title: Marathon performance in relation to maximal aerobic power and training indices.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of marathon performance time (MPT) with maximal aerobic power (VO2max), body composition, and training factors recorded for 9 wk prior to a race. Fifty males, 21 to 61 years of age (mean = 36 yr) with a mean weight of 69.6 kg, kept daily exercise records which included the distance and time run for each workout. VO2max ranged from 52.7 to 88.6 ml x kg-1 x min-1; total km for the 9 wk period ranged from 372 to 1260; km per workout ranged from 6.1 to 20.6; total workout days ranged from 28 to 61; and MPT ranged from 139 to 298 min. MPT was inversely related to VO2max (r = -0.63), total km (r = -0.67), average km per workout (r = -0.64), and total workout days (r = -0.62). MPT was slightly correlated with body weight (r = 0.41) and the sigma 7 skinfolds (r = 0.41). For a group of runners which includes both novice and experienced marathoners, MPT may be predicted (R2 = 0.71) by the following equation: MPT (min) = 525.9 + 7.09 (km x workout-1) -0.45 workout speed, m x min-1) -0.17 (total km for 9 wk) -2.01 (VO2max, ml x kg-1 x min-1) -1.24 (age, yr). These findings suggest that a high maximal aerobic power, low body mass, daily workouts, and training runs of long duration and distance contribute to better performance times in the marathon.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012420:Running; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D013178:Sports Medicine