ABSTRACT A new way to determine training-induced changes in maximal aerobic running speed (MAS), the MAS Training Effect Model, has been developed. In addition to the effect of single exercise induced fatigue and adaptation on MAS, the model takes account of individual training status, specificity of training, decreased training and detraining. After describing the model in detail, the authors present the results of a study to evaluate the validity of the model's ability to estimate training effect through changes in MAS during a long-term training period. Fifty-three recreational distance runners took part in a 28-week training programme, during which endurance performance characteristics like MAS and VO-2max were determined three times for each runner. The changes in MAS did not correlate with any variable describing the volume or intensity of the training followed, but a significant correlation was observed between the measured and estimated changes in MAS using the new model (r = 0.364, P = 0.007). It was concluded that the model is valid for monitoring changes in MAS in a long-term training period, even if it does not account for all the individual and non-training stress factors that impact training effect in endurance running.
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