WaperTwo Belgian runners broke the backyard ultra world record, while track and field lost longtime coach Frank Gagliano.
Running & fitness5 items
This edition also covers a race test exposing automatic-transition timing limitations, Xiaomi’s European tracker rollout, and research linking running form to fatigue resistance.
Two Belgian runners break backyard ultra world record
Two Belgian runners broke the backyard ultra world record, according to Trail Runner. The supplied item does not specify their names or the record mark.
Why it matters: This is a notable ultra-endurance achievement, although the available details are too limited to assess the margin of improvement.
Olympian and sub-four-minute miler coach Frank Gagliano dies at 89
Frank Gagliano, known as “Gags,” has died at 89. The former football player coached Olympians and sub-four-minute milers during a career spanning more than 60 years.
Why it matters: His death marks the loss of a longstanding figure in competitive distance running and athlete development.
Fenix 9 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 3 miss race transition timing
In a race test at Eton Dorney, both watches overran the official first transition by more than 40 seconds. The review says neither detects timing mats, so individual leg splits can drift even when overall time remains correct.
Why it matters: Multisport athletes should distinguish convenient automatic splits from official timing when evaluating race performance.
Study links deteriorating fatigue resistance with increased ground contact time
David and Megan discuss a study of 12 trained trail runners that linked worsening duty factor during prolonged running with poorer fatigue resistance. Duty factor was the most sensitive wearable-derived marker of fatigue-related mechanical changes; whether “light on feet” cues, shoes, or strength training can improve fatigue resistance through duty factor remains unproven.
Why it matters: The findings suggest duty factor could help track fatigue-related changes in running mechanics, but do not establish that changing it improves endurance.
Xiaomi Smart Band 11 reaches Europe with NFC option
Xiaomi Smart Band 11 is on sale in Europe through Xiaomi Spain, including an NFC version for contactless payments. It also broadcasts heart rate to bike computers and tracks heart rate underwater.
Why it matters: Heart-rate broadcasting and underwater tracking make this launch relevant to athletes who combine running, cycling and swimming.