ASICS unveiled the world’s first running track to train the mind: a custom-built 150-metre course in London, England, which is cloaked in darkness with no tech, no music, no scenery, no comforts and no finish line.
The ‘ASICS Blackout Track’ was developed in collaboration with sports scientists and top coaches to remove all distractions and encourage runners to truly focus on synchronizing the mind and body.
Devised by Professor Samuele Marcora (Director of Research at the University of Kent’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences) and Dr Jo Corbett (Human Performance and Health Research Group at The University of Portsmouth), the experiment will be assessed by tracking data such as the performance times and heart rates.
Participants will also complete the NASA Task Load Index, a widely used assessment tool to help assess the perceived physical and mental workload of a task, to help show how the mind can affect performance even when the physical capacity of the runners is the same.“This is a mental challenge with a great message: the importance of a fit mind to re-evaluate what’s possible and reach your own goals in fitness as well as life. It’s not only the strongest legs that go the distance, but also the strongest mind”, said Paul Miles, Chief Marketing Officer, ASICS Corporation.
Finally, 20 additional runners tested the track on June 7 and 8 as part of a series of test runs. The ASICS Blackout Track was created making it an ideal test pad for the 25th iteration of ASICS industry-benchmark running shoe, GEL-KAYANO™ 25; the first ever shoe to feature FlyteFoam™ Lyte and FlyteFoam™ Propel technologies. In the dark, runners will feel the difference as the technologies work together to help absorb impact and propel them forward whilst providing the ultimate comfort and stability to go the distance, also helping promote the brand’s offerings.
