World-class Runners Research Articles

Running Energy Reserve Index (RERI) as a new model for assessment and prediction of world, elite, sub-elite, and collegiate running performances

The purpose of this study was to utilize the Running Energy Reserve Index (RERI) model and two-trial procedure to predict all-out athletic performances. Twenty-nine trained athletes tested for differences between RERIE and RERIspd (hypothesis 1). Six sprint trained (ST), six middle distance (MD), and six endurance trained (ET) athletes were selected to test for differences in the value of the constant. The prediction of all-out run performances using the RERI model (hypothesis 2) and two treadmill trials procedure (hypothesis 3) were tested on eighteen trained athletes. Lastly, three trained athletes were utilized to predict all-out running performances utilizing two track trials equation (hypothesis 3). RERIE and RERIspd were significantly different between ST, MD, and ET athletes. The RERIE model with a fixed cE value of 0.0185 s−1 predicted all-out running performances to within an average of 2.39 ± 2.04% (R2 = 0.99, nT = 252) for all athletes, with treadmill trials to within an average of 2.26 ± 1.89% (R2 = 0.99, nT = 203) and track trials to within an average of 2.95 ± 2.51% (R2 = 0.99, nT = 49). The two trials equations predicted all-out track performances to within errors of 2.43%. The RERI model may be accurate in determining running performances of 200 m and 5000 m, and treadmill performances ranging between 5 and 1340 s with a high level of accuracy. In addition, the two-trial procedure can be used to determine short and middle distance running performances of athletes and world-class runners.

Effect of Pregnancy in 42 Elite to World-Class Runners on Training and Performance Outcomes.

The International Olympic Committee expert group on pregnancy has identified a paucity of information regarding training and performance in truly elite athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to quantify elite runners' training volume throughout pregnancy and postpartum competition performance outcomes. Forty-two elite (>50% competed at the World Championships/Olympic) middle-/long-distance runners' training before, during, and after pregnancy (quality/quantity/type) data (retrospective questionnaire) and competition data (published online) were collected. Running volume decreased significantly ( P < 0.01) from the first trimester (63 ± 34 km·wk -1 ) to the third trimester (30 ± 30 km·wk -1 ). Participants returned to activity/exercise at ~6 wk postpartum and to 80% of prepregnancy training volumes by 3 months. Participants who intended to return to equivalent performance levels postpregnancy, there was no statistical decrease in performance in the 1 to 3 yr postpregnancy compared with prepregnancy, and ~56% improved performances postpregnancy. This study features the largest cohort of elite runners training and competition outcomes assessed throughout pregnancy, with training volumes being approximately two to four times greater than current guidelines. For the first time, performance was directly assessed (due to the quantifiable nature of elite running), and study participants who intended to return to high-level competition did so at a statistically similar level of performance in the 1- to 3-yr period postpregnancy. Taken together, this article provides much needed insights into current training practices and performance of elite pregnant runners, which should help to inform future training guidelines as well as sport policy and sponsor expectations around return to training timelines and performance.

Aerodynamic interaction between in-line runners: new insights on the drafting strategy in running

ABSTRACT This study aims at modelling the aerodynamic interaction between a world-class runner and several pacers running in line, the objective being to determine the best drafting position in terms of potential speed gain and running time. Computational Fluid Dynamics calculations were performed to determine the aerodynamic drag forces exerted on the runners. Secondly, we estimated the metabolic savings for each of the runner’s positions in the pack of pacers. Finally, we estimated a potential equivalent running speed and a corresponding running time gain for each of the runner’s positions. Running second in a group of 5 runners would be the most effective drafting strategy, with a reduction of aerodynamic drag reaching 63.3%, corresponding to an improvement of 4.4% of the running economy. Furthermore, decreasing the drag forces acting on the runner would results in greater running speed. For example, a 63.3% reduction in the aerodynamic forces yields a 2.9% faster running speed (20.7 to 21.31 km/h) for an equal metabolic cost. Running in the wake of a leading runner (in a pack of five runners) over a marathon is estimated to provide a significant time saving of 3 min 28 s.

