Recreational Distance Runners Research Articles

Differences in race history by distance of recreational endurance runners from The NURMI Study (Step 2)

Few studies were developed to understand the relationship between running characteristics and motivation. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between running event history, running experience, and best race performances in recreational distance runners. We used a web survey to obtain information regarding running experience, racing history, and periodization training routines/exercise habits, including weekly volumes and daily mileage and duration across periods and conditions. Associations between variables were conducted with the Chi-square test (χ2; nominal scale) and Wilcoxon test. Multiple linear regression analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed. Concerning the participants’ motive for exercising, a significant difference was identified between the race distance subgroups (p < 0.001), where 58% of M/UM runners exercised for performance (n = 38) and 64% of HM runners (n = 57) and 57% of 10 km runners (n = 52) exercised for recreational purposes. A significant difference was found in the number of years of running completed without taking a break (p = 0.004), with marathoners/ultramarathoners reporting the most years. Runners competing in different race distances such as 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon presented differences in training background and habits according to the distance of preference.

Racing Experiences of Recreational Distance Runners following Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets (Part B)-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2).

The potential running or endurance performance difference based on following different general types of diets, such as omnivorous, vegetarian, or vegan, remains questionable. Several underlying modifiable factors of long-distance running performance, especially runner training behaviors and experience, diminish the clarity of results when analyzing dietary subgroups. Based on the cross-sectional design (survey), the NURMI Study Step 2 aimed to investigate a plethora of training behaviors among recreational long-distance running athletes and the relationship of general diet types with best time race performance. The statistical analysis was based on Chi-squared and Wilcoxon tests. The final sample (n = 245) included fit recreational long-distance runners following an omnivorous diet (n = 109), a vegetarian diet (n = 45), or a vegan diet (n = 91). Significant differences were found between the dietary subgroups in body mass index (p = 0.001), sex (p = 0.004), marital status (p = 0.029), and running-related motivations for well-being (p < 0.05) but not in age (p = 0.054). No significant difference was found for best time half-marathon, marathon, and/or ultra-marathon race performance based on diet type (p > 0.05). Whether the vegan diet is associated with enhanced endurance performance remains unclear. Although, the present results are suggestive that 100% plant-based (vegan) nutrition is compatible with distance running performance at the least.

Effects of Sixty-Minute Race-Pace Running on Cardiac Stress Biomarkers in Recreational Distance Runners

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is generally rare, but a serious complication of cardiovascular events during exercise. Although regular intensive physical exercise is thought to be a key to a healthy life, unsuspected pathologies might lead to SCD during or after physical activity. Cardiac dysfunction and elevated cardiac markers have been reported after prolonged exercise. We sought to clarify the cardiac marker levels and hydration status in healthy, middle-aged male subjects for 24 hours after running sixty-minute at race-pace. The participants were 47.4±1.7 years old, had peak oxygen consumption of 47.1±1.2ml/kg/min, and regularly running 70.5±6.4km/week. Blood biomarkers were performed before, immediately after, at the fourth and twenty-fourth hours after running. Compared to initial values, creatine kinase (before:161.2±22.5U/L, 24 hours after:411.9±139.7U/L, p&lt;0.001) and CK-MB (before:4.3±0.7ng/ml, 24 hours after:10.1±3.0ng/ml, p&lt;0.001) were significantly elevated immediately after running and remained significantly high for 24 hours. In addition, Troponin-I (before:5.0±1.1ng/l, 4 hours after:81.5±29.9ng/l, p&lt;0.001) and NT-proBNP (before: 31.2±5.3pg/ml, immediately after: 64.4±8.5pg/ml, p&lt;0.01) were significantly elevated immediately after running and returned to baseline levels in 24 hours. The sixty-minute running caused significant dehydration, but athletes were rehydrated at the 4th hour in their voluntary hydration behavior. As the individual data were analyzed, it was interesting to see that some of the athletes had critical biomarker levels without any cardiac symptom. Our findings indicate that race-pace sixty-minute running may induce a possible transient silent myocardial injury in apparently healthy master runners. Detailed pre-participation screening of these athletes may be necessary to reduce the risk of SCD.

