If you’re looking to dive deep into science; well, I’ll provide a few links to get you started. For the rest of us, I just wanted to provide a brief overview of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as they relate to track workouts. Don’t worry there won’t be a test at the track, but this may help you understand the design of certain workouts. Or, you may just find it interesting.
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Contribution For Track
Below is a quick chart from Shapesense.com recapping data from several studies. Follow the link for a great detailed explanation of energy systems if you are interested. The main thing I want to point out is that we are focusing on training and using different energy systems when we run different distances at track.
Rob Duffield & Brian Dawson (2003) provide very detailed information on aerobic vs. anaerobic contribution as well (Energy System Contribution in Track Running). Read the entire journal article or just check out the charts on pages 49, 52, & 53.
Was that last article too technical? Try this one: Peak Endurance Sport