Author(s): DE COCK, F., FOSSION, G., ECCLI, C., PAQUOT, Q., JIDOVSTEFF, B., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF LIÈGE, Country: BELGIUM, Abstract-ID: 438

INTRODUCTION:
Trail races are endurance running events characterized by many constraints (distance, positive altitude difference, obstacles, technicality, …) that the runner must manage efficiently to perform well. To optimize effort management in this context, it is necessary to understand how trail runners’ particular possibilities for feeling, thinking and acting which are embedded in the race topography, environment and circumstances. A qualitative approach using the self-confrontation method would appear to be a very appropriate way to investigate the main effort management strategies used by runners in the specific context of short trail running.
METHODS:
7 subjects participating in a short trail race (10 to 30km) were equipped with a GoPro, a Garmin watch and a Stryd accelerometer to record traces of their activity (video, GPS data, heart rate and stride frequency). In the 5 days following the race, each subject participated in a self-confrontation interview. They were asked to describe for each relevant event what they feel, think and the decisions they make according to race chronology. Triangulation procedure and thematic analysis were used to determine main effort management strategies during short trail race. Analyses were performed using the Grand Unified Theory (GUT) model as a theoretical framework (Glazier, 2017).
RESULTS:
Four major effort management strategies emerge from our results, three of which relate directly to the choices made by the runner (adaptation strategies; anticipation strategies; and automated behaviors or habits) and one of which concerns his/her level of vigilance (focused to unfocused). We also identified 10 critical elements that were directly concerned by the strategies: (a) running pace, (b) running pattern, (c) choice of trajectory and course, (d) positioning in relation to others, (e) equipment, (f) nutrition and hydration, (g) external interactions, (h) well-being and comfort, (i) preparation and training, and (j) goal and performance. All these various critical elements may be affected by one or more strategies at the same time. The analysis also identified the main key moments during the race and their chronology.
CONCLUSION:
The results of this qualitative research were successful to identify main effort management strategies during short trail running. The data from this study provide a better understanding of how runners control themselves throughout the race, especially in delicate moments. Knowledge and proper use of these strategies could be used to optimize performance.
References:
Glazier, P. S. (2017). Towards a grand unified theory of sports performance. Human movement science, 56, 139-156.