ABSTRACT
Monitoring tools allow runners to estimate the point on the fatigue-recovery-compensation curve that they are on, and therefore determine whether long-term training stimulus is inadequate, appropriate or potentially damaging. Basic tracking of training load with metrics such as distances/durations, training impulse, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate and heart rate should form the basis of consistent monitoring. Blood and saliva biomarkers offer an objective means of monitoring the physiological response to training load and recovery; however, these should be taken regularly and interpreted with suitable expertise to ascertain ‘normal’ variation for individual athletes. The effectiveness of novel interventions is difficult to quantify in an athletic environment. Decisions on when to use monitoring tools should consider factors such as the point in the training programme when measures are taken, the degree of disruption caused, cost and whether measurements can be taken reliably.