Chronic Disease, Allergies And Years Of Running Are Predictive Of Achilles Tendon Injuries In Runners

Gradual onset Achilles tendon injuries (GoATI) in recreational distance runners are related to multiple risk factors. Recent data suggest a possible relationship between GoATI and chronic disease, but this has not been explored. PURPOSE: To determine risk factors predictive of GoATI amongst distance runners (21.1 km and 56 km) entering a mass community-based running event. METHODS: Online pre-race medical screening questionnaire data from 76654 consenting race entrants (71.8% of all entrants) were studied from 2012-2015 using a prospective cross-sectional observational study design. A total of 739 (0.9%) entrants reported a history of GoATI in the last 12 months. The following categories of factors predicting GoATI were explored using univariate and multiple regression analyses: runner demographics (age, sex, race distance), training/racing history, history of existing chronic disease (a composite score of chronic diseases was calculated by combining 10 chronic disease variables to give a single score: 0-10), and we excluded all types of medication use. Prevalence ratios are reported (PR: 95%CI). RESULTS: When comparing race entrants who reported a GoATI (n = 739) to a non-injured control group (n = 60635), older age (>31 yrs) (p < 0.0001), male sex (PR = 1.76;1.49-2.09: p < 0.0001), and longer race distance (56 km vs. 21.1 km) (PR = 2.06; 1.77-2.40: p < 0.0001) were associated with a higher prevalence of GoATI (univariate analysis). When adjusting for race distance, sex and age group, an increase in years of recreational running (For every 5-year increase: PR = 1.19; 1.14-1.25: p < 0.0001), higher chronic disease composite score (For every 2-unit increase: PR = 2.65; 2.33-3.02, p < 0.0001) and a history of allergies (PR = 2.18; 1.78-2.68: p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of GoATI (multiple regression). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from older age, longer race distance and male sex, novel independent factors predicting distance runners are at risk of GoATI were increased years of being a recreational runner, increasing number of chronic diseases (higher composite score), and a history of allergies. Novel factors predictive of GoATIs in runners could be targeted for future injury prevention interventions. Future studies should focus on a establishing a causal relationship.

Chronic Prescription Medication Is Associated With A History Of Exercise Associated Muscle Cramps In Runners

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of chronic prescription medication (CPM) use in recreational distance runners is 12.5%. CPM use in endurance athletes is associated with a history of exercise associated muscle cramps (hEAMC), but which main categories of CPM are associated with hEAMC has not been explored. PURPOSE: To determine the association between the use of main categories of CPM and a hEAMC. METHODS: 76654 consenting entrants (71.8% of all entrants) in two annual races (21.1 km & 56 km) were studied from 2012-2015. CPM use and type of medication in 8 main categories were self-reported as part of an online pre-race medical screening questionnaire at race entry. Entrants reported demographics (age, sex, and race distance), CPM use in 8 categories (blood pressure-lowering, asthma, cholesterol-lowering, anxiety/depression, allergy, any diabetes, any heart, other medication) and hEAMC. The prevalence (%; 95%CI) and prevalence ratio’s (PR; 95%CI) of main categories of CPM use in runners with (E group) and without hEAMC (C group) are reported, using a multinominal logistic regression model (adjusted for age, gender, and race distance). RESULTS: CPM use was significantly higher in the E vs. C group for main categories of medication use (prevalence in %; PR in decreasing order; 95%CIs): allergy (E: 1.5; 1.2-1.8 vs C: 0.8; 0.7-0.9, PR = 2.1; 1.7-2.6; p < 0.0001); asthma (E: 3.9; 3.5-4.3 vs C: 2.4; 2.3-2.5, PR = 1.8; 1.6-2.0; p < 0.0001); anxiety/depression (E: 3.0; 2.6-3.4 vs C: 2.1; 2.0-2.2, PR = 1.6; 1.4-1.8; p < 0.0001); any diabetes (E: 0.9; 0.7-1.1 vs C: 0.6; 0.6-0.7, PR = 1.5; 1.2-2.0; p < 0.01); blood pressure-lowering (E: 3.8;3.4-4.2 vs C: 3.0;2.8-3.2, PR = 1.4;1.3-1.6; p < 0.0001); cholesterol-lowering (E: 3.6; 3.2-4.0 vs C: 2.9; 2.7-3.0, PR = 1.4; 1.2-1.6; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: CPM use is associated with hEAMC in endurance athletes and may contribute to EAMC. Specific main categories of medication associated with >1.5X risk of hEAMC are allergy medication, asthma medication, medication to treat anxiety/depression, and any diabetes medication.

