Cardio-respiratory and perceptual recovery from a marathon run

Seven male runners (21-42 years) were examined before and after the 1976 Boston Marathon to provide data concerning the cario-respiratory and perceptual recovery from the performance. Treadmill runs, 30 min in duration, were administered 1 week prior to the marathon and 2-3, 6-7 and 13-15 days following. Treadmill speed was held constant and based on each runner's planned race pace. Maximal performance data were collected 1 week before and 2 weeks after the race. Data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA (4 thirty min run data collection periods and 3 exercise time points - 5, 15 and 30 min) and 't' tests. Treatment effects were not observed for either HR or V(E), however, perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly elevated 2-3 and 6-7 days post-marathon and V̇(O₂) was significantly lower at 13-15 days. HR and RPE showed significant time effects indicating a non-steady state response. None of the maximal test variables were significantly displaced. All variables were returned to pre-marathon levels by 13-15 days except V̇(O₂) which was lower. Aerobic capacity was not a limiting factor in the recovery from a marathon run. Muscle scoreness and stiffness seem to be related to the increased perceptual ratings following a marathon run.