Running Performance

Our services are specifically tailored to provide support for athletes of all levels, from beginners to elite performers. Our expert team currently offer in-depth analyses of running technique and accurate physiological testing to help you personalise and make the most of your training.

If you're serious about your running, take the next step to optimising your performance. Any level of athlete can benefit from our assessments - choose the best one to suit your needs. Once you have purchased a package, the Human Performance Unit will call you back to arrange a time and date.

We have three packages to choose from so you can select the best for your needs.

Experience Package - £105

Ever wondered just how good professional runners are? Why not book our experience package to find out how your compare to the best in the World? The laboratory experience package has been designed to provide you with accurate physiological data that can be used to guide your training and ensure that you can perform optimally during competition. Data from this package can be used to establish training zones and individualise your training programme. It will also identify your strengths and weaknesses and establish just how you compare to an elite runner.

This package includes the following battery of tests:

• Body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance
• Blood lactate assessment during sub-maximal treadmill protocol
  • Lactate threshold is one of the most commonly, and effectively assessed performance markers. The point is to learn the highest intensity at which you race and train before ‘hitting the wall’ from high levels of blood lactate. The aim of this test is to determine your highest sustainable level of lactate accumulation before it seriously hinders your performance - your lactate threshold. The most accurate way to determine lactate threshold is via a graded exercise test on the treadmill. During the test, running velocity will be increased from low intensity at 3 minute intervals with finger prick blood samples being taken in between each increment. Heart rate and RPE will also be measured throughout the test. The treadmill test lasts for around 20-30 minutes – this is not an ‘all out’ maximum test

Following these tests, you will be provided with all results, an explanation of what each metric means to you and your running and a comparison to pro athletes. We will also identify some specific training you can do to target each of the metrics.

Advanced Package - £150

This package includes all the benefits of the Experience Package plus the following:

• Body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance (DEXA scans are available for additional cost)
• Blood lactate assessment

Plus:

• VO2 max
  • Once we have identified clear lactate turn points the protocol will change to 1 minute steps which you complete until exhaustion. This will enable VO2 max to be calculated)
• Running Economy Test – 3 x 4 minute Sub Max pace with gas analysis

This package comes with advanced analysis of your results and training zones, provides you with some more accurate performance modelling and comparison to pros and identifies specific sessions which you can target to improve your weaknesses and maximise your strengths.

Complete Package - £175

Want the most detailed analysis of your running performance? This package combines our advanced physiology package and measurements with a detailed analysis of your running technique.

This package includes the following battery of tests:

• Body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance (DEXA scans are available for additional cost)
• Blood lactate assessment
• VO2 max
• Running Economy Test – 3 x 4 minute Sub Max pace with gas analysis

Plus:

• Gait analysis
  • Using a combination of high speed video and the OPTOJUMP analysis system we will analyse your running technique

Once complete we’ll provide you with a detailed report.

Please note: We are not currently accepting applications for this course. To register your interest please contact buisinessgateway@derby.ac.uk.

Empower your workforce with block bookings

Take advantage of a short courses block booking to upskill your employees. Our short courses run on-campus and online and include new legislation and other up-to-the-minute issues. Get in touch today and we will tailor a package to meet the needs of your business.

Contact us

If you want to find out more about studying a short course, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Other courses you might like

• Gait Analysis
• Gait Coaching