Summary To summarise, the aim of this chapter was to show that endurance performance requires the adjustment of multiple physiological parameters. Progression in a long duration activity therefore relies on increasing the efficacy of organic functions through training, recovery and nutrition, or optimisation of all the strategies an endurance athlete can use during a competition (hydration, nutrition, cooling, etc.). Recently, complex integrative models (Marcora, 2008; Millet, 2011; Tucker, 2009) have shown that the physiological response to prolonged exercise influences the athlete`s perception of the difficulty of the effort. This, in turn, largely influences how they vary the intensity applied during the event (see Chapter 9). Thus, while it is essential to understand the physiological factors limiting performance, it is also important to view these from the holistic point of view of human performance in long duration activities. • Maximal oxygen uptake (V02max), its average maximum fraction maintained during exercise, and economy of movement have long been recognised as the primary factors influencing aerobic performance. • Endurance training increases capillary density, the number and volume of mitochondria, activity of oxidative enzymes, and the bloods capacity to transport oxygen. • Lipid oxidation during exercise is a key factor in preserving liver and muscle glycogen stores, which can be depleted when the duration of the event exceeds 90 min. • Performing long duration exercise is associated with a drop in strength production capacity, resulting from central nervous system fatigue and a drop in the muscle`s intrinsic capacity to produce strength. • Heat dissipation during exercise and, thus, maintaining a stable temperature, can improve performance during endurance exercise.
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