The Effects of Carbohydrate versus Fat Restriction on Lipid Profiles in Highly Trained, Recreational Distance Runners: A Randomized, Cross-Over Trial.

A growing number of endurance athletes have considered switching from a traditional high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HCLF) to a low-carbohydrate/high-fat (LCHF) eating pattern for health and performance reasons. However, few studies have examined how LCHF diets affect blood lipid profiles in highly-trained runners. In a randomized and counterbalanced, cross-over design, athletes (n = 7 men; VO2max: 61.9 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min) completed six weeks of two, ad libitum, LCHF (6/69/25% en carbohydrate/fat/protein) and HCLF (57/28/15% en carbohydrate/fat/protein) diets, separated by a two-week washout. Plasma was collected on days 4, 14, 28, and 42 during each condition and analyzed for: triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), VLDL, fasting glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Capillary blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was monitored during LCHF as a measure of ketosis. LCHF lowered plasma TG, VLDL, and TG/HDL-C (all p < 0.01). LCHF increased plasma TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C (all p < 0.05). Plasma glucose and HbA1c were unaffected. Capillary BHB was modestly elevated throughout the LCHF condition (0.5 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Healthy, well-trained, normocholesterolemic runners consuming a LCHF diet demonstrated elevated circulating LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations, while concomitantly decreasing TG, VLDL, and TG/HDL-C ratio. The underlying mechanisms and implications of these adaptive responses in cholesterol should be explored.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on torque and performance in recreational distance runners: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionNeuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used by athletes to improve muscle performance. However, evidence on the use of NMES in long distance runners is scarce. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of NMES on the muscle torque and sports performance of long-distance recreational runners. MethodsThis was a blinded randomized controlled trial. Data from 30 volunteers were analyzed. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). The experimental group was submitted to running training (RT) and a strengthening protocol with NMES (1 kHz, modulated in 2 ms bursts, 50 Hz modulated burst frequency and 10% duty cycle, 15 min totaling 18 contractions per sessions) for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, while controls were submitted to RT alone. The following variables were analyzed: peak isometric (ISO), concentric (CON), and eccentric (ECC) torque of the quadriceps muscle in voluntary contractions, ventilatory anaerobic thresholds (VATs), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and oxygen cost of transport (OCT). ResultsThe NMES group obtained higher values of ISO, 21.04% (p = 0.001), CON, 21.97% (p = 0.001) and ECC, 18.74% (p = 0.001) peak torque and VAT1, 9.56% (p = 0.001), as well as a statistically significant improvement in oxygen cost of transport at VAT1 when compared to controls (p = 0.001). ConclusionNMES was effective in improving peak isometric, concentric and eccentric quadriceps muscle torque, in addition to being an interesting resource for enhancing sports performance in long-distance recreational runners and future clinical trials should be performed to compare the use of NMES to different forms of training over longer training periods.

Effect of Foot Orthoses on Running Economy and Foot Longitudinal Arch Motion in Runners With Flat-Arched Feet.

