Marathon performance time in relation to age, physical characteristics, previous running experience, and various training indices of female distance runners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between marathon performance time (MPT) and age, physical characteristics, past running experiences, and various training indices. One hundred fifty female distance runners, ages 25 to 50 who had completed at least one marathon and resided in the states of Wisconsin or Minnesota werc randomly selected by computer through Media Consultation Services atid the International Race Network to participate. Eighty-two percent (N = 123) of the questionnaires were returned after 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product correlations, and stepwise regression analysis. The min per mile pace ran at distances of 10 - 15 miles (PI0 - 15; r = .83), min per mile pace from 5 - 10 miles (P5 - 10; r = .81), and fastest mile time (FMT; r = .76) correlated highly to MPT. The following prediction equation for MPT (r2 = .77; p <.001) was established using regression analysis: MPT (hr) = 0.346762 (Pl0 - 15) - 0.093685 (T5 - 9) + 0.1 5369 (FMT) + 0.3 1 167. These findings suggested that 3 training variables will contribute to improved performance times. The pace when running distances of 10 - 15 miles, the number of times per week that distances of 5 - 9 miles are ran (T5 - 9; r = -0.44), and the fastest mile time were the variables most predictive of final MPT. Several recommendations were made for future investigation of training indices related to MPT. These included measurement of the max V02 and on site surveying for a more homogeneous sample of runners.