Chasing a PR during your next race? One small change can help keep you on track toward reaching your running goals, new research suggests.
According to the New York Post, a recent study centered around 1,590 runners tried to figure out how they optimize performance during a race or a workout run.
It specifically looked into what is known as visual attention, keying in on what those runners focused on while on a run.
After surveying the test subjects, the study discovered that narrowing one’s visual attention, described as “zooming in on the finish rather than taking in the surroundings,” was a common denominator among those looking to run more efficiently.
“Looking at one spot ahead of you—rather than around you—can help you keep going,” said NYU professor Emily Balcetis, the lead author of the paper.
“By increasingly narrowing attention as a runner moves from earlier to later stages of a run or race—like locking in on a target, then finding another after you pass the first, and eventually the finish line—they run faster, raise their heart rate, and perform better.”
Respondents categorized as “experts” or “faster” runners were found to use the narrowing strategy far more often than those labeled as “novice” or “slower” runners.
Researchers later conducted an experiment in an attempt to confirm their survey findings.
The experiment had participants run one of two distances: 400 meters or one mile. The team then divided the participants into two camps, asking one group to widen their focus during the run and the other to narrow it down.
The results showed that those who ran with a narrowed gaze ran at a faster pace than those who didn’t. The narrowed group also exerted more effort, which the experiment measured using heart rate.
The advice apparently applies to those who love a good walk, too.
Balcetis co-authored a study in 2014 that looked into a similar topic assessing walkers rather than runners.
The findings were similar, noting that those who locked in on a target during a walk made the exercise feel less daunting and had a shortening effect on how respondents viewed the distance ahead.
Of course, this method won’t ever replace adequate preparation. But for those looking for an edge during a race or even just a boost on Strava, a little bit of extra focus goes a long way.
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Source:: Life – Fitness – mensjournal
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