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Toward a record-eligible sub-2-hour marathon: an updated integrative framework of Physiological, technological, and cognitive determinants.

PMID 41351755 (2025): pacing — Time-trial performance (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 11:13 PM

Study note • PMID 41351755

Toward a record-eligible sub-2-hour marathon: an updated integrative framework of Physiological, technological, and cognitive determinants.

European journal of applied physiology2025 • DOI 10.1007/s00421-025-06085-6
Evidence C56/100
Action 2: Consider

Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.

ELI5

In plain language

Breaking the sub-2-hour marathon barrier under record-eligible conditions requires the coordinated contribution of physiological, biomechanical, psychological, environmental, nutritional, and technological factors. (narrative review; participants).

In this narrative review, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with 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: Breaking the sub-2-hour marathon barrier under record-eligible conditions requires the coordinated contribution of physiological, biomechanical, psychological, environmental, nutritional, and technological factors.
  • In this narrative review, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Time-trial performance.
  • Population: participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 6 mg • 2 h • 21 km.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: pacing.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 6 mg • 2 h • 21 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 (participants) 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: narrative review.
  • Population: participants.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 6 mg • 2 h • 21 km.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 41351755 (2025) — European journal of applied physiology.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

It synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to propose a conceptual model illustrating how physiological, mechanical, cognitive, and technological domains interact to constrain or enhance endurance capacity.

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).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • 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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Sources