Performance Decay
[per-fawr-muhns dih-kay]
/pərˈfɔrməns dɪˈkeɪ/
Noun
The gradual decline in the effectiveness or efficiency of a system, process, or component over time due to factors such as wear, fatigue, or obsolescence.
Performance decay refers to the gradual decline in athletic performance due to factors like fatigue, overtraining, or lack of recovery. It can manifest as slower times, reduced endurance, or increased perceived effort. For runners, this might mean slower race times or difficulty maintaining pace. Real-world examples include marathon runners hitting "the wall" or athletes experiencing burnout. Understanding performance decay is crucial for runners to optimize training schedules, incorporate rest, and prevent injuries. Monitoring performance metrics and adjusting training intensity can help mitigate its effects and maintain peak performance levels.