Relationship between training running speed and marathon running speed in recreational runners

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between marathon running speed and training　running speed in recreational runners, and to examine a method for setting appropriate training speeds. A total of 100 recreational runners （50 men and 50 women) who had completed a full marathon participated in the study. The results showed that in men, training running speed was significantly correlated with BMI, monthly running distance, and marathon running speed. In women, training running speed showed significant correlations with BMI, monthly running distance, years of running experience, and marathon running speed. Based on these variables, separate regression models were developed for men and women to predict training running speed. The predicted training running speeds also showed high correlations with the actual measured training running speeds in the validation group. These findings suggest that recreational runners can set appropriate training running speeds based on their target marathon pace, and that this method may be useful for effective training prescription.