Numerical aerodynamic database in elite male runners

This study is motivated by a real lack of quantitative data concerning the aerodynamic forces exerted on world-class runners during running events. The objective of this study is to create a database representative of the morphological diversity of runners but also of the speed which is closely related to the running event. A numerical method was used to estimate the aerodynamic forces exerted on runners of size between 1.6 and 2 m and for speeds ranging from 10 to 40 km/h. The results presented in this study suggest that the aerodynamic force is inherent to two main parameters: the size of the runner which affects the body frontal area and the speed which depends on the running discipline (100 m, middle- or long-distance running…). One of the main results of this study is that, regardless of running speed, the drag force increases by about 56% for a runner's height between 1.6 m and 2 m (frontal area between 0.383 m2 and 0.596 m2). These data could be very useful to determine the value of the horizontal drag forces applied to the runner's waist during physiological measurements performed on a treadmill.

Footstrike patterns and race performance in the 2017 IAAF World Championship men’s 10,000 m final

ABSTRACT Midfoot- (MFS) and forefoot-striking (FFS) runners usually switch to rearfoot-striking (RFS) during marathons. However, world-class runners might resist modifications during shorter races. The purpose of this study was to analyse footstrike patterns, ground contact times and running speeds in a World Championship men’s 10,000 m final. Footstrike patterns and contact times of the top 12 finishing men (24 ± 5 years) were recorded (150 Hz) during laps 1, 5, 11, 15, 20 and 25. Split times for each 100-m segment were obtained. No RFS patterns were observed; there was no difference between the number of FFS and MFS athletes at any distance (p ≥ 0.581) and no change in the proportions of FFS and MFS occurred (p = 0.383). No link between race performance and footstrike pattern appeared given the similar number who used FFS or MFS and their similar finishing times. Despite slower running speeds and longer contact times in the middle of the race (p ≤ 0.024), no effect on footstrike patterns occurred. The prevalence of anterior footstrike patterns in this world-class race reflects the capability of maintaining fast paces (>22 km/h). Changes in footstrike pattern might accompany the physiological and neuromuscular effects of fatigue over longer distances.

Keeping pace: Mother versus athlete identity among elite long distance runners

This paper explores the ways elite female athletes negotiate the competing identities of motherhood and athlete as they return to high-level training and international competition after giving birth. This paper draws on findings from 14 semi-structured interviews with world class runners from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. We identified three main discourses: first, participants reported that support from their spouses, families, and sponsors allowed them to make meaningful decisions about elite sport and motherhood; second, elite female athletes reported feelings of guilt upon their return to training, which in turn, gave rise to a binary where athletes felt that motherhood necessitated selflessness and running required selfishness; finally, some participants reported that running/competition enhanced their mothering, transforming the ethic of care that informed their guilt into a site of empowerment.

Pacing Profiles in Competitive Track Races: Regulation of Exercise Intensity Is Related to Cognitive Ability.

