What Limits Performance on a Flat Ultra-distance (Loop) Course

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21 years ago 09/24/2002 10:07pm EDT

In regards to the article at the top of the page on 25 Sept: Assuming training is sufficient and the environmental conditions are neutral, the factor which will limit performance most on an ultra-distance (loop) course is muscle damage.

There is a muscle lengthening (eccentric) and a muscle shortening component (concentric) to each stride during running. Running on a flat course increases the amount and intensity of eccentric contractions compared to running on a course that changes slightly (or largely) over the distance.

Eccentric contractions are what produces muscle damage (primarily) in the quads during running. You have muscle damage when your muscles are sore and tender 24 to 48 hours after a run.

21 years ago 09/25/2002 12:41am EDT

re: Big Tex

I would have to disagree and say that the factor that limits performance most on an ultra course is the runners focus. If you can focus on/through a small point, about a square inch or less, without moving for 15 - 20 hours, and are properly trained physically, you'll do some damage in an ultra race.

21 years ago 09/25/2002 5:37am EDT

re: Big Tex

I am curious if this is serious (both the initial post and the first response).

What "...article at the top of the page..." are you referring to?

Is there a question you want answered?

By "...ultra-distance (loop) course...," do you mean a single loop that is over 26.2 miles long or are you referring to the various 8,12, 24, 48-hour or longer track run ultras?

21 years ago 09/25/2002 6:54pm EDT

re: Orson Buggeigh

Hi Orson,

I was referring to the link titled "So True: Physiologists Can't Determine All That Limits Performance." It was in the top of the first column as the site appeared on Wednesday. The article appeared on the superrunner.co.za website.

I was referring to ultra-marathons which are run on courses such as the one mentioned in the article. That is, races longer than a standard marathon that are run on an "X" km loop. In the article a 100 km race in Holland which is run on a 10 km loop is mentioned.

In addition, the track runs that you mention also apply. The bottom line is that running over an entirely flat course (or one with downhills and flats) will increase muscle damage because the intensity and duration of the eccentric contractions (the lengthening of the muscle) are higher. It is the eccentric contractions that cause muscle damage during running.

Kind Regards,

Jonathan

21 years ago 09/25/2002 7:05pm EDT

re: Joseph M. Wiley

Apologies---I should have mentioned that this idea is assuming that a number of other things are equal. If we assume that a runner is trained and motivated and healthy, etc.

Over longer races such as the 100km distance, damage done during the race will reduce the muscles' (the quads, specifically) ability to generate force. This will lead to a reduced running speed.

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