Pacing strategy in middle and long distance running: how are velocities adjusted during the race?

Abstract

The pacing strategy has been shown as an important factor for athletes' performance. During middle and long distance races, the best pacing strategy will be able to maintain a "physiological reserve" and to allow the athlete to run in his/her best time. It should be mentioned that the pacing strategy can be altered by physiological and psychological factors. These factors are frequently adjusted throughout the race and they will be used to control runner's pace. Several physiological variables have been suggested to have an important role in pacing strategy control. However, there is still controversial findings among the studies. Thus, the aim of this review was provide a better understanding about some questions such as: 1) what is the best pacing strategy for a specific race?; 2) how pacing strategy is controlled by the runner?; and 3) how physiological variables can induce changes on pacing strategy?