Pacing has been defined as the goal-directed regulation of exercise intensity over an exercise bout, in which athletes need to decide how and when to invest their energy. The purpose of this study was to explore if the regulation of exercise intensity during competitive track races is different between runners with and without intellectual impairment, which is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (IQ ≤ 75) and adaptive behavioral deficits, diagnosed before the age of 18. The samples included elite runners with intellectual impairment (N = 36) and a comparison group of world class runners without impairment (N = 39), of which 47 were 400 m runners (all male) and 28 were 1500 m-runners (15 male and 13 female). Pacing was analyzed by means of 100 m split times (for 400 m races) and 200 m split times (for 1500 m races). Based on the split times, the average velocity was calculated for four segments of the races. Velocity fluctuations were defined as the differences in velocity between consecutive race segments. A mixed model ANOVA revealed significant differences in pacing profiles between runners with and without intellectual impairment (p < 0.05). Maximal velocity of elite 400 m runners with intellectual impairment in the first race segment (7.9 ± 0.3 m/s) was well below the top-velocity reached by world level 400 m runners without intellectual impairment (8.9 ± 0.2 m/s), and their overall pace was slower (F = 120.7, p < 0.05). In addition, both groups followed a different pacing profile and inter-individual differences in pacing profiles were larger, with differences most pronounced for 1500 m races. Whereas, male 1500 m-runners without intellectual impairment reached a high velocity in the first 100 m (7.2 ± 0.1 m/s), slowly decelerated in the second race segment (−0.6 ± 0.1 m/s), and finished with an end sprint (+0.9 ± 0.1 m/s); the 1500 m runners with intellectual impairment started slower (6.1 ± 0.3 m/s), accelerated in the second segment (+0.2 ± 0.7 m/s), and then slowly decreased until the finish (F = 6.8, p < 0.05). Our findings support the hypothesis that runners with intellectual impairment have difficulties to efficiently self-regulate their exercise intensity. Their limited cognitive resources may constrain the successful integration of appropriate pacing strategies during competitive races.

Lauren Austin: Cellular Surveillant

Lauren Austin admits her college experience was a little different: While hurdling the challenges inherent to a chemistry degree, she was also striving to become a world-class runner. But she wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I had to focus on one or the other, I probably would have gone crazy,” she says. Austin attended the University of Central Florida (UCF) so she could keep working with her high school track coach—her father. Her goal was to land a spot running the 800-meter event for the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing. It was also at UCF that Austin met Qun Huo, a chemist who became Austin’s undergrad adviser. Working with Huo, Austin discovered a passion for nanoscience that would steer her to the labs of Georgia Institute of Technology’s Mostafa A. El-Sayed as a graduate student. While working with El-Sayed, Austin helped develop ways to peer inside living

BMI, a Performance Parameter for Speed Improvement

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between anthropometric characteristics and performance in all track and field running events and assess Body Mass Index (BMI) as a relevant performance indicator. Data of mass, height, BMI and speed were collected for the top 100 international men athletes in track events from 100 m to marathon for the 1996–2011 seasons, and analyzed by decile of performance. Speed is significantly associated with mass (r = 0.71) and BMI (r = 0.71) in world-class runners and moderately with height (r = 0.39). Athletes, on average were continuously lighter and smaller with distance increments. In track and field, speed continuously increases with BMI. In each event, performances are organized through physique gradients. «Lighter and smaller is better» in endurance events but «heavier and taller is better» for sprints. When performance increases, BMI variability progressively tightens, but it is always centered around a distance-specific optimum. Running speed is organized through biometric gradients, which both drives and are driven by performance optimization. The highest performance level is associated with narrower biometric intervals. Through BMI indicators, diversity is possible for sprints whereas for long distance events, there is a more restrictive aspect in terms of physique. BMI is a relevant indicator, which allows for a clear differentiation of athletes' capacities between each discipline and level of performance in the fields of human possibilities.

Validity of the Wingate Anaerobic Test for the Evaluation of Elite Runners

This study aimed to determine performance differences, based on the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), between homogeneous groups of elite male and female runners competing at distances ranging from 100 m to the marathon. We also attempted to establish a link between running ability and performance as measured by the WAnT. In total, 116 world-class runners (86 men and 30 woman) volunteered to participate in our study. Subjects were tested for peak power (PP, 5-second output) and mean power (MP, 30-second output) using WAnT procedures. Runners were classified into groups according to their best performances times. For male runners, PP and MP outputs decreased with increasing distance (p < 0.001). This trend was also true for female runners (p < 0.005). However, for both sexes, there were no significant differences in the PP values among 100-, 400-, and 800-m runners, and there were also no differences in the MP values for subjects that ran distances of 100 m compared with the values for subjects that ran distances of 400 and 800 m. In addition, no significant differences were observed in the PP and MP values between subjects that ran distances of 800, 1,500, and 3,000 m. Performance in the WAnT was not significantly associated with running performance in any distance event. The results of this study indicate that the WAnT is not a useful tool for the evaluation of elite runners.

