A Model for World-Class 10,000 m Running Performances: Strategy and Optimization

Abstract

The distribution of energetic resources in world-class distance running is a key aspect of performance, with athletes relying on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism to greater extents during different parts of the race. The purpose of this study is to model 10,000 m championship performances to enable a deeper understanding of the factors affecting running speed and, given that more than half the race is run on curves, to establish the effect of the bends on performance. Because a limitation of time split data is that they are typically averaged over 100-m or 1,000-m segments, we simulate two 10,000 m runners' performances and thus get access to their instantaneous speed, propulsive force and anaerobic energy. The numerical simulations provide information on the factors that affect performance, and we precisely see the effect of parameters that influence race strategy, fatigue, and the ability to speed up and deal with bends. In particular, a lower anaerobic capacity leads to an inability to accelerate at the end of the race, and which can accrue because of a reliance on anaerobic energy to maintain pace in an athlete of inferior running economy. We also see that a runner with a worse running economy is less able to speed up on the straights and that, in general, the bends are run slower than the straights, most likely because bend running at the same pace would increase energy expenditure. Notwithstanding a recommendation for adopting the accepted practices of improving aerobic and anaerobic metabolism through appropriate training methods, coaches are advised to note that athletes who avoid mid-race surges can improve their endspurt, which are the differentiating element in closely contested championship races.

Gender Effect on the Relationship between Talent Identification Tests and Later World Triathlon Series Performance

“…It may be that the athletes who exhibit a higher stride frequency at the run start may then pay for this by not subsequently being able to exert a "kick" or speed spurt, if it is needed, at the run finish. The extent to which the athlete exhibits a less efficient running style, and their pacing over the rest of the race, may be related to their cycle: anaerobic power reserve (APR) [27] and/or run-specific anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) [28]. These are typically defined as the difference between maximal sprint power output and power output at maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and the difference between maximal sprinting speed and running speed at VO 2 max, respectively.…”

“…This may then compound the negative effects of positive run pacing. Since "a lower anaerobic capacity leads to an inability to accelerate at the end of the race, which can accrue because of a reliance on anaerobic energy to maintain pace in an athlete of inferior running economy" [28], the higher the athlete level, the more relevant APR/ASR testing may become.…”

Performance en course à pied et forme des stades

“…• la théorie du contrôle moteur limite les variations de la force de propulsion selon On pourra consulter les références [7,8] pour plus de détails sur la course en virage, [8,12] pour la détermination des paramètres, [6,11] pour le sprint et [9,11,12] pour les courses longues.…”

Modelling the optimization of world-class 400 m and 1,500 m running performances using high-resolution data

“…This process gives access to modeled instantaneous velocity, propulsive force, anaerobic energy and VO 2 throughout the race and thus helps us explain the parameters that influence race strategy or the ability to optimize running speed. This model has been previously used to analyze the 10,000 m ( 22 ) but, for that study, only time splits every 100 m were available rather than instantaneous values of running speed. In addition, using models that simulate an athlete's instantaneous velocity and allow for the manipulation of contributing variables (e.g., energy, propulsive force) will improve our understanding of performances in 400 m and 1,500 m racing and inform coaches of appropriate training practices and tactical possibilities.…”