Researchers examined the existing literature on how ultramarathon runners mentally respond to pain during races. They found that while runners' psychological approaches to pain have been somewhat documented, the actual relationship between these mental responses and race performance remains largely unstudied.

Researchers investigated whether showing runners an evidence-based educational video about shoe selection would influence their actual purchasing choices. Despite providing scientific information about footwear, the educational intervention did not appear to change how participants selected their running shoes.

Researchers investigated how the social fitness app Strava influences motivation and goal-setting patterns in club runners who regularly use the platform. They found that while basic Strava features didn't directly correlate with motivational outcomes, runners who deleted training sessions due to perceived slow pace showed different goal orientations, and many participants actively modified their app usage to protect their motivation.

Researchers examined whether marathon runners cluster their finishing times around psychologically meaningful round numbers like 4:00:00, suggesting these times function as mental reference points. Analysis of nearly 10 million marathon finishes revealed significant bunching of times just under major hour marks, indicating runners adjust their effort and pacing strategies to achieve these symbolic targets rather than simply running at consistent intensity throughout.

Researchers investigated whether running triggers the release of a specific protein called cathepsin B into the bloodstream and whether this protein relates to memory performance. They found that running appears to increase cathepsin B levels systemically, and this increase showed associations with better memory function in their participants.