A Comparison of Two Middle-Aged Ultramarathon Runners

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the physiological responses of two middle-aged ultramarathon runners during maximal and submaximal running. Each man performed a series of 7-min. treadmill runs to determine heart rate and oxygen requirements at selected speeds. These data were utilized to estimate the average oxygen consumption and percent maximal oxygen consumption (% Max. [Vdot]O₂) required during races of from 42.2 km (26.2 miles) to 84.5 km (52.2 miles). Subject Corbitt's aerobic capacity (Max. [Vdot]O₂) was 2.2% greater than that of his competitor, McDonagh. However, McDonagh was found to utilize less of his aerobic capacity at all running speeds above 200 m/min. McDonagh's competitive superiority appeared to be a product of greater running efficiency. It was estimated that both men utilized 80–85% Max. [Vdot]O₂ for 2.5 to 5.5 hrs. of competitive running.