Race Day Research Articles

Heart rate variability recovery after a skyrunning marathon and correlates of performance

Background: It is well known that vigorous physical activity induces functional changes in cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity that is sustained several hours after exercise. However, data related to ANS recovery after more extreme endurance events, such as skyrunning marathons, are still lacking. Objective: The aims of this prospective cohort study were firstly, to determine the ANS response to a SkyMarathon, and secondly, to examine correlates of run performance. Methods: Ten male skyrunners aged 37.2 ± 9.2 years were recruited. The race was performed at a mean intensity 85.4 ± 3.7% of heart rate reserve, and lasted for 338 ± 38 min. Morning supine heart rate variability was measured at 10, 2 and 1 days before race, on the race day, at 5 min intervals for 30 min immediately post-race and then at 5 h and 30 h post. High-frequency power (HF, 0.15-0.50 Hz), low-frequency power (LF, 0.05-0.15 Hz), and square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences (RMSSD) were calculated and transformed by natural logarithm (Ln). Results: Sympathovagal balance (Ln LF/HF) was most likely increased above baseline during the 30 min post-race and returned to baseline by 5 h. Vagal activity (Ln RMSSD and Ln HF) was most likely decreased below baseline during the 30 min post-race and 5 h of post-race, and recovered to baseline by 30 h. Race time correlated with resting heart rate (r = .81), body mass index (r = .73), maximal power output (r = -.70), and maximal oxygen uptake (r = -.61). Conclusions: The SkyMarathon elicited disturbances in ANS activity, with relative sympathetic activity increased up to 5 h post-race and vagal activity recovering by 30 h. Resting heart rate, body mass index, maximal power output, and maximal oxygen uptake were associated with SkyMarathon performance prediction.

Pharmacokinetics of inorganic cobalt and a vitamin B12 supplement in the Thoroughbred horse: Differentiating cobalt abuse from supplementation

While cobalt is an essential micronutrient for vitamin B12 synthesis in the horse, at supraphysiological concentrations, it has been shown to enhance performance in human subjects and rats, and there is evidence that its administration in high doses to horses poses a welfare threat. Animal sport regulators currently control cobalt abuse via international race day thresholds, but this work was initiated to explore means of potentially adding to application of those thresholds since cobalt may be present in physiological concentrations. To devise a scientific basis for differentiation between presence of cobalt from bona fide supplementation and cobalt doping through the use of ratios. Six Thoroughbred horses were given 10 mL vitamin B12 /cobalt supplement (Hemo-15® ; Vetoquinol, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, UK., 1.5 mg B12 , 7 mg cobalt gluconate = 983 μg total Co) as an i.v. bolus then an i.v. infusion (15 min) of 100 mg cobalt chloride (45.39 mg Co) 6 weeks later. Pre-and post-administration plasma and urine samples were analysed for cobalt and vitamin B12 . Urine and plasma samples were analysed for vitamin B12 using an immunoassay and cobalt concentrations were measured via ICP-MS. Baseline concentrations of cobalt in urine and plasma for each horse were subtracted from their cobalt concentrations post-administration for the PK analysis. Compartmental analysis was used for the determination of plasma PK parameters for cobalt using commercially available software. On administration of a vitamin B12 /cobalt supplement, the ratio of cobalt to vitamin B12 in plasma rapidly increased to approximately 3 and then rapidly declined below a ratio of 1 and then back to near baseline over the next week. On administration of 100 mg cobalt chloride, the ratio initially exceeded 10 in plasma and then declined with the lower 95% confidence interval remaining above a ratio of 1 for 7 days. For two horses with extended sampling, the plasma ratio remained above one for approximately 28 days after cobalt chloride administration. The effect of the administration of the vitamin B12 /cobalt supplement on the urine ratio was transient and reached a peak value of 10 which then rapidly declined. However, a urine ratio of 10 was exceeded, with the lower 95% confidence interval remaining above a ratio of 10 for 7 days after cobalt chloride administration. For the two horses with extended sampling, the urine ratio remained above 10 for about 18 days (442 h) after cobalt chloride administration even though the absolute cobalt urine concentration had dropped below the international threshold of 100 ng/mL after 96 h. Only one vitamin B12 /cobalt product was evaluated, a limited number of horses were included, the horses were not in full race training and the results may be specific to this population of horses. The results provide the basis for a potential strategy for allowing supplementation with vitamin B12 products, while controlling the misuse of high doses of cobalt, through a combination of international thresholds and ratios of cobalt to vitamin B12 , in plasma and urine.

