Physical Training and Personality Factors as Predictors of Marathon Time and Training Injury

Abstract

On the basis of surveys completed by 105 male participants in a popular marathon, a multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the variables contributing significantly to the prediction of final time. Overall prediction was successful, with R = .896, and training pace was the most important factor in the equation, speedier workouts being associated with faster marathon times. Final time was also related positively to best 10-km race time in the previous 12 mo. and repression-sensitization (faster runners being more sensitized), and negatively to maximum number of training miles in a single week, number of previous marathons completed, and number of days of training lost through illness or injury. Contrary to expectations, locus of control was not related to final time. Only 27% of the runners had lost training time through injury, but a discriminant analysis showed that, compared to those who had avoided this problem, the injured were younger, rested less, ran less in the week prior to the marathon, ran a slightly longer long run but ran it earlier before the race, and ran fewer runs of 20 miles or more. It is suggested that researchers should study the repression-sensitization variable and investigate injury in runners preparing for a marathon.

Anxiety and performance in runners: Effects of stress and anxiety on physical performance

“…On one hand, neither trait nor state anxiety exert a sizeable effect on performance in both laboratory situations and under the practice condition as well. This is in full accordance with the results of previous studies with runners (Reilly, 1977;Sanderson & Reilly, 1983;McKelvie et al, 1985). On the other hand, it is in line with theoretical expectations to find, at least for one subgroup, an inverted-U relationship between anxiety and the running performance in the competition.…”

“…Reilly, 1977;Sanderson 8z Reilly, 1983). In accordance with these results, McKelvie, Valliant, and Asu (1985) also did not find linear or nonlinear effects of anxiety on marathon performance. To get a clearer impression, the present study was designed to contain-in addition to the field setting (practice and competition)-a laboratory phase, in which an easier manipulation of the treatment as well as a better standardization and control of the situation can be expected.…”

Is Body Fat a Predictor of Race Time in Female Long-Distance Inline Skaters?

“…We must assume that duration of training was of higher importance than training speed. Different studies of runners described that volume of training was important for performance as well [17, 19, 20, 31] . McKelvie et al described that training pace was important for runners and speedier workouts were associated with faster marathon times [31] .…”

The relations of cognitive strategies with injury, motivation, and performance among marathon runners: Results from two studies

“…McKelvie, Valliant, and Asu (1985) failed to find a relation between either association or dissociation and injury. Two other studies, one with masters track and field athletes (Ungerleider, Golding, Porter, & Foster, 1989) and another with swimmers (Bond, Miller, & Chrisfield, 1988) even suggested that association may be positively re-COGNITIONS AND INJURY AMONG RUNNERS 283 lated to injury.…”