Training for Marathons during a Marathon Pandemic: Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Fitness among High-Level Nonelite Runners

Abstract

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all aspects of life, including physical fitness and well-being of the general population. In the present study, we assessed the effect of the pandemic on the subjective and objective fitness of high-level nonelite runners. Methods. The MASTERS Athletic Study is an ongoing survey of training and health habits of high-level nonelite runners, the majority of whom compete in marathons and other extreme endurance events. We invited participants to a web-based questionnaire regarding training and fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparisons were made between subjective and objective fitness as well as well as the relationship of prepandemic training volume and history of COVID-19 on change in fitness during the pandemic, using Mann–Whitney rank-sum tests and chi-square tests for nonparametric and categorical variables, respectively. Results. A total of 189 runners completed the survey, of whom 26 (13.8%) reported prior diagnosis with COVID-19. In terms of the subjective sense of fitness compared to before the pandemic, 49 (25.9%) reported they were less fit, 55 (29.1%) reported they were more fit, and 85 (45.0%) reported their fitness was unchanged. These assessments correlated well with objective measurement of training volume in MET-min/week. Runners with improved fitness at present had a lower calculated training volume before the pandemic versus those who reported unchanged or worsened fitness. There was no relationship between the report of prior COVID-19 and either subjective or objective measures of fitness. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a variable effect on the fitness of high-level nonelite runners. We found an inverse relationship between baseline training volume and the likelihood of runners reporting improved fitness and no relationship between a history of COVID-19 and change in fitness through the pandemic. Understanding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on athletic fitness will help guide strategies to maintain physical health and wellness through future public health crises.

Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on perceived cardiorespiratory fitness in athlete patients

“…Initial data reported PA reductions in both the general population and athletes, possibly as a result of stricter mandates regarding activities outside the home. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 During later stages of the pandemic, studies focused on athletic populations suggest a preservation of PA. 12 , 13 , 14 Changes in CRF have been less well studied, but small studies in specific groups of athletes (ie, elite soccer players, masters cyclists, para‐athletes) have demonstrated no change in measured CRF over the pandemic. 16 , 17 , 18 Although peak VO 2 was not measured directly, our study also suggests a reassuring picture of CRF preservation in most athletes despite challenges posed by the pandemic.…”

“…4 , 6 , 9 , 14 Fewer studies have assessed a change in perceived or measured CRF over the pandemic, again demonstrating mixed results. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 …”

“…1,2 All of these measures were fundamentally designed to reduce human contact, and as a consequence may have affected physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). 3 Existing data are conflicting regarding the influence of the pandemic on PA in the general population [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and in athletes, [11][12][13][14] with several studies demonstrating a heterogenous response, where the most active pre-pandemic were paradoxically at the highest risk of decline in PA after pandemic onset. 4,6,9,14 Fewer studies have assessed a change in perceived or measured CRF over the pandemic, again demonstrating mixed results.…”

“…3 Existing data are conflicting regarding the influence of the pandemic on PA in the general population [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and in athletes, [11][12][13][14] with several studies demonstrating a heterogenous response, where the most active pre-pandemic were paradoxically at the highest risk of decline in PA after pandemic onset. 4,6,9,14 Fewer studies have assessed a change in perceived or measured CRF over the pandemic, again demonstrating mixed results. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] CRF is among one of the most potent prognostic factors in medicine.…”

“…4,6,9,14 Fewer studies have assessed a change in perceived or measured CRF over the pandemic, again demonstrating mixed results. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] CRF is among one of the most potent prognostic factors in medicine. 23 Peak oxygen consumption (V ̇O2 ), as measured on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), is the gold standard measure of CRF and reflects the coordinated function of the cardiovascular system, lungs, and skeletal muscle.…”