Race day concussion incidence in Irish professional flat and jump horse racing from 2011 to 2016

Race day concussion incidence in Irish professional flat and jump horse racing from 2011 to 2016

Progressive Dehydration in Junior Laser Class Sailors During World Championship.

The purpose of this article is to assess the hydration status of elite young sailing athletes during World Championship competition. Twelve young, elite, male, Laser Class sailors (age: 15.8 ± 1.1y, height: 1.74 ± 0.1m, weight: 65.1 ± 1.5kg, body fat: 12.5 ± 3.1%, training experience: 7.0 ± 1.2y) participated in this descriptive study. After three-day baseline bodyweight measurements, hydration status was assessed via pre- and post-race body weights, urine-specific gravity, and thirst ratings via a visual analog scale during four consecutive days of racing. Measurements and data collection took place at the same time each racing day, with mean environmental temperature, humidity, and wind speed at 23.0 ± 0.8°C, 64-70%, and 9 ± 1knots, respectively. Average racing time was 130 ± 9min. Body weight was significantly decreased following each race-day as compared to prerace values (Day 1: -1.1 ± 0.2, Day 2: -2.5 ± 0.1, Day 3: -2.8 ± 0.1, and Day 4: -3.0 ± 0.1% of body weight; p < 0.05). The participants exhibited dehydration of -2.9 ± 0.2 and -5.8 ± 0.2% of body weight before and after the fourth racing day as compared to the three-day baseline body weight. Urine-specific gravity (pre-post → Day 1: 1.014-1.017; Day 2: 1.019-1.024; Day 3: 1.021-1.026; Day 4: 1.022-1.027) and thirst (pre-post → Day 1: 2.0-5.2; Day 2: 3.2-5.5; Day 3: 3.7-5.7; Day 4: 3.8-6.8) were also progressively and significantly elevated throughout the four days of competition. The data revealed progressive dehydration throughout four consecutive days of racing as indicated by decreased body weight, elevated urine concentration, and high thirst.

Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injury during Racing on New Zealand Racetracks 2005-2011.

Simple SummaryThere is currently limited information on the types, or risk, of injuries occurring for horses racing in flat races in New Zealand. Race reports and records from six racing seasons were used to determine the reasons why horses failed to finish a race. In total, 544 horses failed to complete a race, of which 177 were due to veterinary events. Most of the veterinary events that occurred during a race were classed as musculoskeletal injuries (136/177; 77%). The rate of musculoskeletal injuries during a race, 0.72 per 1000 starts, was lower than the rates reported for other racing jurisdictions. The condition of the track and the distance of the race were associated with the rate of musculoskeletal injury during a race. There may be differences in the training programmes and racing schedules for horses in the southern hemisphere, which may have contributed to the low rates reported in this study.The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of veterinary events that resulted in a horse failing to finish a race and identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injury (MSI) during a race. Data were obtained on Thoroughbred flat race starts in New Zealand between 1 August 2005 and 31 July 2011 (six racing seasons). Stipendiary Steward’s reports were key-word searched to identify veterinary events that prevented a horse from finishing a race. Race data were used calculate the incidence of veterinary events per 1000 horse starts and Poisson regression was used to investigate risk factors for MSI. There were 188,616 race starts and 177 reported veterinary events. The incidence of MSI on race day was 0.72 per 1000 starts, whilst the incidence of respiratory events was 0.21 per 1000 starts. The rate of MSI was significantly lower on ‘dead’ and ‘slow’ tracks compared with ‘good’ tracks and significantly greater in longer races (≥1671 m) compared with races of ≤1200 m. The rate of MSI during flat races in New Zealand appears lower than that reported worldwide, which may be due to the management and training of horses in New Zealand or differences in case definitions used in comparable studies.