To determine the effect of manipulating foot longitudinal arch motion with different-stiffness foot orthoses on running economy (RE) in runners with flat-arched feet and if changes in arch deformation and recoil were associated with changes in RE. Twenty-three recreational distance runners performed 5-minute submaximal treadmill runs at 12km·h-1, in the following 3 conditions in a randomized order: (1)footwear only, (2)flexible orthoses (reduced arch thickness), and (3)standard orthoses. The RE (submaximal steady-state oxygen consumption [VO2submax]) and sagittal arch range of motion were compared among conditions using a repeated-measures analysis of variance and effect sizes (Cohen d). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between the change in the sagittal arch range of motion and VO2submax. Compared with standard orthoses, the mean VO2submax was significantly lower in both the flexible orthoses (-0.8mL·kg-1·min-1, P < .001, d = 0.35) and footwear-only conditions (-1.2mL·kg-1·min-1, P < .001, d = 0.49). The change in VO2submax between the flexible orthoses and footwear-only conditions was significantly positively correlated with the change in sagittal arch range of motion (r = .591, P = .005). Conventional foot orthoses were associated with poorer RE compared with flexible orthoses and footwear alone. Changes in arch deformation were positively correlated to changes in oxygen consumption, indicating that foot orthoses that limit arch deformation and recoil degrade RE. Foot orthoses that facilitate energy storage and release in the foot longitudinal arch may be advisable for athletes prescribed these devices for clinical purposes to maintain optimal running performance.

Supplement intake in half-marathon, (ultra-)marathon and 10-km runners \u2013 results from the NURMI study (Step 2)

The primary nutritional challenge facing endurance runners is meeting the nutrient requirements necessary to optimize the performance and recovery of prolonged training sessions. Supplement intake is a commonly used strategy by elite and recreational distance runners to meet nutritional recommendations. This study was conducted to investigate the patterns of supplement intake among different groups of distance runners and the potential association between supplement intake and sex, age, running and racing experiences.In a cross-sectional design, from a total of 317 runners participating in this survey, 119 distance runners were involved in the final sample after data clearance, assigned into three groups of 10-km runners (n = 24), half-marathoners (n = 44), and (ultra-)marathoners (n = 51). Personal characteristics, training and racing experiences, as well as patterns of supplement intake, including type, frequency, and dosage, were evaluated by questionnaire. Food Frequency Questionnaire was implemented to assess macronutrient intake. ANOVA and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.While 50 % of total distance runners reported consuming supplements regularly, no differences between distance groups in consumption of carbohydrate/protein, mineral, or vitamin supplements were observed (p > 0.05). In addition, age, sex, running and racing experience showed no significant association with supplement intake (p > 0.05). Vitamin supplements had the highest intake rate in runners by 43 % compared to minerals (34 %) and carbohydrate/protein supplements (19 %).The present findings provide a window into the targeted approaches of long-distance runners as well as their coaches and sport nutrition specialists when applying and suggesting sustainable nutritional strategies for training and competition.Trial registration: ISRCTN73074080. Retrospectively registered 12th June 2015.

Effects of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Plyometric Training on Endurance Running Performance

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of an 11-week unilateral versus bilateral plyometric training intervention on maximal isometric voluntary (MVC) knee extensor torque, countermovement jump height (CMJ), running economy (RE) and 3-km time trial (TT) performance. Twenty-seven recreationally trained endurance runners (12 females and 15 males) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: unilateral plyometric training (UPT; n = 9), bilateral plyometric training (BPT; n = 9) and control (CON; n = 9). RE, VO2max, 3-km treadmill TT, isometric MVC (bilateral and unilateral) and CMJ (bilateral and unilateral) were measured prior to and after 11 weeks of training (UPT and BPT; volume equated, 20-40 minutes, 2-3 days/week). Separate two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess within and between group differences in RE, VO2max, 3-km TT, maximal isometric knee extensor torque and CMJ. Following 11 weeks of plyometric training there were significant improvements in RE (UPT 5.6%; BPT 4.9%, p &lt; 0.01) and 3-km TT performance (UPT 2.4%; BPT 2.5%, p &lt; 0.01) in addition to CMJ (UPT 12.5%; BPT 14.5%, p &lt; 0.01) and maximal isometric knee extensor torque in the unilateral group (14.0%, p &lt; 0.01). No significant differences in VO2max or anthropometric measures were detected (p &gt; 0.05). No statistically significant differences between training interventions (p &gt; 0.05) were detected in any measure. These data demonstrate that UPT and BPT result in similar improvements in RE and 3-km TT run performance in recreational distance runners.

