Athletic performance in relation to training load.

Athletic performance generally is thought to improve with increases in training load. However, few data exist showing the quantitative relationship between training load and performance. We followed 56 athletes (16 runners; 40 cyclists/speed skaters) during 12 weeks of training. We recorded index performances (3.2 km time trial or 5 or 10 km bicycle ergometry) after 6 weeks of baseline training and 6 weeks of a self-selected training increases....