The Effect of Selected Pace Variations on the Oxygen Requirement of Running a 4:37 Mile

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Abstract
Nine experienced middle distance runners completed three experimental runs of equal distance and duration on a motor driven treadmill. Each run varied according to pace (steady, fast-slow-fast, and slow-fast), with the individual order of runs rotated to prevent bias in this respect. Heart rate and oxygen consumption measures were taken during rest, exercise and a 30-minute recovery period. Oxygen consumption values for the 30–90 minute recovery period were extrapolated from earlier measured recovery values. Analysis of data indicated that there were no significant differences among the three pace plans in net oxygen intake during the runs. However, the total oxygen debt value for the steady pace was lower than that for either the fast-slow-fast or the slow-fast paces. The total net oxygen requirement for the steady pace was found to be significantly less than that for the other two paces with no significant difference between the fast-slow-fast and slow-fast paces. It was concluded that a steady pace is most efficient for achieving best time in the mile run. Several reasons for individual differences in the oxygen requirement for running a specified effort were discussed.

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