Impact of body composition and physiological responses at half race to predict 10.000 m recreational road race

The present study aims to investigate the association between the half 10.000 m race time, body composition characteristics and physiological responses at half race (i.e., 5.000 m); and to determine the predictor variables of 10.000 m road race time, in recreational female runners. Observational field study of a '10.000 m road race' in Brazil. A sample of 11 recreational runners, participated in the study. Before road race, body mass and stature were measured, body composition was determined by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and blood lactate concentration (Lac) was collected. After the first 5.000 m, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and (Lac) were collected. The race time, in both tests race were also collected. In the bivariate analysis, absolute values of protein, soft lean mass and fat free mass, correlated to half race time. Stepwise multiple regressions revealed that absolute fat free mass and rate of perceived exertion in half race were the best variables to predict 10.000 m road race time for recreational female runners.