Objectives Middle-distance running represents a complex interplay of metabolic and mechanical factors. A better understanding of the requirements of male 800 m running has been proposed using the anaerobic speed reserve construct. However, the anaerobic speed reserve is yet to be investigated within female middle-distance running. Methods The anaerobic speed reserve, defined as the difference between maximal sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed, was assessed in 12 sub-elite female middle-distance runners using fastest 15 m sprint times and a maximal incremental treadmill test, respectively. Participants were allocated to either 400-800 m or 800 m-Mile subgroups. Comparisons between groups were made for anaerobic speed reserve, maximal sprint speed, maximal aerobic speed and the speed reserve ratio, defined as maximal sprint speed divided by maximal aerobic speed. The relationships between the anaerobic speed reserve components and 800 m season's best race times were assessed. Results Female 400-800 m middle-distance runners had a significantly larger anaerobic speed reserve (P = 0.013), faster maximal sprint speed (P = 0.001) and greater speed reserve ratio (P = 0.042) than runners in the 800 m-Mile group. There was a significant negative correlation between maximal aerobic speed and 800 m time (P = 0.012), but no statistically significant relationship was observed for anaerobic speed reserve (P = 0.900), speed reserve ratio (P = 0.558) or maximal sprint speed (P = 0.057). Conclusions Female middle-distance subgroups can be distinguished using the speed reserve ratio, with implications for coaches and physiologists to use the speed reserve ratio as a tool to characterize athletes and advise individualized training prescription. Aerobic power appears to underpin female 800 m performance as opposed to anaerobic or sprint abilities in these sub-elite athletes.
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