To analyze pacing strategies employed during menʼs world-record performances for 800-m, 5000-m, and 10,000-m races. Methods: In the 800-m event, lap times were analyzed for 26 world-record performances from 1912 to 1997. In the 5000-m and 10,000-m events, times for each kilometer were analyzed for 32 (1922 to 2004) and 34 (1921 to 2004) world records. Results: The second lap in the 800-m event was signifi cantly slower than the fi rst lap (52.0 ± 1.7 vs 54.4 ± 4.9 seconds, P < .00005). In only 2 world records was the second lap faster than the fi rst lap. In the 5000-m and 10,000-m events, the fi rst and fi nal kilometers were signifi cantly faster than the middle kilometer intervals, resulting in an overall even pace with an end spurt at the end. Conclusion: The optimal pacing strategy during world-record performances differs for the 800-m event compared with the 5000-m and 10,000-m events. In the 800-m event, greater running speeds are achieved in the fi rst lap, and the ability to increase running speed on the second lap is limited. In the 5000-m and 10,000-m events, an end spurt occurs because of the maintenance of a reserve during the middle part of the race. In all events, pacing strategy is regulated in a complex system that balances the demand for optimal performance with the requirement to defend homeostasis during exercise. Key Words: running, self-paced exercise An optimal pacing strategy is the most effi cient use of physiological resources during athletic competition and is essential for optimal exercise performance. This optimal pacing strategy depends on factors such as the length of the exercise bout, 3-5 the type of exercise being performed, 1,2 ambient temperature, 6 and altitude. Studies in which the pacing strategy is manipulated by forcing athletes to start either faster or slower than their average speeds for their best performances have found that in shorter events (less than 80 seconds 3 ) and in sports such as cycling and speed skating, where resistive drag forces are lower, best performances might occur with a faster start so that kinetic energy is maximized early in the trial. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8 Once high velocities are achieved, a reduction in power output would cause only a small reduction in speed compared with running or rowing, 8 where higher drag forces result in a greater reduction in speed if power output decreases.
REF examined the pacing strategies of male runners in world-record performances for 800m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events, from 1912 to 1997.
An Analysis of Pacing Strategies during Men’s World-Record Performances in Track Athletics
International journal of sports physiology and performance
International journal of sports physiology and performance
Psychology Medicine