Study note • PMID 29557279
The influence of pacing strategy on marathon world records.
Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.
ELI5
In plain language
The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the pacing strategy adopted by elite marathon runners when setting every marathon world record in the last 50 years. (controlled study; elite runners).
The abstract suggests a trade-off or negative effect affecting Time-trial performance. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.
Takeaways
What the abstract suggests
- • Study question: The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the pacing strategy adopted by elite marathon runners when setting every marathon world record in the last 50 years.
- • The abstract suggests a trade-off or negative effect affecting Time-trial performance.
- • Population: elite runners.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 5 km • 195 km • 25 km.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: pacing (vs comparison group).
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 5 km • 195 km • 25 km.
- • Outcomes: Time-trial performance.
- • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.
Fit
Who it helps, and who should skip it
Who it helps
- • Athletes similar to the study population (elite runners) working on pacing.
- • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.
Who should skip
- • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
- • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.
Methods
What the study actually did
- • Design: controlled study.
- • Population: elite runners.
- • Comparator: comparison group.
- • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 5 km • 195 km • 25 km.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 29557279 (2018) — European journal of sport science.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“This study shows that the pacing strategies of the best marathon runners in the world have changed over the last 50 years.”
Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.
Limits
Limitations & bias
- • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
- • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
- • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
- • This is performance information, not medical advice.
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