What is the best strategy for running your best race? A new computer model might soon join your training team.
Long-distance running requires planning, from pacing to stoking the body's engines. Nick Morgan, Author provided
While there is significant research on pacing, training and eating, there has been little research done at the intersection of math and running. The research that has been done focuses mainly on shorter races, like the 800-meter, instead of longer distances, and none of it focuses on the practice of eating while running. I wanted to find out how a marathon runner could maximize energy output to run the fastest possible race.
Completing a 26.2-mile marathon requires both training and strategy. Pacing is key: A runner who takes off at a sprint can’t expect to maintain that speed. In the 1920s, runners first realized the need to stoke energy during long-distance runs and began sucking on hard candies during races. Today, a lucrative industry sells energy gels, gummies, sports drinks and other in-race nutritional products.
Modeling racing biologyTo show scientifically how to run the fastest possible race, my colleagues and I built a computer model. It relies on various personal parameters such as a runner’s weight and ability to absorb oxygen, which is calculated by most sports watches. The results differ significantly from person to person. The model reveals an individual’s best speed and calculates the amount of calories they should take in, based on personal needs, and when to consume them. The model also generates graphs to visually depict results. All can be improved with dedicated training, making a runner more energy efficient.
The ultimate goal of this work is to create a user-friendly application that allows runners to plan in-race nutrition and calculate their best speed, both of which are crucial to running the optimal marathon.Get fascinating science, health and technology news. Sign up for The Conversation’s weekly science newsletter.
Training beyond your limits can result in injury, he said: “You might develop tendinitis in the knees; you might hurt an ankle,” he said. “Those workouts are meant to beat you up, and that’s fine every once in a while, but to do that constantly ... can be a recipe to hurt yourself.” Bazan said you can lift safely at home, and it might not require as much equipment as you think. “It seems like a lot of people have like one or two pieces of equipment at home — which is great and you can do a lot of things with the one piece of equipment,” Bazan said. “Especially if people have one dumbbell or one kettlebell, you can do a lot of single-sided exercises.”
If you can’t perform an exercise, find a variation that scales it back to a point where you can have less pain, he said. But if you’d rather learn yoga through YouTube videos, Katz said it’s important to take it slow. “’Beginner’ doesn’t always mean gentle,” she said. “You can get into some pretty complicated things in a beginning class.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Best Eating Habits to Shrink Belly Fat, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not ThatThese eating habits can help shrink belly fat! For the full list of dietitian-recommended eating habits to adopt for weight loss, check out the full article:
Read more »
Big Stir Festival honors women in the food & hospitality industriesDenver is one of the best places in the country to enjoy a bite to eat. Now, a festival will introduce us to some of the women behind the foods and drinks we love
Read more »
What did the Alabama legislature do for schools and kids in 2022?Alabama students could see changes in math instruction time, scholarships and counseling services soon.
Read more »
Florida rejects dozens of math textbooks over 'prohibited topics' like critical race theoryFlorida rejects dozens of math textbooks over 'prohibited topics' including critical race theory
Read more »
This Plant-Based Meal Delivery Service Taught Me To Love VeggiesInterested in eating more nutrient-packed vegetarian, vegan, or simply healthier meals? Mosaic can help with that.
Read more »
Artist Bill Sienkiewicz On The Origins And Enduring Appeal Of Moon KnightThe innovative artist's early work turned Moon Knight into a best-seller for Marvel in the 80s and laid the groundwork for a 40-year run.
Read more »