Date of Award

Fall 12-2021

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Advisor

Robert Lehnhard

Second Committee Member

Christopher Nightingale

Third Committee Member

Sid Mitchell

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between pacing variability and performance during a 100 mile trail race with significant changes in elevation. Changes in pace throughout an endurance event of this length could lead to insight into the relationship of early pacing on overall performance and placing among finishers. Due to variables like changes in terrain or weather it could prove difficult to construct a way to analyze data from these races. Race data from a loop style course with significant elevation change was used to determine if 1). There were significant changes in pace per lap among those that finished and 2). Whether there is a relationship between pacing variance and overall finishing place. Finishers were broken down into three groups: Group 1 (1st-21st), Group 2 (22nd – 42nd), and Group 3 (43rd – 63rd). After statistical analysis it was concluded that while all runners demonstrated positive pacing over the course of the race that runners in Group 1 demonstrated less pacing variance than the slower groups (Group 2 and 3) and finished higher in the overall standings when compared to runners with greater pacing variance.

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