Physiological characteristics of elite and club level female triathletes during running.

Most studies of the triathlon have looked at male triathletes with respect to the longer distance events such as the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the physiological characteristics and training protocols of elite and competitive (club) women triathletes who compete at Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle, 10 km run) to examine the relationship between these factors and running performance in the triathlon. The elite triathletes (n = 10) had a lower body mass and BMI than club level triathletes (n = 9) as well as smaller girths at all measured sites although these differences were not significant. Sum of skinfold thickness measured at four sites was significantly smaller in the elite group (p = 0.05), yet, wide individual variations were found within each group. The amount of training undertaken by individuals in both groups varied markedly; however, overall the elite did more training in all disciplines. The VO2max measured on the treadmill was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the elite women (65.6 +/- 6.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) as compared to the club level women (60.4 +/- 3.1 ml.kg-1.min-1). The elite triathletes were significantly more economical, showing a lowered relative oxygen consumption (% VO2max), (p = 0.008); lowered heart rate (p = 0.01) and lowered blood lactate values (p = 0.03) at 15 km.h-1. The elite group were also much more efficient runners at 15 km.h-1 when looking at VE/VO2 (p = 0.05). An association was found between run race time and %VO2max at 15 km.h-1 (p = 0.04). The results suggest that there is no ideal nor unique anthropometric profile that can be established for female triathletes especially with respect to running time and overall performance. The widespread differences in physiological variables found between the two groups confirms the important contribution factors such as these make to performance.