Challenges and Opportunities in Designing Experiences for Advanced Amateur Sportsmen

Abstract While new technologies supporting the experience of sports appear every day, we still do not have a full understanding of how to design technology that augments the experience of physical exercise. As more and more users practice sports in western societies, interaction design must learn to readdress the practical, social, physical and psychological aspects of sports. In this paper, I reflect on my past studies in the nascent field of designing interactive technologies for advanced amateur sportsmen. I share the practical challenges involved in augmenting experiences of training and race day performance. I discuss issues of qualitative experience, community, motivation and temporality to highlight where current sports technologies are insufficient. In particular, I focus on the experiences of those already involved in training routines and place less emphasis on beginners or those who need to be convinced to practice sports. I then discuss reasons for the difficulties involved in developing sports technologies and propose potential solutions to those difficulties to identify ways to move interaction design for sports forward.

Description of the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of proximal limb and pelvic fractures in Hong Kong racehorses during 2003-2014.

Few studies have described incidences of proximal limb and pelvic fracture (PLPF) in Thoroughbred racehorses occurring on race day and during training. Information regarding clinical presentations and future racing careers in cases of PLPF is limited. To describe the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of PLPF sustained by horses in racing and training at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) between 2003 and 2014. Retrospective cohort study. Horses with PLPF confirmed by nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasonography, radiography or post-mortem examination were identified using veterinary clinical records. Training and racing data for case horses were described. Incidences of fractures were estimated per 1000 horses in training and per 1000 race starts for fractures sustained during racing. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population. A total of 129 instances of PLPF were sustained by 108 racehorses. The most commonly fractured bone was the humerus (49.6%), followed by the tibia (29.4%). Nine horses sustained fatal fractures, eight of which occurred during racing. The incidence of fracture during racing was 0.30 per 1000 starts. Two-thirds of fractures occurred during training. The majority of horses presented with grade 3 lameness (n = 42 of 119 injury events, 35.3%). All horses presenting with grade 5 lameness sustained fatal injuries. Following noncatastrophic injury, all horses underwent box rest and 81 horses subsequently resumed racing; 45 of these won a race. Horses were retired at a median of 25 months (interquartile range: 15-36 months) after injury. Protocols for resting non-training racehorses at the HKJC and for recording rehabilitation regimens post-injury prevented the calculation of horse days at risk. The incidence of PLPF at the HKJC is low. Non-fatal PLPF is not necessarily a career-ending injury and many horses resume racing successfully following conservative treatment.

Running with a Mask? The Effect of Air Pollution on Marathon Runners' Performance

Using a sample of more than 0.3 million marathon runners of 56 race events in China in 2014 and 2015, we estimate the air pollution elasticity of finish time to be 0.041. Our causal identification comes from the exogeneity of air pollution on the race day because runners are required to register for a race a few months in advance and we control for confounding factors. Including individual fixed effects also provides consistent evidence. Our study contributes to the emerging literature on the effect of air pollution on short-run productivity, particularly on the performance of athletes engaging in outdoor sports.

Premarathon Evaluations: Is There a Role for Runner Prerace Medical Screening and Education to Reduce the Risk of Medical Complications?

There is irrefutable evidence that regular participation in physical activity has substantial health benefits, and as such participation in mass community-based sports events should be supported. However, with the promotion of physical activity comes the potential risk of medical complications during an acute exercise session, with this risk varying according to the risk factor profile of an individual and the nature of the event. The demographics of marathon race entrants changed over the past two to three decades, and currently about 50% of runners are older than 40 yr. A consolidated view of previously published research shows that in a marathon with a field of 50,000 runners for example, the medical staff will, on average, encounter a sudden death every 2 to 3 yr, a sudden cardiac arrest every year, 25 runners that present with a serious medical complication requiring specialized management or hospitalization, and 1000 runners that require medical attention. Runners may have several intrinsic risk factors that can predispose them to serious acute cardiovascular or other serious noncardiac medical complications on race day. This intrinsic risk can be exacerbated by several extrinsic risk factors as well. As health care professionals, we are obliged to give the best medical advice to individuals who wish to participate in moderate- and high-intensity endurance activities, and at the same time reduce their risk of a medical complication during exercise. Preliminary data indicate that an online prerace medical screening and targeted educational intervention program can be successfully implemented and is effective in reducing the risk of acute medical complications during a race.

