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. 2023 Apr 6;15(7):1796.
doi: 10.3390/nu15071796.

Training Behaviors and Periodization Outline of Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Recreational Runners (Part A)-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)

Katharina Wirnitzer  1   2   3 , Derrick Tanous  1   2 , Mohamad Motevalli  1   2 , Christian Raschner  2 , Karl-Heinz Wagner  4 , Gerold Wirnitzer  5 , Claus Leitzmann  6 , Thomas Rosemann  7 , Beat Knechtle  7   8
Affiliations

Training Behaviors and Periodization Outline of Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Recreational Runners (Part A)-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)

Katharina Wirnitzer et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Runners train for long-distance competitions based on underlying motivations, which may be similar to individual dietary motivations (e.g., well-being and performance). Fundamental training differences may arise in recreational runners following different diet types (omnivore, vegetarian, vegan) considering possible motive variations. Following a cross-sectional design, distance runners completed a survey (online), including a thorough assessment of training behaviors with generic training details and periodization specifics in three phases: 1. an intermediary and rebound stage, 2. a main preparatory stage, and 3. a main event stage (tapering or interim event level/s). Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared tests were used in the statistical analysis. A total of 245 fit recreational runners following omnivore (n = 109), vegetarian (n = 45), and vegan diets (n = 91) were included. Significant differences in the initial running motivation were found across dietary subgroups (p = 0.033) as well as for current motivations (p = 0.038), with vegetarians being the least health motivated (27% and 9%, respectively). No differences in each of the specific periods were found between diet types across the outline (p > 0.05). The present evidence shows that there is a lack of fundamental training differences based on recreational runners following different generic types of diets. The results of the present investigation may be especially relevant for future studies on safety, sustainability, and performance-enhancing dietary practices among athletes.

Keywords: half marathon; marathon; periodization; plant-based; race; recreational athlete; running; training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study enrollment flowchart and dietary subgroup categorization. BMI—body mass index. HM—half-marathon; M/UM—marathon/ultra-marathon; 10 km—10 kilometers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Prevalence of overall training durations (displayed by six clusters) of omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. Data are presented as the percentage.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Training advice prevalence (displayed by three clusters) of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan runners. Data are presented as the percentage.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Weekly number of runs (displayed by three training periods, including the A, B, C, and D training types of period 2) of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan runners. Data are presented by box plots.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Weekly distance covered (km; displayed by three training periods, including the A, B, C, and D training types of period 2) of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan runners. Data are presented by box plots.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Daily distance covered (km; displayed by three training periods, including the A, B, C, and D training types of period 2) of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan runners. Data are presented by box plots.
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