Athletes who participate in track and field events often require different strengths and abilities, depending on the events they participate in; but in most cases, the causes of reaching a plateau are no different. Plateaus are often built into training regimens, according to Dennis Read of "Coaching Management" magazine, and are useful in creating a balanced regimen. In some cases, however, reaching a plateau can be a sign of overtraining, illness, stress or a psychological issue. Knowing whether a plateau is natural or not can help determine how best to overcome it, if necessary.
Natural Plateaus
Plateaus are not limited to track and field athletes; they occur in all kinds of athletes, particularly in weightlifters and bodybuilders. They occur naturally when your body adjusts to a particular level of training intensity, and you no longer make the rapid gains in performance that you have previously. What was once difficult to do becomes easier, because your body has built up muscular or cardiovascular endurance. According to Vern Gambetta, co-founder of the USA Track and Field coaches education program, a track and field training regimen can have three to four lengthy, natural plateaus. Natural plateaus are beneficial to help stabilize your performance before moving to the next level.
Other Plateaus
In some instances, a plateau is caused by another issue, such as mental burn-out, overtraining, or illness. Stress, depression or burn out from performing repetitive training activities repeatedly can lead to a variety of problems — such as lack of sleep, poor eating habits and general malaise — that ultimately affect performance, causing an athlete to plateau. Training too frequently or with excessive intensity can cause similar results. In some instances, particularly if a plateau lasts longer than expected, an illness could be to blame.
Overcoming Plateaus
Even natural plateaus can linger for longer than an athlete or coach feel is necessary. In some instances, making changes to a training regimen can help, such as performing different exercises or switching events. For example, Lou Duesing, Head Coach of Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country at Cornell University, has had althetes change events for an entire season. Ensuring an athlete is resting properly, eating a proper diet and is not training too hard or beyond the normally scheduled training sessions can also help overcome plateaus.
Considerations
Track and field athletes should work closely with their coach or coaches to determine if a plateau is natural or caused by another factor. Plateaus last longer in some athletes than in others, and as long as the basic issues are addressed, the plateau should eventually end. If not, it's recommended that you check in with a sports medicine doctor to rule out any potential health issues, such as anemia or other, more serious diseases.
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