Velocity and Stride Parameters of World-Class 400-Meter Athletes Compared With Less Experienced Runners

The purpose of this study was to determine, based on the time course of the velocity and stride pattern recorded in each 50-m segment of a 400-m competition, whether elite 400-m runners present the same pacing strategy as less successful athletes. Based on video data, 3 different levels of performance were analyzed: world-class, national, and regional levels for both sexes, with each of the 6 groups comprising 5 subjects. The peak velocity was reached by all athletes between the 50- and 100-m marks with mean values of 8.96 and 10.12 m.s for the 5 best women and men, respectively. Peak frequencies were observed in the second and third 50-m segments; peak values were 3.99 +/- 0.13 for the world-class women (WWC) and 4.12 +/- 0.19 for the men (MWC). A stride length of 2.29 +/- 0.04 was observed for the WWC and 2.53 +/- 0.08 for the MWC. The better athletes were able to achieve higher absolute and relative velocities (97.6 +/- 0.5 [MWC] and 96.3 +/- 0.7% [WWC] of their best performance for 200 m) at the 200-m mark compared with the lower-level athletes. Furthermore, the fatigue index was calculated as 22.99, 14.43, and 13.91% for the world-class, national, and regional levels, respectively. In summary, world-class runners adopt a more aggressive pacing strategy and demonstrate greater fatigue than the less experienced runners; this might indicate a greater mental commitment and/or a better capacity to run under fatigue.

The perfect mile: three athletes, one goal, and less than four minutes to achieve it

There was a time when running the mile in four minutes was believed to be entirely beyond the limits of human foot speed. And in all of sport it was the elusive holy grail. In 1952, after suffering defeat at the Helsinki Olympics, three world-class runners set out individually to break this formidable barrier. Roger Bannister was a young English medical student who epitomized the ideal of the amateur -- still driven not just by winning but by the nobility of the pursuit. John Landy was the privileged son of a genteel Australian family, who as a boy preferred butterfly collecting to running but who trained relentlessly in an almost spiritual attempt to shape his mind and body to this singular task. Then there was Wes Santee, the swaggering American, a Kansas farm boy and natural athlete who believed he was just plain better than everybody else. Santee was the first to throw down the gauntlet in what would become a three-way race of body, heart, and soul. Each young man endured thousands of hours of training, bore the weight of his nation's expectations on his shoulders, and still dared to push to the very limit. Their collective quest captivated the world and stole headlines from the Korean War, the atomic race, and such legendary figures as Edmund Hillary, Willie Mays, Native Dancer, and Ben Hogan. Who would be the first to achieve the unachievable? And who among them would be the best when they raced head to head? In the answer came the perfect mile. In the tradition of Seabiscuit and Chariots of Fire, Neal Bascomb delivers a breathtaking story of unlikely heroes and leaves us with a lasting portrait of the twilight years of the golden age of sport.

Steve Prefontaine: From Rebel with a Cause to Hero with a Swoosh

World-class runner Steve Prefontaine died May 30, 1975, at the age of 24. Running during a time of unparalleled track and field popularity, he was a favorite media focus. Incredibly, he regained media attention in the 1990s. Using a critical cultural studies approach, this article explores media accounts of Prefontaine. A 1970s working-class “rebel with a cause,” Prefontaine served as an ideal of White working-class masculinity and as a voice calling for structural changes to the track and field governing body. In the 1990s, with the Nike funded reemergence of Prefontaine, that rebelliousness was recontextualized and co-opted, shifting Prefontaine into a commodified maverick celebrity, embodying the changing ideals of White, classless masculinity and supporting the ideology of individualism in late consumer capitalism.