Recent acute prerace systemic illness in runners increases the risk of not finishing the race: SAFER study V

AimThere are limited data on the negative effects of exercise in athletes with acute infective illness. The aim of this study was to determine whether a recently diagnosed prerace acute...

Description of veterinary events and risk factors for fatality in National Hunt flat racing Thoroughbreds in Great Britain (2000-2013).

No large-scale studies have described veterinary events occurring in National Hunt (NH) flat racing or investigated risk factors for fatality in this race type. To describe injuries and conditions requiring veterinary attendance on race day and to determine risk factors for racehorse fatality in NH flat racing in Great Britain. Retrospective cohort study (2000-2013). Information from all NH flat races held over the study period, including horse, race and veterinary event report details, was combined. Veterinary events were described by type and anatomical structure(s) affected. Incidence per 1000 starts were calculated for all veterinary events and by event group, and stratified by certain horse- and race-level variables. Risk factors for fatality were determined using multivariable logistic regression modelling. Over the 14-year study period, 544 veterinary events were recorded, providing an overall incidence of 13.0 events per 1000 starts. The most common events were bone injuries (23.5%) and tendon or ligament injuries (16.4%). A fatal outcome was recorded for 117 horses (21.5% of all events), resulting in an incidence of 2.9 deaths per 1000 starts. Odds of fatality were 4.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-11.82; P = 0.02) times higher in races restricted to conditional jockeys compared to those that were not. Horses starting in their first race experienced 1.44 (95% CI 1.00-2.08; P = 0.05) times the odds of death compared to those that had raced before. Classification of veterinary events frequently relied upon presumptive diagnosis. This study provides a benchmark for the ongoing surveillance of veterinary events in NH flat racing. These results support the phasing out of NH flat races restricted to conditional jockeys and highlight the need for further work to establish why NH flat racing Thoroughbreds competing in their first race are at increased risk for death.

Resilience and Growth in Marathon Runners in the Aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings

The historic Boston Marathon was struck by tragedy in 2013 when two bombs exploded near the finish line during the race. This tragedy provided the opportunity to study resilience in marathon runners, whose experience overcoming minor adversities may help them respond resiliently to trauma (Dyer &amp; Crouch, 1988). The purpose of this study was to employ qualitative methods to examine the role of resilience in helping runners overcome their experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon. The researchers used Galli and Vealey’s (2008) Conceptual Model of Sport Resilience as a guide. Sixteen 2013 Boston Marathon runners were interviewed. Participants reported experiencing a confusing, unpleasant race day, followed by months of mixed emotions and coping strategies, which were mediated by personal resources and ultimately led to positive outcomes including increased motivation, strength, new perspectives, and a greater sense of closeness in the running community.

The association between exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage and race-day performance in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is commonly implicated as a cause of poor athletic performance but there is limited and conflicting evidence for this association. The aim of this study was to determine if EIPH, based on endoscopic examination after racing, is associated with a variety of novel and established performance parameters. Prospective, observational cross-sectional study. Thoroughbred racehorses competing between 2012 and 2015 were examined on-course no earlier than 30 min after racing. Examinations were recorded and graded blindly by experienced veterinarians using a 0-4 scale. Linear mixed effect models were used for analysis of continuous response variables with horse name incorporated as a random effect to account for repeated sampling and horse variability. Generalised estimating equations were used for analysis of binary responses. Performance variables were examined in 2 models, comparing EIPH grade 0 to grades 1-4, and EIPH grade ≤2 compared with EIPH grades ≥3, controlling race factors that could influence performance. There were 3794 observations collected from 1567 horses. EIPH was detected in 55.1% of observations. Horses with grade 4 EIPH were significantly more likely to have a lower finishing position and finish further behind the winner, less likely to place in the first 3 positions and collect race earnings, collected less earnings per race start and were slower over the last 600 m of the race than horses without EIPH (grade 0). Similar associations were seen in Model 2, with horses with EIPH grade ≥3 having inferior performance when compared to horses with EIPH ≤2. Enrolment was voluntary. Mild to moderate haemorrhage was not associated with inferior race day performance in this population of Thoroughbred racehorses.

Detection and pharmacokinetics of salmeterol in thoroughbred horses following inhaled administration.

