What physiologically limits sprint, medium-distance, and long-distance performance?
Here’s a question about the physiological aspects of performance limits, especially with regard to running. When one runs, there are short distance (e.g., 100 meter sprint), medium distance (e.g., mile), and long distance (e.g., half-marathon). Is it fair to make the generalization that for short-distances, a person is limited by one’s fast-twitch muscle makeup, that for medium distances, one is most limited by one’s heart and lung capacity, and that for long distance, one is most limited by one’s slow-twitch muscle buildup and pre-event glycogen stores? (Bear in mind that I, the person asking this, am by no means in top physical condition. Perhaps this generalization might not apply to someone near the limits of human perfection. That’s not me. I’m thinking more about less-than-inspiring athletes like myself.) It just would seem to me that when I sprint, it’s not my heart and lungs that are holding me back, but rather my lack of explosive leg power that keep me from sprinting faster.
