Energy Systems During the Last Spurt (Exertion) in an 800-M Race

A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between energy systems and running performance, especially during the last spurt in an 800-m race. The subjects were separated into good 800-m runners (group A n=5: best record, 1543±1.4) and a second group of slower 800-m runners (group B n=4: best record, 2021±1.3). Each group executed two types of running test (600 m test and 800 m test). To simulate an 800-m race, the running speed up to 600 m was set by means of a lamp pace maker system. The last spurt was running 200 m at maximal voluntary running speed. Plasma lactate, plasma ammonia, serum glucose and blood pH were assayed at rest, after warming up. and 6 and 10 min after the running test.