Energy Systems for Runners.

Send us Fan Mail Today we are going to be covering Energy systems for running. Running is simple, we put one foot in front of the other, and allow it to happen naturally. That is how we start, but once we get into running a little more, we want to learn more about how to improve our speed by increasing our step frequency and step length, we want to know which foods will give us the most energy on our runs, and we want to understand which energy systems we use in a 400m sprint or longer. There are so many questions, and there is so much to learn about running. If you want to be the best runner you can be, these are areas you probably want to start paying attention to. I hope I have gone some way to answer them in this podcast. Let us explain the physiology of energy metabolism during different levels of exercise. If you need the aerobic energy system explained, you are in the right place. Today we we break the three energy systems down, so you can learn how you have the energy to sprint as fast as you can, how the anaerobic energy system works, and what the aerobic energy system is. So why do we need to know about energy metabolism. Knowing the predominant energy system you are using during your workouts will help you determine your recovery needs for nutrition and rest. Energy is stored in the body in various forms of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as well as in the molecule creatine phosphate. Carbohydrate and fat are the primary sources of energy, with protein contributing a minimal amount under normal conditions. Adenosine triphospate (ATP) is the body’s usable form of energy. The body uses 3 different systems of metabolism to transfer stored energy to form ATP. So what are the 3 energy systems Glycolysis (anaerobic) System Glycolysis (anaerobic) System The Aerobic System Remember this: However, certain characteristics such as exercise duration and intensity will determine the predominate system and thus how long the activity can be performed at that level. Other factors that influence what substrates and systems are being used include the fuels that are available, the fitness level of the athlete, and the nutritional status of the athlete. These factors may change over time and through training so just like overall nutrition, energy metabolism is very individualized and dynamic. Now how does this relate to Heart Rate. The Aerobic System The Lactic Threshold System The Anaerobic System Normal Heart Rate for running Factors affecting your heart rate when running. What if I don't have a heart rate monitor. Summary Resources & Links Energy Systems Heart Rate and Energy Systems Dangers of overtraining. Brian's Run Pod has become interactive with the audience. If you look at the top of the Episode description tap on "Send us a Text Message". You can tell me what you think of the episode or alternatively what you would like covered. If your lucky I might even read them out on the podcast. Instagram Support the show Brian's Run Pod