# COROS Unveils Boston Marathon Running Data from Its Elite Athletes — Insights We Can Gain
As the Boston Marathon concludes each year, the spotlight typically shines on the finishing times — those astonishing sub-2-hour runs that seem almost otherworldly. Yet beneath those incredible times lies a realm of meticulousness: expertly managed splits, consistent running mechanics, and detailed tracking of physiological data, all monitored by sophisticated fitness devices like those offered by COROS.
Recently, COROS released in-depth statistics from the Boston Marathon featuring its professional runners, providing a rare opportunity to explore the analytics behind top-tier performances. For regular runners, evaluating your statistics in contrast to theirs can be both humbling and highly instructive.
## Same Distance, Varied Paces
Unlike comparing your weekend basketball match to Steph Curry’s game, running presents a unique advantage: no matter your skill level, you’re all traversing the same distance as the professionals. This makes it easier (and more uplifting) to learn from their experiences.
COROS shared insights from elite competitors such as Yalemzerf Yehualaw (3rd place), Emma Bates (13th), Des Linden (17th), Charlie Sweeney (19th), and Reed Fischer (21st), all using either the COROS PACE Pro or PACE 3 — the very models accessible to everyday runners — enhancing the relatability of the comparison.
The data encompassed per-mile metrics like pace, cadence, heart rate, and effort pace, providing a wealth of knowledge. Here are the highlights:
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## 1. Consistency Is Crucial
One of the most remarkable trends across all the elite runners was their extraordinary consistency:
– **Reed Fischer** kept a steady pace within a 6-second range from miles 2 to 16. His heart rate fluctuated between 170–176 bpm, showing minimal variation.
– **Des Linden** maintained her cadence within 188–191 steps per minute for nearly the entire race, even while tackling hills and battling fatigue.
– **Yalemzerf Yehualaw** recorded only a 20-second difference between her highest and average kilometer.
Even more remarkable: Linden, at 43 years old, showcased just a 5-second variation between her initial and final mile times.
**Key Insight:**
Steady pacing trumps quick bursts of speed at the beginning. Maintaining a constant pace and heart rate, irrespective of excitement or tiredness, is vital for strong finishes.
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## 2. You Might Be Overexerting Yourself
Reviewing their heart rate statistics, these professionals spent most of the race bordering between Zone 4 and Zone 5 — challenging yet manageable. They seldom neared their peak heart rates, interestingly, their heart rates occasionally dipped a bit in the closing miles.
COROS’ “Effort Pace” metric — which takes terrain and fitness level into account — illustrated that these athletes frequently ran at a pace that felt less strenuous than what their actual speed indicated.
**Key Insight:**
Many amateur runners start too aggressively, resulting in fatigue. Instead, strive for a sustainable effort that keeps your heart rate uniform and controllable throughout the race.
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## 3. No Shortcut to Speed Exists
Observing the cadence numbers of the professionals can be daunting. For instance, Charlie Sweeney averaged roughly 25 steps per minute more than numerous amateur runners of comparable height.
It may be tempting to artificially increase your cadence, but experts like Garmin’s Joe Heikes caution against it. Forcing a change in your natural running style can lead to inefficiency and increased injury risk.
**Key Insight:**
Enhancing cadence and form develops naturally with improved strength and fitness. Concentrate on strength training — exercises like squats, deadlifts, and plyometrics — to cultivate the power necessary for faster, more effective strides.
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## 4. Imitate Their Tactics, Not Their Speed
While you may never reach the speed of a professional runner, you can implement their racing strategies:
– **Pacing:** Utilize your running watch to track and sustain a consistent pace.
– **Heart Rate Control:** Remain in your ideal heart rate zone to prevent early fatigue.
– **Strength Building:** Develop the muscular endurance required for efficient running.
– **Effort Awareness:** Employ tools like Effort Pace to assess your true exertion level.
**Key Insight:**
Achievement isn’t about matching their speed — it’s about emulating their discipline and methodology.
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## Final Thoughts: A Gracious, Motivating Comparison
Reflecting on the COROS pro runner statistics can be intimidating. Their “slow” miles outpace most people’s sprinting efforts. However, rather than feeling disheartened, leverage their data as a guide for more effective training.
By prioritizing consistency, sustainable effort, and strength, you can evolve into a better, more efficient runner — even if you finish an hour later. Ultimately, the beauty of running lies in the journey being just as significant as the destination.
And with tools like COROS watches, you can access the same data-driven insights as the professionals. Now, it’s about applying that knowledge.
