Critical Velocity Formula:
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Definition: Critical velocity is the minimum speed needed to maintain a steady running pace over different distances.
Purpose: It helps athletes and coaches determine optimal running speeds for training and performance evaluation.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The difference in distances is divided by the difference in times to determine the sustainable running velocity.
Details: Critical velocity helps establish training zones, predict race performance, and monitor fitness improvements.
Tips: Enter two different distances and their corresponding times. D2 must be greater than D1, and T2 must be greater than T1.
Q1: What distances should I use for testing?
A: Common pairs are 1500m/3000m or 3000m/5000m, but any two significantly different distances work.
Q2: How accurate is critical velocity?
A: It provides a good estimate of sustainable pace for 30-60 minute efforts when using appropriate test distances.
Q3: Can I use miles instead of meters?
A: Yes, but be consistent (use miles for all distances and convert times accordingly).
Q4: How does this relate to lactate threshold?
A: Critical velocity typically occurs at slightly higher intensity than lactate threshold pace.
Q5: How often should I test my critical velocity?
A: Every 4-6 weeks to track progress and adjust training paces.