Relaxation and running economy.Sometimes it's not easy to find help in research for regular runners-those of us who aren't setting records, making Olympic trials, or even coming in first in our age divisions. But here is an interesting finding from researchers in New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. that may be truly useful for runners interested in finishing a marathon, or improving their time for any long distance event. Relax. Relax and run may sound like opposite energy states, but long distance runners distance runner n. A runner who competes in distance races. in this study were taught biofeedback biofeedback, method for learning to increase one's ability to control biological responses, such as blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. Sophisticated instruments are often used to measure physiological responses and make them apparent to the patient, who techniques during treadmill running that helped improve running economy. Running economy is the measure of how much oxygen is required to run at a given speed-the less oxygen required the more economical you are. It can make a difference in the outcome of long distance events, other things being equal. In this study, trained runners participated in a six-week training program, with biofeedback on heart rate, ventilation, and VO2. While heart rate seemed to be less in their control (reduced by 2.5%), VO2 and ventilation each were reduced on average by 7.3% and 9.2% respectively. The authors concluded that improvements in running economy could be made by "psycho-physiological intervention," in other words Adv. 1. in other words - otherwise stated; "in other words, we are broke" put differently , mind over matter. When you take to the road for your next long run, remember this and relax. Using oxygen more efficiently might enable you to run farther with less fatigue, getting better distance and training for your effort. It could make a significant difference in the outcome of your next long event. Running & Fit News Editorial Board Member Jack Daniels Jack Daniels may refer to:
adj. Of, relating to, or having rhythm; recurring with measured regularity. rhyth  mi·cal·ly adv. two-two breathing pattern: take two steps while breathing in and two steps while breathing out. It reduces tension, this is often related to less regular breathing patterns. (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 1999, Vol. 31, No. 5, pp. 71 7-722) |
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