AME Methodology
Per IMAC Standard 5.0 and ratified formulary specifications.
Abstract
The Adjusted Marathon Equivalent (AME) model estimates physiological effort normalization and emotional validity for marathon-distance events under declared environmental and lifestyle conditions. All calculations are performed in SI units per IMAC Standard 12.4.
Regression and environmental weighting
Temperature, terrain, altitude, elevation gain, wind, and humidity contribute through piecewise, logarithmic, and diminishing-return functions defined in the IMAC 4.x and 3.x series. Optional ancillary factors undergo compression per IMAC 6.2 revision 1.1.
Committee debate
13 voting members. Typical outcome: 9-4, with passionate minority report.
The committee remains divided on whether accidentally listening to Nickelback during miles 18–21 constitutes an adjustment event. Subcommittee formed. No ETA.
Outputs
- Official Distance — participant-declared race length (normalized to km).
- Equivalent Marathon Distance — physiological normalization.
- Emotionally Valid Distance — suffering credit, intentionally exaggerated within bounded absurdity policy.
- Finish times — when declared, Equivalent Marathon Time and Emotionally Valid Completion Time apply the same distance modifiers to chip time.