enhance an athlete’s ability to sustain high-intensity efforts over an extended period. This type of training is crucial for athletes in sports that require repeated bursts of speed or prolonged high-intensity activity. 

In track athletes, special speed endurance helps sprinters minimise the drop in speed as they approach the finish line, maintaining a competitive edge. Being able to kick or surge in the final stages of a race can be the difference between winning and losing, particularly in 200m and 400m events.

Siena and Matt, joined with Nate, Brendan and Daniel, for their first taste of running at the Parliament of Power. The session focussed on improving the lactate threshold, allowing athletes to maintain a higher pace for a longer duration.

Running uphill at Parliament House increases the intensity and works on strength and speed simultaneously. It also helps improve running economy and power, essential for maintaining speed over longer distances and time. This morning’s interval session worked both aerobic and anaerobic systems.

Canberra Sprint Coach, Steve Dodt, believes in visibility of the sport, and selecting training locations that not only offer variation but also brings running training to the public.