Heptathlon Training

As the name suggests, the heptathlon event consists of seven events, these are intense track and field disciplines. Heptathlon training is very rigorous as athletes have to be in top physical shape for the competition. The Olympic event is the top event in heptathlon and a gold in the Olympics is considered the crowning glory of a heptathletes career. The seven track and field events of the heptathlon are held over a period of two consecutive days. Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the most famous female heptathlon athletes in the world. Heptathlon is one of the most grueling sporting events when it comes to track and field competitions. Athletes have to be in top physical and mental condition to cope with the stress of international competition.

Heptathlon is a Greek word which is a combination of the number seven and the word competition. The event comprises seven different disciplines of athletics like shot put, javelin throw, long jump, and different running disciplines. The women's heptathlon event has different disciplines than the men's event, one more difference is that the women's event is held outdoors while the men's event is an indoor affair. The women's heptathlon competition is more popular than the men's event.

The seven events that comprise a heptathlon are held over a period of two consecutive days, with four events on the first day and three on the second day. Each event has points which are decided by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). The participant with the most number of points after the end of all seven events is declared the winner. There are several other rules which govern the competition and can be found in the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) rule book.

Heptathlon Events

If you are wondering what events make up a heptathlon, well the answer is little complicated as the events for the men's heptathlon differ from those for the women's competition. Here is a list of events for the women's competition:

• 100m Hurdles
• 200m Run
• 800m Run
• High Jump
• Long Jump
• Javelin Throw
• Shot Put

The events for the men's event include:

• 60m Run
• 60m Hurdles
• 1000m Run
• Long Jump
• High Jump
• Pole Vault
• Shot Put

Heptathlon Training Program

The training schedule is little complex as there are different disciplines in the event, athletes have to train for each individual event. The training program concentrates on improving strength, stamina and endurance as the athletes have to participate in 3 - 4 different events in a day. Just developing the physical traits isn't enough, athletes also need to work on the mental attributes because it is a demanding event.

For the sprint and hurdles events the athletes need to improve their strength by doing fitness training and exercises that improve agility. Explosive strength is what's needed for these events and the heptathletes need to build their running speed with constant practice. For the long runs like the 800m and 1000m for women and men respectively, they will have to develop a training program that builds their lower body strength.

Events like shot put and javelin throw need good upper body strength and power. Athletes need to inculcate weight training programs that concentrate on building their upper body strength. Technique is also an important aspect of these events, so an athlete also needs to perfect the stance and throwing techniques required for these events.

The training program can be divided into weight training, track sessions and technical sessions where the athlete concentrates on perfecting the different techniques for shot put, javelin, pole vault and the jumps.