Weekly Perceived Exertion Is More Sensitive to Detecting Variations in Training Load in Runners than TRIMP or Running Distance

This study compared the weekly training load (TL) variation across different measures. Fifty-two runners reported their heart rate and distance ran for each training session during four weeks of training. Heart rate measures were used to calculate the weekly TRaining IMPulse (W-TRIMP), whereas the distance ran was used to calculate the weekly distance covered (W-DIST). At the end of each week, participants reported their weekly perceived TL (W-RPE). W-DIST was analyzed alone and combined with W-RPE and W-TRIMP. The weekly overall TL variation was compared using paired-t tests. Compared to W-DIST, the W-RPE (ES: -0.29), W-DIST combined with W-RPE (ES: -0.40) and W-DIST combined with W-TRIMP (ES: -0.31) presented a significant difference in week-to-week overall TL variation. Our results suggest that running coach and athletes include, at minimum, an RPE-based TL measure combined with W-DIST in their training routines.