Chronic rupture of flexor hallucis longus tendon in a world class runner

Rupture of flexor hallucis longus tendon is rare and the literature is mainly based on case reports. It probably is more common than reported. We present a case of chronic rupture of flexor hallucis longus tendon in a male world class distance runner. First conservative treatment, an attempt of suturing the and finally the first reported case where successful anatomical repair with free tendon graft is used.

The Computer Runs the Bolder Boulder: A Simulation of a Major Running Race

The annual Bolder Boulder, one of America's top 10k races, attracts world-class runners as well as casual joggers. In recent years the race has grown to approximately 20,000 runners. As the race grew, problems arose (in particular, crowdedness at the finish line). We constructed a simulation model of the race and used it to evaluate various proposed solutions. Based on the results, race management identified solutions to the problems. The race has since accommodated record numbers of runners with no problems at all, and it is thought of as one of the best managed races in the country.

Common forefoot problems in runners.

Forefoot injuries constitute a significant portion of the problems that affect runners. With the increasing popularity of recreational running, more emphasis on the treatment of specific running injuries has surfaced. For the orthopaedic surgeon interested in treating runners, a thorough understanding of foot anatomy, biomechanics, shoes, orthotics, running surfaces, and conservative and surgical treatment options is mandatory. Runners place high demands on their feet and therefore require careful evaluation prior to embarking on a specific treatment course. This article represents a current overview of common problems affecting the forefoot of recreational and world-class runners. Treatment plans are based on the senior author's experience in the care of runners over the past 14 years.

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in male and female Olympic athletes

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) is negatively associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, and high levels of HDLC have been reported for physically active people. During the 1976 Olympic Games, held in Montreal, Canada, several physiological variables were measured in volunteer male and female Olympic athletes, from whom blood was collected. To compare these elite athletes with the general population and other physically active groups, HDLC was measured in serum samples that were kept at -80 degrees C and after precipitation of lipoproteins of lower densities by heparin-manganese. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in women (65.2 +/- 2.1 N = 31) than in men (54.5 +/- 1.4, N = 64) (P less than 0.01). Olympic athletes had approximately 20% more HDLC than levels reported in the literature for the general population of North America. Levels of HDLC of the male Olympic athletes were comparable to those reported for elite world-class runners of comparable age. No correlation was found between HDLC and Quetelet index or maximum oxygen consumption. Levels of HDLC in athletes 20-24 yr of age were lower than in the other age groups studied and was positively correlated with age for athletes over 20 yr of age. Although a causal relationship between physical activity and HDLC remains to be established unequivocally, the present findings agree with several other studies that link various levels of physical activity with blood concentrations of HDLC higher than those found in sedentary populations.

Longitudinal study of aerobic power in superior junior athletes

The effects of endurance training on aerobic power, and the relationship between aerobic power and running performance were investigated in 11 junior runners over a period of 5-to-7 years, starting from the age of 14. Aerobic power was measured using treadmill running and a protocol that involved increasing speed. The six subjects who comprised group I were those who continued competitive training, while the five in group II had stopped training by the age of 18. The subjects in group I demonstrated greater aerobic power (l x min-1) and better running performance than those in group II. Aerobic power for group I increased from 3.54 l x min-1 (65.4 ml x kg-1 x min-1) to 4.49 l x min-1 (75.5 ml x kg-1 x min-1) between the ages of 14.8 and 18.8 yr. The increase in l x min-1 and ml x kg-1 x min-1 was statistically significant (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.05). The greatest aerobic power found in subject A corresponds to the data from world-class runners: 3.63 l x min-1 (61.5 ml x kg-1 x min-1) at age 14.7 yr; 4.67 l x min-1 (74.6 ml x kg-1 x min-1) at 17.8 yr; and 5.04 l x min-1 (76.3 ml x kg-1 x min-1) at 20.7 yr. After their training was discontinued, aerobic power for those in group II decreased to the level of ordinary schoolboys. Improvement in running performance was closely related to the increase of aerobic power in l x min-1. Superior running performance seems to be associated with high aerobic power in l x min-1, rather than in ml x kg-1 x min-1 for junior runners.