March 2014; Vol. 3, No. 1: Pages 11-30
Performance training guidelines for the 1.5 and 2-mile runs
Benjamin H. Gleason, Jana E. Hollins, Hugo A.P. Santana, Brad H. DeWeese, Michael H. StoneAbstract
Very little peer-reviewed information is available to aid military personnel in selecting training programs to enhance performance on fitness tests and direct fitness-related military policy. Objective: This review provides recommendations on training programs for enhancing performance on 1.5-mile and 2-mile runs based on the available relevant literature. Design: Short review article. Methods: Collected relevant research articles by using search terms such as aerobic power, military physical fitness test, strength training, resistance training, endurance training, high intensity interval training, running economy, 3 km run, 5 km run, and 1.5/2-mile run. Results: Evidence has shown running performance can improve with a combination of traditional strength training, high intensity interval training, and distance training. Conclusion: A combination of traditional strength training, high intensity interval training, and distance training should be used to enhance running performance on the 1.5 and 2-mile run tests used by the military.
Received August 6, 2013; accepted March 13, 2014