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The Influence of a Pacesetter on Psychological Responses and Pacing Behavior during a 1600 m Run

Fullerton, Chris, Lane, Andrew M., Devonport, Tracey J. (2017) The Influence of a Pacesetter on Psychological Responses and Pacing Behavior during a 1600 m Run. The Influence of a Pacesetter on Psychological Responses and Pacing Behavior during a 1600 m Run, . ISSN 1302-2968. (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:65809)

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Abstract

This study compared the effects of following a pacer versus following a self-paced plan on psychological responses and pacing behavior in well-trained distance runners. Pacing in the present study was individually tailored where each participant developed a personal strategy to ensure their goal time was achieved. We expected that following a pacer would associate with goal achievement, higher pre-run confidence, positive emotions and lower perceived exertion during performance. In a mixed-design repeated-measures study, nineteen well-trained runners completed two 1600m running time trials. Ten runners had a pacer (paced group) who supported their individual pacing strategy, and nine participants self-paced running alone (control group). Both groups could check pace using their wrist watch. In contrast to our expectation, results indicated that the paced group reported higher pre-run anxiety with no significant differences in finish time, goal confidence, goal difficulty, perceived exertion, and self-rated performance between groups. We suggest that following a pacer is a skill that requires learning. Following a personalized pacer might associate with higher anxiety due to uncertainty in being able to keep up with the pacer and public visibility of dropping behind, something that is not so observable in a self-paced run completed alone. Future research should investigate mechanisms associated with effective pacing.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled keywords: Emotion, pacing, perceived exertion, running, self-regulation
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: Christopher Fullerton
Date Deposited: 29 Jan 2018 15:47 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 13:52 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/65809 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)
Fullerton, Chris: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2933-1578
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