Wearable-Derived Physiological and Pacing Responses in a Recreational 10K Race: A Descriptive Case Study of Two Recreational Runners
Downloads
Objective: This study aimed to descriptively compare pacing patterns and wearable-derived physiological indicators during a recreational 10K race.
Methods and Materials: A descriptive case-study design was used involving two recreational runners who participated in the same 10 km road race. Running pace, heart rate, estimated energy expenditure, and smartwatch-derived VO₂Max estimates were recorded using the same wearable device model. Kilometer-by-kilometer pacing and overall race metrics were compared descriptively.
Findings: Both participants completed the race with relatively similar pacing trends, including a pacing decline during the middle segments of the race followed by a slight increase in pace toward the final kilometers. Despite differences in estimated VO₂Max and total energy expenditure, the finishing time difference between participants was relatively small (54 seconds). Heart rate responses indicated different physiological demands between the two runners across the race.
Conclusion: These observations illustrate how wearable-derived metrics may reveal individual differences in pacing and physiological responses even within a similar race context. However, due to the extremely small sample size and the use of consumer wearable estimates, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory and descriptive rather than generalizable.
Downloads
Billat, V., Vitiello, D., Palacin, F., Correa, M., & Pycke, J. R. (2020). Race analysis of the world’s best female and male marathon runners. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1177. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041177
Björklund, G., Swarén, M., Born, D., & Stöggl, T. (2019). Biomechanical adaptations and performance indicators in short trail running. Frontiers in Physiology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00506
Braschler, L., Thuany, M., de Lira, C. A. B., Scheer, V., Nikolaidis, P. T., Weiss, K., & Knechtle, B. (2024). Personality of marathon runners: A narrative review of recent findings. EXCLI Journal, 23, 441–474. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2024-6907
Carbillet, T. (2019). Real-time motion tracking via a portable (wearable) device: data analytics on a portable platform synched with a training and physiological database. HAL (Le Centre Pour La Communication Scientifique Directe). https://theses.hal.science/tel-02269138
Chalabaëv, A., Radel, R., Ben Mahmoud, I., Massiéra, B., Deroche, T., & d’Arripe-Longueville, F. (2017). Is motivation for marathon a protective factor or a risk factor of injury? Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 27(12), 2040–2047. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12807
Clermont, C. A., Duffett-Leger, L., Hettinga, B. A., & Ferber, R. (2020). Runners’ perspectives on “smart” wearable technology and its use for preventing injury. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 36(1), 31–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2019.1597575
Costa, P. de L., Santos, P. S., Cabral, L. L., & Osiecki, R. (2017). Limiares de transição fisiológica em corredores de montanhas: uma revisão sistemática. Brazilian Journal of Kinanthropometry and Human Performance, 19(6), 751. https://doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n6p751
Dai, J., Chen, G., Gu, Z., Qi, Y., & Xu, K. (2025). Accuracy of smartwatches in predicting distance running performance. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, 1517632. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1517632
Domingo, C. H., Hernando, C., Martínez‐Navarro, I., Collado‐Boira, E., Panizo, N., & Hernando, B. (2020). Estimation of energy consumed by middle-aged recreational marathoners during a marathon using accelerometry-based devices. Scientific Reports, 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-58492-8
Filipas, L., Bonato, M., Gallo, G., & Codella, R. (2022). Effects of 16 weeks of pyramidal and polarized training intensity distributions in well-trained endurance runners. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 32(3), 498–511. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14101
Fornasiero, A., Savoldelli, A., Fruet, D., Boccia, G., Pellegrini, B., & Schena, F. (2017). Physiological intensity profile, exercise load and performance predictors of a 65-km mountain ultra-marathon. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(11), 1287. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1374707
García‐Retortillo, S., Gacto, M., O’Leary, T. J., Noon, M., Hristovski, R., Balagué, N., & Morris, M. G. (2019). Cardiorespiratory coordination reveals training-specific physiological adaptations. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(8), 1701. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04160-3
Hernández-Flórez, N., Klimenko, O., González, A. L. O., Garcia-Puello, A., Barboza, F. Y. A., & Rosa, E. B. de la. (2025). Running and its impact on quality of life and mental health through mindfulness. QVADRATA Estudios Sobre Educación Artes y Humanidades, 7(14), 93. https://doi.org/10.54167/qvadrata.v7i14.2052
Lundstrom, C. J., Betker, M. R., Rhodes, G., & Ingraham, S. J. (2015). Competitive Marathon Runners Exhibit Greater Running Economy than Recreational Runners. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 47, 856. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000479049.92097.ec
Nikolaïdis, P. T., Clemente‐Suárez, V. J., Chlíbková, D., & Knechtle, B. (2021). Training, Anthropometric, and Physiological Characteristics in Men Recreational Marathon Runners: The Role of Sport Experience. Frontiers in Physiology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.666201
Pambudi, A. A. H., Rejeki, P. S., Muin, A., Mutohir, T. C., Syafi’i, I., Subagio, I., Orhan, B. E., & Pranoto, A. (2026). Acute effects of moderate-intensity exercise on plasma free fatty acid levels in normal-weight women. International Journal of Body, Mind and Culture, 13(1), 63–70. https://doi.org/10.61838/ijbmc.v13i1.1130
Peake, J. M., Kerr, G., & Sullivan, J. P. (2018). A critical review of consumer wearables, mobile applications, and equipment for providing biofeedback, monitoring stress, and sleep in physically active populations. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 743. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00743
Renfree, A., Casado, A., Pellejero, G., & Hanley, B. (2020). More Pace Variation and Pack Formation in Successful World-Class 10,000-m Runners Than in Less Successful Competitors. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(10), 1369. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0852
Solikah, N. L., Al Ardha, M. A., Adeel, M., Kusnanik, N. W., Rizkanto, B. E., Pandhadha Putra, N. S. R., & Kartika Dewi, A. W. (2026). Physiological performance and skin health indicator of elite East Java Kabaddi athletes: A pilot study. International Journal of Body, Mind and Culture, 13(8), Article e2026-1330. https://doi.org/10.61838/ijbmc.v13i8.1330
Skorski, S., & Abbiss, C. R. (2017). The Manipulation of Pace within Endurance Sport [Review of The Manipulation of Pace within Endurance Sport]. Frontiers in Physiology, 8. Frontiers. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00102
Wang, K.-L. (2015). Application of wearable devices to running during training. International Journal of Machine Learning and Computing, 5(6), 445–449. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijmlc.2015.5.6.549
Yang, J., Ju, F., & Tian, Z. (2022). Sports and Social Interaction: Sports Experiences and Attitudes of the Urban Running Community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14412. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114412
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Body, Mind and Culture
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