Effects of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Plyometric Training on Endurance Running Performance

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of an 11-week unilateral versus bilateral plyometric training intervention on maximal isometric voluntary (MVC) knee extensor torque, countermovement jump height (CMJ), running economy (RE) and 3-km time trial (TT) performance. Twenty-seven recreationally trained endurance runners (12 females and 15 males) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: unilateral plyometric training (UPT; n = 9), bilateral plyometric training (BPT; n = 9) and control (CON; n = 9). RE, VO2max, 3-km treadmill TT, isometric MVC (bilateral and unilateral) and CMJ (bilateral and unilateral) were measured prior to and after 11 weeks of training (UPT and BPT; volume equated, 20-40 minutes, 2-3 days/week). Separate two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess within and between group differences in RE, VO2max, 3-km TT, maximal isometric knee extensor torque and CMJ. Following 11 weeks of plyometric training there were significant improvements in RE (UPT 5.6%; BPT 4.9%, p &lt; 0.01) and 3-km TT performance (UPT 2.4%; BPT 2.5%, p &lt; 0.01) in addition to CMJ (UPT 12.5%; BPT 14.5%, p &lt; 0.01) and maximal isometric knee extensor torque in the unilateral group (14.0%, p &lt; 0.01). No significant differences in VO2max or anthropometric measures were detected (p &gt; 0.05). No statistically significant differences between training interventions (p &gt; 0.05) were detected in any measure. These data demonstrate that UPT and BPT result in similar improvements in RE and 3-km TT run performance in recreational distance runners.

Visual classification of running economy by distance running coaches

Objectives: This study assessed the ability of coaches to rank-order distance runners on running economy (RE) through visual assessment. Methods: Running economy was measured in five trained recreational distance runners at a speed of 3.57 m·s−1, with a minimum VO2 difference of 2-mL.kg−1.min−1 between adjacent runners. Following measurement of RE, participants were filmed from the front, side, and rear while running on a treadmill. Endurance coaches from high school to international level (N = 121) viewed each video and ranked the runners on a scale from 1 (most economical) to 5 (least economical). Coaches also completed a demographic questionnaire and listed running style biomechanical observations they used in determining each ranking. A cumulative odds ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds was run to determine the effect of coaching level, years of coaching experience, years of training experience, competition level, certification status, and education level, on the ability of distance running coaching to accurately rank RE among a group of runners. Results: No coaching characteristic was a significant predictor of ranking accuracy, χ 2 = 3.566, p = .735. Conclusions: Visual assessment of effort, based on RE, is a difficult task, even for the trained eye and could be related to difficulty in understanding the interaction effect of various RE factors or the translation of scientific-based knowledge to the field of play. Practically, coaches should be cautious when recommending biomechanical adjustments without considering the interconnected factors related to such changes.

Running economy and its correlation to performance and fitness variables in recreationally-trained distance runners

Specific physiological attributes such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and running economy (RE) have been suggested to help predict long distance performance in endurance athletes. Despite this, investigations of RE have yielded conflicting results, particularly when comparing elite and recreational runners. The purpose of this study was to illustrate correlations between RE, expressed as submaximal oxygen consumption at a given speed, and time trial (TT) performance in addition to various fitness markers in endurance-trained individuals. Trained distance runners (n=21) performed a battery of tests over three sessions to provide measurements of RE at 2.68 m/s (RE2.68) and 4.25 m/s (RE4.25), TT performance, VO2max, velocity at ventilatory threshold (VVT), and body composition. Pearson-product moment correlations, defined as weak (r≥0.25), moderate (r≥0.45), and strong (r≥0.65), were calculated among all measures and significance was set at P&lt;0.05. The findings suggested that faster TT performance was significantly (P&lt;0.05) correlated to a higher VO2max (r=-0.86) and lower body fat percentage (BF%; r=0.78). However, TT performance displayed only a weak trend to RE4.25 (r=-0.40, P=0.07) and was not correlated to RE2.68 (r=0.15; P&gt;0.05). Additionally, better RE4.25 (i.e. decreased submaximal oxygen consumption) was associated with a lower VO2max (r=0.66, P&lt;0.05) and an increased BF% (r=-0.46, P&lt;0.05). RE2.68 revealed no significant relationships with these measures. Comparable to their elite counterparts, higher aerobic capacity is strongly linked to performance in recreational distance runners, though in this cohort RE only weakly related to performance at the faster velocity. Finally, the inverse relationship between markers of overall fitness and RE suggests that enhanced RE may be an adaptive response to a limited physiological capacity in this population.

