Pacing during an ultramarathon running event in hilly terrain

Abstract

PurposeThe dynamics of speed selection as a function of distance, or pacing, are used in recreational, competitive, and scientific research situations as an indirect measure of the psycho-physiological status of an individual. The purpose of this study was to determine pacing on level, uphill and downhill sections of participants in a long (>80 km) ultramarathon performed on trails in hilly terrain.MethodsFifteen ultramarathon runners competed in a 173 km event (five finished at 103 km) carrying a Global-Positioning System (GPS) device. Using the GPS data, we determined the speed, relative to average total speed, in level (LEV), uphill (UH) and downhill (DH) gradient categories as a function of total distance, as well as the correlation between overall performance and speed variability, speed loss, and total time stopped.ResultsThere were no significant differences in normality, variances or means in the relative speed in 173-km and 103-km participants. Relative speed decreased in LEV, UH and DH. The main component of speed loss occurred between 5% and 50% of the event distance in LEV, and between 5% and 95% in UH and DH. There were no significant correlations between overall performance and speed loss, the variability of speed, or total time stopped.ConclusionsPositive pacing was observed at all gradients, with the main component of speed loss occurring earlier (mixed pacing) in LEV compared to UH and DH. A speed reserve (increased speed in the last section) was observed in LEV and UH. The decrease in speed and variability of speed were more important in LEV and DH than in UH. The absence of a significant correlation between overall performance and descriptors of pacing is novel and indicates that pacing in ultramarathons in trails and hilly terrain differs to other types of running events.

The Impact of Sex and Performance Level on Pacing Behavior in a 24-h Ultramarathon

“…Importantly, HP runners showed a more even pace with less speed variations than LP ones, perhaps indicating that a more conservative pacing strategy is the most appropriate to attain optimal performance in endurance events performed in extreme conditions. In contrast to previous ultramarathon studies (Kerherve et al, 2015(Kerherve et al, , 2016Renfree et al, 2016), but confirming others FIGURE 3 | Percentage of time spent at speeds corresponding to a substantial speed reduction (SSR <3.5 km·h −1 ), walking (from 3.5 to 5.9 km·h −1 ), walk-to-running transition (from 6.0 to 8.0 km·h −1 ) and running (>8.0 km·h −1 ). (A) HP vs. LP; (B) male vs. female; *, significant difference (P < 0.05) between performance levels or sexes in the same speed range; ‡, significant difference (P < 0.05) when compared to 3.5-5.9 km·h −1 LP; †, significant difference (P < 0.05) when compared to lower speed range(s) in the same performance level or sex; LP = low performance; HP, high performance.…”

The Natural Environmental Factors Influencing the Spatial Distribution of Marathon Event: A Case Study from China

“…This type of events is integrated with the natural environment, but affects the performance of the runners [41]. In mountainous areas, marathon races are in the level, uphill and downhill gradients due to the high ground undulations, so the runners' speed selection is also different from that of the flat race [15]. Studies have observed mountain super marathon run athlete the influence of the medial meniscus extrusion for people's health, and the results that mountain super marathon runner (without symptoms of knee joint, knee joint injury or surgery) observed under the limit load of the medial meniscus extrusion is a kind of temporary and reversible phenomenon, with the passage of time is completely reversible [24].…”

“…When studying the risk identification of marathon events, Jun and Zhang identified environmental and natural risks [14]; the impact of different terrains on marathon runners' performance. The pace selection, the degree of slope and running speed of marathon runners on uphill and downhill sections are significantly correlated to their performances [15]; and altitude training that can improve the physiological functions of marathon runners and enhance their performance [12,16]. Indeed, research has found that marathon events are mostly distributed in spring (week 14 to 17) and autumn (week 41 to 44) and the average temperature of host cities varies close to optimal value for long distance races [17].…”

Pacing Decision Making in Sport and the Effects of Interpersonal Competition: A Critical Review

“…In addition, stage of competition, the possibility of time fastest qualification, start position, altitude, and the number of competitors per race have been identified as influencing factors in the adopted pacing behaviour [88]. Finally, it has been highlighted in several studies that the appropriate strategy in competition is obviously related to other external aspects such as terrain [79,[89][90][91][92], temperature [82,92], and humidity [82] rather than solely the other competitors.…”