Body types can, to a certain degree, determine how good of a runner you are and can serve as an indicator of the type of running at which you may excel. In general, distance runners are short and light, while sprinters can be tall and bulky. The difference between the two lies in the workload that is associated with each running style. In the end, your body type should not discourage you from the running style you most enjoy.
Traditional Body Types
Body types fall into three categories: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph. Traits of a traditional ectomorph include difficulty gaining weight, narrow shoulders, lean muscle mass, thin stature and high metabolism. A mesomorph is typically athletic and can gain muscle easily. He also tends to gain fat more easily than an ectomorph. Endomorphs have a rounder physique with soft muscle tissue, and generally have a low metabolism that makes it hard to lose weight. While the traditional body types serve as good indications as to what makes a good runner, these classifications do not figure in height, which can make a major difference in running performance.
Big Body Types
Big body types should not necessarily be automatically classified as mesomorphs. There are various big body types that also have ectomorph or endomorph traits. This is significant in terms of running because a big body type that is an ectomorph or mesomorph is more inclined to be a sprinter. Ectomorphs weigh the least out of the three classifications and mesomorphs are the strongest. In their own right, these traits allow for a runner to be a potentially good sprinter. The traits of a mesomorph would make sprinting very difficult, primarily because of the weight that has to be moved.
Small Body Types
Short, thin body types tend to make the best distance runners. Even though tall, thin runners have long stride lengths, their speed is not necessarily affected by this. According to Dr. Niels Secher, an anesthesiologist, exercise researcher and rower at the University of Copenhagen, shorter runners make better distance runners than taller runners. Long and large legs make it more difficult to lift and propel a body forward. In comparison, shorter stride lengths and less weight tends to result in greater speeds over long distances.
Everybody Can Run
Your body type should not keep you from taking part in the type of running you enjoy. No matter if you are short and thin and prefer sprinting, or tall and overweight and like distance running, as long as you are having fun and are staying physically active, you are contributing to your overall health and fitness. Even though certain body types are genetically inclined to excel at a certain running style, these styles are not exclusive and can be enjoyed by anyone. Many overweight individuals take up distance running because it is part of their fitness routine to lose weight. Over time, as the pounds are shed, a physique has the potential to change, which can improve your running performance.
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