Research and algorithm development
#MYSKYRACE is based on scientific research carried out at Geneva University on élite skyrunners running at different speeds on a treadmill with a 5% to 45% incline. For the first time, the calorie consumption and the speed of uphill and downhill walking and running was established. The paper was published by the American Physiological Society in 2002.
Energy cost of walking and running at extreme uphill and downhill slopes
The research was further developed over a two-year period by the Federation for Sport at Altitude with specific tests carried out in the field on élite runners and trekkers. By integrating the data collected on 40 “Mountain Fitness®” trails and skyrunning races, an algorithm was developed which was able to predict the race finishing times and calories required on a given mountain trail relative to the GPX profile for different groups of users: trekkers, runners, advanced athletes and the best performance.
In 2020, the algorithm was further developed for the #MYSKYRACE plan, combining individuals’ biometrics with a GPX reading and the algorithm to establish the finishing time and the calories necessary, in advance.
Glossary
GPX: Satellite recording (GPS) in the mountains and on exposed trails can be inaccurate. Sometimes the altitude or the distance differ from the actual data. Our reading system reduces the margin of error by overlapping the map and eliminating irrelevant jumps or curves. It should be noted that when an original GPX is downloaded on a user’s watch/device, some differences may occur.
COURSE TIME: The finishing time over a given course is subject to a 5% max error margin. It is calculated by the altitude and distance taken from a correct GPX reading, together with the subject’s biometrics and the integration of the algorithm.
KCAL: The calorie consumption is based on research at different degrees of incline linked to the weight of the subject and the intensity of the effort. For example, a top runner can consume 1,000 kcal/h while an average runner 700/800 kcal/h max.
ONLINE FORM DATA: The choice of one of the three online form levels selected by the user, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) refer to their fitness level and should include the current aerobic or VO2Max if known. The biometric data (age, weight, height, BMI and HR) together with the runner’s own level assessment are used by the system to reach the final #MYSKYSKY data, applying the algorithm and GPX data.
#MYSKYRACE: the #MYSKYRACE result, indicates the user’s finishing time with +/- 10% margin of error for a given course.
Additionally, other variables must be considered. Even with the same training, each day is different depending on factors such as physical condition, environmental and weather conditions, etc. A wet, muddy or snow-covered trail will impact the physical effort and finishing time by + 10% to 30% or more.
LEVEL DEFINITION: The times and the calorie consumption of the minimum and intermediate levels are based on the entry level, a 35-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 70kg. For the female category the finishing time varies by + 15/18% and the metabolic cost (calorie consumption) is 10/15% less.