Running profiles of recreational distance runners: race, training, spatiotemporal and anthropometrical characteristics

Every year, recreational distance running gains in popularity, with about 15% of the Western population that often goes for a run. The majority of the runners seem to prefer short distances, since ...

A Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Ginger Root for Reducing Muscle Soreness and Improving Physical Performance Recovery Among Experienced Recreational Distance Runners

Previous studies indicate that ginger root has pain-relieving properties, but these effects have not been thoroughly examined in the context of distance running. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether ginger root supplementation reduces muscle soreness and dysfunction from downhill running. Thirty-two runners (10 women, 22 men) were pair-matched and randomized to 1.425 g/day of ginger root or placebo for 5 days. A 40-minute downhill (−7.5%) run was completed on day 3. Before supplementation and at various points throughout a 5-day protocol, muscle soreness, pain-pressure threshold, vertical jump, and 1.5-mile run performance were evaluated. Differences between treatments were assessed using magnitude-based inferential statistics. Soreness while jogging likely increased to a lesser degree with ginger root from baseline to immediately postrun (Cohen’s d = −0.69; 90% confidence limit [CL] [−1.50, 0.12]) and from baseline to day 5 (d = −0.72; 90% CL [−1.61, 0.16]). Ginger root had a possible small benefit on vertical jump from baseline to day 5 (d = 0.24; 90% CL [0.05, 0.44]) but likely no meaningful impact on 1.5-mile run performance. Trivial or unclear effects were found for most other outcomes. No significant differences in adverse events were observed between treatments. Ginger root possibly has moderate beneficial effects on running-induced soreness but likely irrelevant effects on recovery of physical performance. Ginger represents one option for runners looking to temporarily reduce pain, although more studies are warranted to clarify its safety profile and its effects on long-term training adaptation.

Comparison of Running Economy Values While Wearing No Shoes, Minimal Shoes, and Normal Running Shoes.

Cochrum, RG, Connors, RT, Coons, JM, Fuller, DK, Morgan, DW, and Caputo, JL. Comparison of running economy values while wearing no shoes, minimal shoes, and normal running shoes. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 595-601, 2017-The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in running economy (RE) at 50 and 70% of each subject's velocity at V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) across barefoot and 2 mass, stack height, and heel-to-toe-drop controlled footwear conditions (minimal shoes and normal running shoes) in 9 recreational distance runners (mean age 26.8 ± 6.8 years). Over 3 days, subjects ran in one of the footwear conditions while RE (oxygen consumption) and step frequency were measured at each speed with a 5-minute rest between each trial. A 2-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05) and Bonferroni-adjusted follow-up analyses revealed that RE was not significantly different across footwear conditions at either speed. However, those running barefoot exhibited a higher step frequency than when running in minimal (50%, p = 0.007; and 70%, p < 0.001) and standard footwear conditions (70% only, p < 0.001). Higher step frequencies were also exhibited by those running in minimal versus standard footwear (70% only, p = 0.007). Thus, RE is not affected by footwear or running barefoot in those with experience running in minimal-type footwear. Significant adjustments in step frequency when alternative footwear was introduced may help explain why RE was statistically maintained during each footwear and speed condition across but not between subjects. Therefore, determination of footwear for the enhancement of RE should be based on individual physical characteristics and preferences rather than a global recommendation of an economical running shoe.

