Weight V Running speed

[Matthew]

Hi all, just wondered if there was a calculation around that could estimate what each extra pound is worth time wise. I'm 17.5 stone which obviously can't be a great weight as a runner but I did the Great North run in 07 in 1.57 and wondered how much of an impact the weight had on my final time and pace??

[Kevin Raison]

Hi Matt,

That's a very good question and although I don't know the answer to the weight issue. Alot of your style of training comes down to your energy systems.

Although your weight will have some impact on your time I believe that if you weighed what you in pure muscle, you'd struggle even more!!

You'd basically 'hit the wall' alot sooner.

You've stumped me!!

[Andy Latham]

Long distance and marathon runners are stick thin (just look at the fantastic Paula Radcliffe) but 100m sprinters are built like houses and very muscular. I guess the latter group need the extra muscle for the short burst of power they require. My assumption then is if you are 17.5 stone of muscle you would have the potential to have a better sprinting time and a reduced long distance time - but I'm no expert, just surmising... :-)

I personally don't like to do a huge amount of running coz I've read that it will cause muscle loss - Kev can you confirm this mate?

[Kevin Raison]

Yeah, you're right there Andy. It also releases the stress hormone called Cortisol which turns off all fat burning enzymes...Not good.

Andy Latham said:

Long distance and marathon runners are stick thin (just look at the fantastic Paula Radcliffe) but 100m sprinters are built like houses and very muscular. I guess the latter group need the extra muscle for the short burst of power they require. My assumption then is if you are 17.5 stone of muscle you would have the potential to have a better sprinting time and a reduced long distance time - but I'm no expert, just surmising... :-)

I personally don't like to do a huge amount of running coz I've read that it will cause muscle loss - Kev can you confirm this mate?

[Simon Bissett]

Hi Matt - welcome to the asylum!!

As a "heavier" runner myself this is of some relevance...

A token trip to google has given this link http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0950.htm - towards the bottom of the first page there are calculations that could be adapted to answer this question, should you choose to believe anything that you read on t'internet!

I dont think that anyone would deny that all high class long distance runners are sticks so there has to be merit in the observation that skinny people run more effeciently. Why dont you try it - lose a stone for this years GNR and see how you get on..

Simon

[Matthew]

Cheers Simon, thats a long article!! I feel for the elephants... Unfortunately didnt get in to GNR this yr, would be nice to hit the 15s tho weight wise!!

Simon Bissett said:

Hi Matt - welcome to the asylum!!

As a "heavier" runner myself this is of some relevance...

A token trip to google has given this link http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0950.htm - towards the bottom of the first page there are calculations that could be adapted to answer this question, should you choose to believe anything that you read on t'internet!

I dont think that anyone would deny that all high class long distance runners are sticks so there has to be merit in the observation that skinny people run more effeciently. Why dont you try it - lose a stone for this years GNR and see how you get on..

Simon

[Simon Bissett]

mid - low 16 st would do me

Brum 1/2 m in October - try it then!!

[Matthew]

Is the bham 1/2 still open for entries? Are you running it?

Simon Bissett said:

mid - low 16 st would do me

Brum 1/2 m in October - try it then!!