The Effects of an Increase in Intensity during Tapering on 1,500m Running Performance

We examined the effect of completing the final interval training session during a taper at either: i) race pace; or ii) faster than race pace, on 1,500 m running performance and neuromuscular performance. Ten trained runners (age 21.7 ± 3.0 years, height 182.9 ± 7.0 cm, body mass 73.4 ± 6.8 kg, personal best 1,500 m time 4:17.5 ± 0:26.9 min) completed two conditions, consisting of 7-d of regular training and a 7-d taper, separated by three weeks of training. In one condition, the taper was prescribed using prediction models based on the practices of elite British middle-distance runners, with the intensity of the final interval session being equal to 1,500 m race pace (RP). The taper was repeated in the HI condition, except the final interval session was completed at 115% of 1,500 m race pace. A 1,500 m treadmill time trial, measures of maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) were completed before and after regular training and tapering. Performance was most likel...