Salmeterol is a man-made beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist used to relieve bronchospasm associated with inflammatory airway disease in horses. Whilst judicious use is appropriate in horses in training, they cannot race with clinically effective concentrations of medications under the British Horseracing Authority's Rules of Racing. Salmeterol must therefore be withdrawn prior to race day and pharmacokinetic (PK) studies used to establish formal detection time advice. Salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent Evohaler® ) was administered (0.1mg twice daily for 4.5days) via inhalation to six horses. Urine and blood samples were taken up to 103h postadministration. Hydrolysed samples were extracted using solid phase extraction. A sensitive Ultra high performance tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed, with a Lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for salmeterol of 10pg/mL in both matrices. The majority of salmeterol plasma concentrations, postlast administration, were below the method LLOQ and so unusable for PK analysis. Urine PK analysis suggested a half-life consistent with duration of pharmacological effect. Average estimated urine concentration at steady-state was obtained via PK modelling and used to estimate a urine concentration of 59±34pg/mL as a marker of effective lung concentration. From this, potential detection times were calculated using a range of safety factors.

BDNF levels are increased in peripheral blood of middle-aged amateur runners with no changes on histone H4 acetylation levels.

Our aim was to compare the basal levels of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and global histone H4 acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy amateur runners (EXE group) with sedentary individuals (SED group) as well as to investigate the acute effect of a running race on these markers in the EXE group. Five days before the race, all participants were submitted to a basal blood collection. On the race day, two blood samples were collected in the EXE group before the running started and immediately at the end. In the basal period, a significant increase of plasma BDNF levels in the EXE individuals when compared to the SED group (p=0.036) was demonstrated, while no difference in global histone H4 acetylation levels was observed. These parameters were unaltered in the EXE group after the race. The increased levels of BDNF might be linked to healthy middle-aged runners' phenotype.

Analysis of Failure to Finish a Race in a Cohort of Thoroughbred Racehorses in New Zealand.

Simple SummaryOverall, the failure to finish rate in New Zealand, 2.88 per 1000 horse starts (95% CI 2.64–3.12), was lower than international figures for race day catastrophic injury. Racing and environmental variables such as horse experience, race distance and season were associated with failure to finish a race. Catastrophic injury accounted for approximately half the failure to finish events. Jockey falls were positively associated with less experienced jockeys and horses.The objective was to describe the incidence of failure to finish a race in flat-racing Thoroughbreds in New Zealand as these are summary indicators of falls, injuries and poor performance. Retrospective data on six complete flat racing seasons (n = 188,615 race starts) of all Thoroughbred flat race starts from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2011 were obtained. The incidence of failure to finish events and binomial exact 95% confidence intervals were calculated per 1000 horse starts. The association between horse-, rider- and race-level variables with the outcomes failure to finish, pulled-up/fell and lost rider were examined with a mixed effects Poisson regression model. A total of 544 horses failed to finish in 188,615 race starts with an overall incidence of 2.88 per 1000 horse starts (95% CI 2.64–3.12). The incidence of failure to finish horses across each race year showed little variability. In the univariable analysis race distance, larger field size, season, and ratings bands showed association with failing to finish a race. The overall failure to finish outcome was associated with season, race distance and ratings bands (horse experience and success ranking criteria). In the multivariable analysis, race distance and ratings bands were associated with horses that pulled-up/fell; season, apprentice allowances and ratings bands were associated with the outcome lost rider. The failure to finish rate was lower than international figures for race day catastrophic injury. Racing and environmental variables were associated with failure to finish a race highlighting the multifactorial nature of race-day events. Further investigation of risk factors for failure to finish is required to better understand the reasons for a low failure to finish rate in Thoroughbred flat races in New Zealand.

Hydration Status of Elite Young Sailors during World Championship Laser 4.7.

