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Grade Adjusted Pace
Mathematical and physiological reference for Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP), the conversion of actual running pace on varying terrain into a flat-equivalent pace using the Minetti gradient-cost polynomial. Documents the empirical metabolic-cost-vs-gradient curve, the asymmetric uphill/downhill penalty structure, the role of GAP in zone-based pacing on hills, and the boundary conditions where the underlying steady-state cost model degrades (steep grades, trail surfaces, fatigue accumulation).
Mathematical and physiological reference for Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP), the conversion of actual running pace on varying terrain into a flat-equivalent pace using the Minetti gradient-cost polynomial. Documents the empirical metabolic-cost-vs-gradient curve, the asymmetric uphill/downhill penalty structure, the role of GAP in zone-based pacing on hills, and the boundary conditions where the underlying steady-state cost model degrades (steep grades, trail surfaces, fatigue accumulation).
References
- Minetti AE, Moia C, Roi GS, Susta D, Ferretti G (2002). Energy cost of walking and running at extreme uphill and downhill slopes. J Appl Physiol 93:1039-1046. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01177.2001 · PMID 12183501
- Vernillo G, Giandolini M, Edwards WB, Morin JB, Samozino P, Horvais N, Millet GY (2017). Biomechanics and physiology of uphill and downhill running. Sports Med 47:615-629. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0605-y · PMID 27501719
- Saunders PU, Pyne DB, Telford RD, Hawley JA (2004). Factors affecting running economy in trained distance runners. Sports Med 34:465-485. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200434070-00005 · PMID 15233599
- Barnes KR, Kilding AE (2015). Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors. Sports Med Open 1:8. doi: 10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y · PMID 27512611
- Hoogkamer W, Kipp S, Frank JH, Farina EM, Luo G, Kram R (2018). A comparison of the energetic cost of running in marathon racing shoes. Sports Med 48:1009-1019. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01160-3 · PMID 31254244