Physiological regulation of marathon performance.
Running a marathon at the fastest speed possible appears to be regulated by the rate of aerobic metabolism (i.e. marathon oxygen uptake) of a limited amount of carbohydrate energy (i.e. muscle glycogen and blood glucose) and the velocity that can be maintained without developing hyperthermia. According to a model proposed by Joyner in 1991, people possess the physiological ability to run a marathon in approximately 1:58:00. This could be accomplished if the current world record pace for the 'half-marathon' is maintained for the entire marathon. The ultimate limit to marathon performance might be dictated by the limits of running economy and a recruitment of the running musculature with a pattern that minimises fatigue, possibly by spreading the work over many motor neuron.
Coyle
Edward F
EF
Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. coyle@mail.utexas.edu
D006801:Humans; D008660:Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States