What Makes Me A Mid-Distance Runner: The Physiology Behind It All | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What Makes Me A Mid-Distance Runner: The Physiology Behind It All

Ever wonder why some people prefer sprinting and some prefer long distance? The physiological reasons are outlined here.

2405
What Makes Me A Mid-Distance Runner: The Physiology Behind It All
Jaime Rodden

It's important to consider what kinds of muscle fibers your body is mainly made up of so you can learn the exercises and activities your body will benefit from most.

After talking about the difference muscle fiber types in my exercise physiology class, Type I, Type IIa and Type IIx, I began to think more about my own muscle fiber types and which may be more dominate in my body. I am an 800m runner, so my training consists of both longer runs and quick interval training as well. 800m runners have an increase in both Type I and Type II muscle fibers, which is essential for success in the mid distance events. Since an 800m race is only two laps long, it is essential to build up speed through Type II muscle fibers to finish the race strong. It is also important to have some endurance as well, since the race cannot be executed in a full out sprint. This is where the Type I muscle fibers are important.

As mentioned above, its important to be aware of your specific percentage of each muscle fiber type so you can workout accordingly. Knowing if one has 40 percent Type I and 60 percent Type II, or 90 percent Type I and 10 percent Type II could be very useful information when trynig to find a training program that will work for an individual. Training should reflect the individuals physiology, as opposed to training for a specific race.

When considering long distance runners vs sprinters, those with more endurance and a passion for long distance running will likely have a majority of Type I fibers. This also means they have a slower contraction speed due to less ATPase splitting, which allows for slower turnover. Type I muscle fibers are also predominately aerobic, which also means they have an increase in mitochondria density for and increased ATP energy production to sustain their energy throughout the race for a longer period of time. Contrarily, those with more Type IIa and Type IIx muscle fibers will have more anaerobic fitness. This includes a faster ATPase turnover so more ATP can constantly be made for more cross bridges to form for increased force and power.

As a 800m runner, I fall somewhere in the middle of both extremes. I have always preferred speed workouts to long runs, but I enjoy the endurance training involved for the 800m race as well. I never considered why speed training and endurance training were both used as a training program for the 800m. Understanding what makes up the different muscle fiber types and what makes each so important has not only helped me to understand the physiology of muscle, but how I can apply it to my own workouts and training regime. It could be very useful to know my exact muscle fiber build up, so I can train accordingly focused on my own muscle physiology. Although this can be measured using a muscle biopsy, it is a process most people are not comfortable going through. It would be very interesting researching other ways muscle fiber could be measured without taking a piece of muscle directly from the body. Being aware of each individuals' muscle fiber percentage could impact the sport of Track and Field immensely. If athletes were to detect their muscle fiber build up, they could begin their track career accordingly, based off which event would benefit their muscle fiber build up.

I’m very grateful for the knowledge I have acquired as an exercise science major so I am able to apply the physiology to my own athletic life. I have a new awareness about my body and why it works the way it does, which has become almost essential in improving my athletic performance.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194963
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17718
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460049
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27858
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments