What happens to the body during a Marathon

Olympics

20 Apr 201505:32

Summary

TLDRRunning a marathon is a high-impact activity that requires endurance and efficiency. The 40,000 steps taken exert significant force on joints, necessitating strength and fatigue resistance in muscles, especially for long-distance running. Marathon runners benefit from a lean body mass to reduce the weight that must be propelled with each step. Elite marathoners possess a high VO2 max, indicating a large aerobic capacity, and must also be economical in their running to conserve energy over the 26-mile course.

Takeaways

🏃‍♂️ A marathon consists of 40,000 steps, each exerting significant impact on the runner's body weight and acceleration.
🦿 The impact from running can cause discomfort in joints such as hips, knees, ankles, and feet due to the repetitive stress.
🏋️‍♀️ Long-distance running requires force without the need for maximum force, emphasizing endurance over explosive power.
💪 Muscular endurance is more critical than sheer strength for marathon runners, who often have smaller muscles compared to sprinters.
🏃‍♀️ A lean body mass aids in running efficiency, as it reduces the weight that must be propelled with each step.
🔍 Elite marathon runners possess specific physiological traits, including a high aerobic capacity measured by VO2 max.
🌀 VO2 max indicates the maximum oxygen uptake and utilization by muscles, which is crucial for marathon running.
🚀 Being an economical runner is as important as having a high VO2 max, as it determines the efficiency of energy expenditure during the race.
🔄 Efficiency in running is measured by the energy cost per step and per kilometer, which is vital for completing a marathon.
🌡️ The physiological components of a marathon runner's success include both a large aerobic engine and running economy.
⏱️ The ability to maintain a consistent pace over long distances without excessive fatigue is a hallmark of marathon running.

Q & A

How many steps are there in a marathon?
-There are approximately 40,000 steps in a marathon.
What is the impact of each step on a runner's body during a marathon?
-Each step a runner takes during a marathon is highly impactful, as it involves the full force of their body weight plus the acceleration put into that step.
Why can the impact of running be painful for joints?
-The significant impact through joints like the hips, knees, ankles, and feet can cause them to feel painful due to the repetitive stress over the long distance.
What type of force is required for long-distance running compared to sprinting?
-Long-distance running requires the production of force but not maximum force, as the goal is to propel oneself forward for extended periods without the need for extreme strength.
Why is having a lighter body mass advantageous for long-distance runners?
-A lighter body mass is helpful in running because it reduces the weight that needs to be propelled with each step, making it easier to maintain speed and endurance over long distances.
What is the role of muscle size in relation to running performance?
-Muscles for long-distance running need to be fatigue-resistant rather than extremely strong. They are typically smaller in size compared to those of sprinters.
What physiological characteristics are essential for an elite marathon runner?
-An elite marathon runner needs to have a large aerobic engine, measured by a high VO2 max, and must be an economical runner to efficiently utilize energy over the long distance.
What does VO2 max measure and why is it important for marathon runners?
-VO2 max measures the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize, which is crucial for marathon runners as it indicates their aerobic capacity and ability to sustain effort over long distances.
What does it mean to be an 'economical runner' and why is it important?
-Being an economical runner means using minimal energy for each step and kilometer, which is important because it allows for more efficient running and helps in covering the long distance of a marathon without excessive fatigue.
How does body weight affect a runner's performance in a marathon?
-Body weight affects a runner's performance as it determines the amount of force needed to propel oneself forward with each step. A leaner, lighter body is more adaptive to the endurance required in a marathon.
What is the significance of running economy in relation to marathon success?
-Running economy is significant for marathon success because it affects how efficiently a runner can maintain their pace over the long distance. Even with a high VO2 max, inefficiency can hinder performance over the 26-mile course.