Maintenance of fluid homeostasis is essential for health, athletic performance and thermoregulation. Although there are a lot of studies evaluating hydration status in many sports, there are no data concerning hydration levels during sailing events. PURPOSE: To assess hydration status of elite young sailing athletes during the World Championship Laser 4.7. METHODS: 12 young elite male athletes participated in the study (age: 15.8±1.1 y, height: 1.74±0.1 m, weight: 65.1±1.5 kg, body fat: 12.5±3.1%, training age: 7.0±1.2 y). Hydration status was assessed via pre- and post-race urine samples, based on urine specific gravity (USG), and urine color. Measurements and data collection took place at the same time each day, with mean environmental temperature, humidity and wind speed at 23.0±0.8o C, 64-70% and 9±1 knots, respectively. All athletes competed for 130±9 min. RESULTS: Although all sailors were euhydrated after the end of the 1st semifinal race (day 1) (USG=1.017±0.001), a significant body weight loss was observed (-1.4%) despite ad libitum drinking during the race. Hydration indices were significantly elevated during the remaining days, with post-race USG (2nd semifinal race/day 2: 1.024 ±0.001, 1st final/day 3: 1.026±0.001, 2nd final/day 4: 1.027±0.001, p>0.05), post-race urine color (5, 6, and 6) and change in body weight (-2.5, -2.8, and -3%). All measured parameters indicated progressively increasing levels of dehydration for the athletes. CONCLUSION: The data suggested that progressive dehydration was developed throughout the consecutive days of racing and especially during the race. It is of vital importance even for elite athletes to be educated about the importance of euhydration.

New insights in professional horse racing; “in-race” heart rate data, elevated fracture risk, hydration, nutritional and lifestyle analysis of elite professional jockeys

ABSTRACTWeight-making practices have been shown to impair musculoskeletal and physiological function of jockeys. This study investigated the “in-race” heart rate (HR) responses and hydration status during competitive racing, as well as selected physiological and lifestyle parameters of professional jockeys based in Hong Kong. “In-race” HR responses and early morning hydration status of 20 male jockeys were examined in hot and moderate climactic occasions. Additionally, bone mineral density (BMD), dietary intake and lifestyle choices were assessed. Osteopenia was observed in the calcanei of jockeys (left: 0.51 ± 0.06; right: 0.46 ± 0.12 g · cm−2). Energy and protein intake were significantly lower on a race day compared to a non-race day (P < 0.05). “In-race” HRmax values were similar to those from VO2max laboratory tests (186 ± 14 vs. 185 ± 8 bpm). Hypohydration was observed on both racing days. (USG: 1.0247 ± 0.006 and 1.0256 ± 0.0258 mg · L−1 for hot and moderate conditions, respectively). Sauna usage (25.5%) and food restriction (20.4%) were the most common weight-making practices. Current lifestyle choices of jockeys result in suboptimal bone health, hydration status and nutritional intake, which can significantly enhance the fracture risk. Further research should develop exercise and nutrition guidelines for optimising their skeletal health.

Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry supplementation on acute endurance exercise performance in aerobically trained individuals.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term supplementation of a powdered tart cherry supplement prior to and following stressful endurance exercise would affect markers of muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and/or muscle soreness.Methods27 endurance-trained runners or triathlete (21.8 ± 3.9 years, 15.0 ± 6.0 % body fat, 67.4 ± 11.8 kg) men (n = 18) and women (n = 9) were matched based on average reported race pace, age, body mass, and fat free mass. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest, in a double-blind manner, capsules containing 480 mg of a rice flour placebo (P, n = 16) or powdered tart cherries [CherryPURE®] (TC, n = 11). Subjects supplemented one time daily (480 mg/day) for 10-d, including race day, up to 48-hr post-run. Subjects completed a half-marathon run (21.1 km) under 2-hr (111.98 ± 11.9 min). Fasting blood samples and quadriceps muscle soreness ratings using an algometer with a graphic pain rating scale were taken pre-run, 60-min, 24 and 48-h post-run and analyzed by MANOVA with repeated measures.ResultsSubjects in the TC group averaged 13 % faster half-marathon race finish times (p = 0.001) and tended to have smaller deviations from predicted race pace (p = 0.091) compared to P. Attenuations in TC muscle catabolic markers were reported over time for creatinine (p = 0.047), urea/blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.048), total protein (p = 0.081), and cortisol (p = 0.016) compared to P. Despite lower antioxidant activity pre-run in TC compared to P, changes from pre-run levels revealed a linear increase in antioxidant activity at 24 and 48-h of recovery in TC that was statistically different (16–39 %) from P and pre-run levels. Inflammatory markers were 47 % lower in TC compared to P over time (p = 0.053) coupled with a significant difference between groups (p = 0.017). Soreness perception between the groups was different over time in the medial quadriceps (p = 0.035) with 34 % lower pre-run soreness in TC compared to P. Over the 48-h recovery period, P changes in medial quadriceps soreness from pre-run measures were smaller compared to TC.ConclusionResults revealed that short-term supplementation of Montmorency powdered tart cherries surrounding an endurance challenge attenuated markers of muscle catabolism, reduced immune and inflammatory stress, better maintained redox balance, and increased performance in aerobically trained individuals.

