Running economy

Running economy (RE) a complex, multifactorial concept that represents the sum of metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical and neuromuscular efficiency during running.[1]: 33 [2][3] 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 O2 and CO2 data to estimate the calorific content of the substrate that the oxygen is being used to respire.[4]

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.[5]

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.

  1. ^ Daniels, Jack (2013). "Aerobic and training profiles". In Hanlon, Tom; Marty, Claire; Wolpert, Tyler (eds.). Daniels' Running Formula (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. pp. 33–38. ISBN 978-1450431835. The measure of energy expended while running aerobically at some submax speeds is a measure of running economy.
  2. ^ Saunders, Philo U; Pyne, David B; Telford, Richard D; Hawley, John A (2004). "Factors Affecting Running Economy in Trained Distance Runners". Sports Medicine. 34 (7): 465–485. doi:10.2165/00007256-200434070-00005. ISSN 0112-1642. PMID 15233599. S2CID 2323239.
  3. ^ Crowther, Greg (2001). "Tips on maximizing your running economy". Greg Crowther professional website. Retrieved 20 August 2014. Measuring someone's running economy is equivalent to asking the question, "How far can this person run using a given amount of energy?" Energy use is usually reported in terms of oxygen consumption; the farther the person can run per unit of oxygen consumed – or, stated another way, the less oxygen he/she consumes in running a given distance – the more economical he/she is.
  4. ^ Shaw, Andrew J.; Ingham, Stephen A.; Folland, Jonathan P. (2014). "The Valid Measurement of Running Economy in Runners". Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 46 (10): 1968–1973. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000311. PMID 24561819.
  5. ^ Saunders, Philo; Pyne, David; Telford, Richard; Hawley, John (2004). "Factor affecting running economy in trained distance runners" (PDF). Sports Medicine. 34 (7): 465–485. doi:10.2165/00007256-200434070-00005. PMID 15233599. S2CID 2323239. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014. Running economy (RE) is typically defined as the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running, and is determined by measuring the steady-state consumption of oxygen (VO2) and the respiratory exchange ratio.