Relationship between foot strike pattern, running speed, and footwear condition in recreational distance runners

Compared to competitive runners, recreational runners appear to be more prone to injuries, which have been associated with foot strike patterns. Surprisingly, only few studies had examined the foot strike patterns outside laboratories. Therefore, this study compared the foot strike patterns in recreational runners at outdoor tracks with previously reported data. We also investigated the relationship between foot strike pattern, speed, and footwear in this cohort. Among 434 recreational runners analysed, 89.6% of them landed with rearfoot strike (RFS). Only 6.9 and 3.5% landed with midfoot and forefoot, respectively. A significant shift towards non-RFS was observed in our cohort, when compared with previously reported data. When speed increased by 1 m/s, the odds of having forefoot strike and midfoot strike relative to RFS increased by 2.3 times and 2.6 times, respectively. Runners were 9.2 times more likely to run with a forefoot strike in minimalists compared to regular running shoes, although 70% of runners in minimalists continued to use a RFS. These findings suggest that foot strike pattern may differ across running conditions and runners should consider these factors in order to mitigate potential injury.

Acute effect of a long-distance road competition on foot strike patterns, inversion and kinematics parameters in endurance runners

The purpose of this study was to determine the foot strike patterns, inversion and kinematics variables in recreational runners during a long-distance road competition, determining an association between foot strike pattern’s classification, inversion and kinematics variables with athletic performance and sex. Five hundred and forty-two athletes who participated in a half marathon passed through the 15 km data collection point. Photogrammetric techniques (2D) were used to measure contact time and flight time. A high prevalence of rearfoot and high rearfoot strikes was found among the most recreational distance runners. No significant differences between sexes in foot strike pattern were found, whilst significant differences between level groups in the asymmetry (first level = 96.5%, second level = 10.6% and third level = 0.4%) were found. Additionally, forefoot and high forefoot strike exhibit greater percentage for inversion. Moreover, athletes with high rearfoot and rearfoot strike showed a greater contact time and lower flight time. Foot strike patterns were influenced by running speed; thus, athletes with higher performance exhibit lower frequency of rearfoot and high rearfoot strikes. Further research could clarify the causes and consequences (performance and injury) of the current findings.

Running economy and body composition between competitive and recreational level distance runners

The aim of the present study was to compare running economy between competitive and recreational level athletes at their individual ventilatory thresholds on track and to compare body composition parameters that are related to the individual running economy measured on track. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a total 45 male runners classified as competitive runners (CR; n = 28) and recreational runners (RR; n = 17). All runners performed an incremental test on treadmill until voluntary exhaustion and at least 48 h later a 2 × 2000 m test at indoor track with intensities according to ventilatory threshold 1, ventilator threshold 2. During the running tests, athletes wore portable oxygen analyzer. Body composition was measured with Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. Running economy at the first ventilatory threshold was not significantly related to any of the measured body composition values or leg mass ratios either in the competitive or in the recreational runners group. This study showed that there was no difference in the running economy between distance runners with different performance level when running on track, while there was a difference in the second ventilatory threshold speed in different groups of distance runners. Differences in running economy between competitive and recreational athletes cannot be explained by body composition and/or different leg mass ratios.

Sedentary and Active: Self-Reported Sitting Time Among Marathon and Half-Marathon Participants

Emerging evidence suggests that combined physical activity (PA) and inactivity may be more important for chronic disease risk than PA alone. A highly active yet highly sedentary population is needed to study this interaction. The present purpose is to describe the sitting habits of a group of recreational runners and determine if sitting varies with reported training duration or anticipated running velocity. Marathon and half-marathon participants completed the Multicontext Sitting Time Questionnaire and reported peak training duration, anticipated finishing time, and demographic information. Sitting time was described across 5 contexts for workdays and nonworkdays. Total sitting time was analyzed by tertiles of training duration and anticipated event running velocity. 218 participants took part in this study. Median reported training time was 6.5 hours per week. Median total sitting time was higher on workdays than nonworkdays (645 and 480 minutes, respectively, P < .0001). Total sitting time was not associated with training duration or anticipated event running velocity. These results suggest that recreational distance runners are simultaneously highly sedentary and highly active, supporting independence of sedentary behaviors and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA. This population may provide the characteristics needed to study the joint effects of active and sedentary behaviors on health outcomes.