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Concept
Running economy
Summary
Running economy (RE) a complex, multifactorial concept that represents the sum of metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical and neuromuscular efficiency during running. Oxygen consumption (VO2) is the most commonly used method for measuring running economy, as the exchange of gases in the body, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, closely reflects energy metabolism. Those who are able to consume less oxygen while running at a given velocity are said to have a better running economy. However, straightforward oxygen usage does not account for whether the body is metabolising lipids or carbohydrates, which produce different amounts of energy per unit of oxygen; as such, accurate measurements of running economy must use and data to estimate the calorific content of the substrate that the oxygen is being used to respire.
In distance running, an athlete may attempt to improve performance through training designed to improve running economy. Running economy has been found to be a good predictor of race performance; it has been found to be a stronger correlate of performance than maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in trained runners with the same values.
The idea of running economy is increasingly used to understand performance, as new technology can drastically lower running times over marathon distances, independently of physiology or even training. Factors affecting running economy include a runner’s biology, training regimens, equipment, and environment. The recent accomplishment of Eliud Kipchoge running a marathon in under two hours has enhanced interest in the subject.
Running Economy is calculated by measuring VO2 while running on a treadmill at various constant speeds for anywhere between three and fifteen minutes. VO2 is the amount of oxygen consumed in milliliters over one minute and normalized by kilogram of body weight. To compare running economies between individuals, VO2 is interpolated to common running velocities while also quantifying how much oxygen is needed to run one kilometer relative to body mass.
Official source
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