From the Editor

Happy New Year! I sincerely hope you have enjoyed some relaxing and special times throughout the holiday season and enter 2016 optimistic and eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. As I begin my journey as editor-in-chief, I would like to recognize the numerous professionals who have provided exceptional service to the Journal, welcome those coming on board, and, finally, briefly comment on this issue’s outstanding content. First, I would like to give a special thank you to Steven J. Keteyian, Ph.D., FACSM, for the exceptional leadership he has provided to the Journal during the past 4 years. Dr. Keteyian’s incredible attention to detail, editorial skills, and scientific insight have continued to advance the scope and quality of the Journal that was established so elegantly by his predecessors, Lawrence A. Golding, Ph.D., FACSM, and Edward T. Howley, Ph.D., FACSM. Steven’s enthusiasm and passion for the Journal have molded it into the premier source of high-quality, evidence-based, practical information for health and fitness professionals. I also say a special “thank you” to our outgoing editorial board members Celine R. Neefkes- Zonneveld, CES, and Michael Richmond for their outstanding service to the Journal. I want to give a warm welcome to our new editorial board members: Christopher G. Berger, Ph.D., ACSM-HFS; Bryan J. Blissmer, Ph.D.; Steven J. Keteyian, Ph.D., FACSM; and David Verrill, M.S., RCEP, CES. With regard to what lies ahead for the Journal, we will continue to progress the depth, quality, and timeliness of our articles to support the fitness and clinical professionals who are so key to the health and well-being of our populace. I would like to welcome three new associate editors to the Journal. Grace T. DeSimone is assuming the associate editor responsibilities for the Fitness Focus column that I have had the privilege of authoring for the past 4 years. I also would like to welcome new associate editors Janet Buckworth, Ph.D., FACSM, and Peter Ronai, M.S., FACSM; both will be writing new columns for the Journal that will launch in the March/April issue. Dr. Buckworth’s Enhancing Your Behavioral Toolkit column will address the critically important topic of behavior change and provide a wealth of practical and timely information. Mr. Ronai will be writing a column titled Do It Right that will focus on the appropriate technique for performing specific resistance training exercises. Looking inside this issue of the Journal, I’d like to draw your attention to three outstanding feature articles. Our first feature article “Reading Research 101,” by Robert C. Hendrick, Ph.D., and Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, is a timely primer on how to read, analyze, interpret, and apply research findings in your practice setting. The second article, by Janet S. Hamilton, M.A., RCEP, CSCS, and Paul Sorace, M.S., FACSM, provides important recommendations regarding how to train safely and effectively for a first marathon. The authors discuss how to build an appropriate base, sharpen for race day, and adequately taper to arrive at the starting line on race day healthy and prepared. Our third feature, “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles During the Menopausal Transition: Benefits of Physical Activity and Nutrition” by Kathleen Woolf, Ph.D., R.D., FACSM; Barbara A. Bushman, Ph.D., FACSM; Kelley Pettee Gabriel, Ph.D., FACSM; and Susan Carter, M.D., FACSM, focuses on the menopausal period and the importance of nutrition and physical activity during this midlife transitional phase for women. I also would like to draw your attention to the feature box and the excellent columns our associate editors have contributed to this issue. We are blessed with an extraordinary group of associate editors, and I deeply appreciate their professional wisdom and dedication to the Journal. Finally, I am humbled and deeply honored with the opportunity to serve as editor-in-chief and am committed to working closely with our exceptional associate editors and reviewers to maintain the quality and practicality of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®. I am always open to ideas and input and urge you to contact me with potential topic ideas and thoughts with regard to how we can make the Journal even better. Brad A. Roy, Ph.D., FACSM Editor-in-Chief Kalispell Regional Medical Center [email protected]