Byron makes a good point. The exercise physiologists talk about efficiency
by describing the amount of oxygen consumed at a sub-max effort like in a
long distance race. A runner is more efficient if less oxygen per kilogram
of body weight per second is used at a specific pace than an other runner.
But such a determination cannot be applied to a runner exceeding VO2 max
such has an 800 runner. Perhaps there is another measure of maybe lactic
acid production at a given pace where the runner producing less lactic acid
at perhaps a 60 sec 400 is more efficient. I don't know if such testing is
done on 800 meter runners as sub-max testing is done on marathoners. Does
anyone know of a measurement of efficiency for anaerobic running?
We should not confuse a measurable thing like efficiency with an aesthetic
judgment like fluidity of form. Some runners may look smooth but may or may
not be efficient in their use of energy.
Tom Derderian, Greater Boston Track Club
----- Original Message -----
From: Byron Dyce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Eckmann, Drew <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2001 9:57 PM
Subject: Re: t-and-f: Runners Form
> In my very humble opinion, "efficiency" should only be defined relative
> to each distance or event. What is an effiecient form or style for
> running an 800m race will probably not be efficient for running a
> marathon, etc.
> Byron
>
> "Eckmann, Drew" wrote:
>
> > > << With all this talk on form and efficiency, who out there
> > > are the most
> > > efficient runners that you have all seen? >>
> > >
> > > clearly Frank Shorter
> > >
> >
> > I'd go with Wilson Kipketer. /Drew
>
