Running is the act by which animals, including humans, move by the power of the feet. Speeds can vary and range from jogging to a sprint. Many people compete in track events that place participants in a contest to test speed in a sprint or endurance in a marathon. The running mechanics are the same, but other factors are very different in a marathon versus a sprint.
Types
Sprints typically are tested in track events including 100 m, 200 m or 400 m races. World-class athletes can finish these events in 10 seconds, 20 seconds or 45 seconds, respectively. A marathon is a race that is 26.2 miles long with world-class athletes finishing the race in just over two hours.
Muscle Fibers
Scientific research has shown that sprinters and marathoners have predominantly different muscle fiber types. Sprinters will have fast-twitch muscle fibers that produce greater force and have a faster contraction or reaction time. Marathoners have slow-twitch muscle fibers that develop force slowly and stay contracted longer.
Energy Systems
A large amount of calories and energy are burned during marathons, requiring a significant energy source. To meet this requirement, fat, carbohydrates and protein provide the majority of the energy. Sprinting uses ATP or glucose as energy, as the total amount of energy burned is lower than in marathons.
Aerobic Vs. Anaerobic
Sprinting is an anaerobic activity that allows the muscles to contract without oxygen. These anaerobic activities are characterized by short intense bursts of energy using a large percentage of maximal strength. Marathons are an aerobic activity that requires oxygen to be delivered to the muscles during contractions. Aerobic activities require a lower level of physical exertion over a longer period of time using a lower percentage of maximal strength.
Benefits
Both sprinting and marathons can provide a number of physical benefits, including weight loss, improved heart and cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance and increased bone density. Running also can have positive effects on mental health, including treatment of depression or curing addictions.
Member Comments