ATP_CP  (Sprint  training)

 

   The energy for muscular contraction is derived from ATP. When

 muscular contractions occur, the stores of ATP are broken down to produce

other compounds  ADP + P + energy  ( Adenosine Diphosphate + Phosphate +

energy  ). However, these ATP stores are quickly depleted and another

compound,  creatine phosphate  ( CP), also known as  phosphocreatine

or (PC) is broken down resulting in energy release. This energy  can

combine with the  ADP to resynthesize  ATP for additional energy for

muscular contraction.

 

ANAEROBIC  POWER

 

   The other type of anaerobic system is the lactic acid system. The lactic acid

system uses muscle glycogen (stored carbohydrate) and then blood glucose

as fuel to form ATP. This system accounts for most of the energy generated

in all-out efforts of approximately 30sec. to 2min. This system derives its

name from the accumulation of lactic acid in the body.

Once the ATP_CP system has been exhausted, your muscles can continue

to produce ATP anaerobically through the release of food energy,

i.e., glucose. In this system, carbohydrate is broken down without oxygen;

the end product is lactic acid.

 

   Training this system will allow you to increase your ability to produce

energy in an anaerobic state. This type of training is very demanding and should

not be confused with anaerobic capacity training (anaerobic intervals with

very limited recovery between efforts.).

 

AEROBIC   SYSTEM

 

   The aerobic system utilizes oxygen and fat as its primary source for energy

production. This system is used the majority of time when intensity is kept

below approximately  72% of  maximum heart rate. The aerobic system goes

through more then  20 steps within the muscle cell before  ATP is produced.

For this reason, the aerobic system is a slower producer of ATP during exercise.

However, this system produces a greater amount of ATP.

 

   Training can improve delivery of oxygen to the muscles by carrying more

oxygen within the blood as well as improving your muscles ability to extract

more oxygen to deliver to working muscles. This form of training is very

important as it increases muscle enzyme utilization, fuel efficiency and  aerobic

function and usually accounts for the greatest volume of training for most

endurance  athletes.

 

PEAK  PERFORMANCE  STRATEGIES

 

1.      Motor  Pacing

 

The benefit of this  form of training comes from the higher cadence you

can maintain while at lactate threshold and above during a training session.

The benefit comes from the neurological response of sustained higher

cadence training session. Training of this type is primarily used in the final

period of preparation  of the focal point of the season. This form of training

should be used cautiously.

 

Too much motor pacing  will cause a deterioration of power leading  to an

inability to ride individually in the wind at sustained power outputs. Another

Possibility is the loss of ability to hold a consistent pace unassisted. Many

workouts can be incorporated into this type of a session:

Lactate threshold

VO2

Anaerobic power

Sprint workouts

These are most common choices, when using motor pacing in training session.