In relation to perceived exertion, which phrase best describes the effort during sprints on a flat?

When considering perceived exertion during sprints on a flat, describing the effort as "hard to very hard" accurately reflects the intensity and demand placed on the body during such activities. Sprints typically require a significant burst of energy and effort, leading to an elevated heart rate and breathing rate.

During high-intensity sprints, individuals often find themselves pushing their physical limits, which aligns well with the "hard to very hard" characterization. This level of exertion is typical for such short, intense bursts of activity as it taps into anaerobic energy systems. Participants are likely to feel a strong sense of effort, where they are definitely not in a comfortable zone and are pushing themselves significantly, but they are still able to maintain that effort for the duration of the sprint.

Other phrases, such as "easy to moderate," would not accurately describe the physical and mental demand during sprints, as these levels suggest a much lower intensity that does not represent the experience of sprinting. Similarly, references to "extremely hard" or "unbearable" may overstate the perceived exertion level, as there can be momentary recoveries and pacing strategies that allow an athlete to manage their exertion during repeated sprints rather than reaching a state of unbearable effort