The Project

In performing this study, I hope to learn more about Australian athletics in general while simultaneously testing two effects many Australians and their tourists face when exercising in the Pacific: jet lag and a lack of sleep. Before, during, and after this trip, I will keep a running log of four test subjects. Señor Schartow, Kyle "Oppenheimer" and Bobby MacDermaid will assist me, Mark Wright, in studying the aforementioned conditions and the effects of each.

To begin with, the four test subjects will complete a couple test runs before we leave for the trip to approximate current fitness levels. I will record these in a running journal for later use. While on the trip, the four test subjects will run as often as possible, keeping the length of every measured run to at least 15 minutes at an aerobic pace. Afterwards, the subjects will complete a few more runs to see if the runs during the trip have any effects on overall fitness. Every run will be recorded in this running journal. In addition, I will maintain a daily journal to keep track of where we went and what we did on which days.

Primarily, the results indicate that a definite increase of average heart rate occurred during the trip (see Figure 1.1 below). There are a number of possible explanations for this. It could be due to jet lag, a lack of sleep, or just simply running harder. We can rule out the third possible reasoning based on the pace per mile of each run (see Running Journal - PPM). The average PPM for Oppen and I before the trip was 7:07. While on the trip, we ran at a slower pace with me averaging 7:50 per mile and Oppen averaging 7:44. Clearly a slower pace, this proves that the increase in heart rate was not due to simply running harder.

Furthermore, all four test subjects did not feel well during at least one run on the trip or post trip. Señor commented that it had little to do with how long he slept. Oppen and I both believed it had something to do with eating unnatural foods. I also agreed with Señor that there were other factors that were much more prominent than a lack of sleep. Given that three of the four test subjects only had one night of sleep that did not fall between 6 and 9 hours, a lack of sleep can be ruled out as the main factor of an increased heart rate. In conclusion, long-term effects have not been tested, but just a few nights of less sleep has little to no impact on the heart rate when running.

Moreover, the previous conclusions leave jet lag as the only possible reason for increased or consistent heart rates while pace per mile slowed down and perceived effort stayed mostly the same (see Figure 1.2 & 1.3 below). The reason that post-trip runs suffered an increase in heart rate is most likely due to the lack of training that occurred during the two weeks abroad. Consequently, jet lag does cause the heart to work harder, yet fitness is not lost if the body continues to train at its current level. The best way to maintain fitness while overseas is to continue the current length of time spent training on a daily basis.

All in all, this trip was a great learning experience for me personally. The daily journal I kept is evidence of such learning about myself and the cultures of the Pacific. In addition to the journal, I also realized that I love traveling around the world. Homesickness is not a problem, and going away to college will be much easier. In fact, I am now considering moving away for college; an idea that was only a dream before this trip. Also, due to being introduced to various new cultures, I am now more accepting of different lifestyles. Nobody is the same, and it is best to accept everyone no matter who they are or what they do. To sum it up, I feel that traveling around the Pacific has matured me as a person and made me more aware of the many cultures and people in the world.

Heart Rate

Athlete

Avg. HR Before

Avg. HR During

Avg. HR After

Señor Schartow

N/A

175.8

182.0

Kyle "Oppenheimer"

170.0

176.0

N/A

Bobby MacDermaid

162.0

170.0

N/A

Mark Wright

167.5

168.3

173.0

HR = Heart Rate measured in number of beats per 30 seconds. The average heart rate was taken if more than one run was completed at any location.

PPM = Pace Per Mile written as seconds above 7 minutes.

Eff = Perceived Effort multiplied by 10.

*Adjustments were made to the values only to create a more efficient graph.

HR = Heart Rate measured in number of beats per 30 seconds. The average heart rate was taken if more than one run was completed at any location.

PPM = Pace Per Mile written as seconds above 7 minutes.

Eff = Perceived Effort multiplied by 10.

*Adjustments were made to the values only to create a more efficient graph.

Back to Main Page