Today Sabastian Sawe ran an historic sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race.
A marathon is around 42 kilometres, aka 26 miles in freedom units (we use miles in the UK too but not for running distances). I feel the record is a little unfair on Kipchoge who achieved the milestone first under non-competitive conditions. Even more unfair on Kejelcha who finishing second today in 1:59:41. Two unbelievable athletes in the same day.
If my maths is correct that’s not far off a 14 min 5km pace. That’s simply outrageous!
My personal best for a 5km is 22 mins. With the caveat of questionable GPS cutting a park corner. My fastest half-marathon is 1:51:42. Basically half as slow as an elite marathon runner. Of course, they run half-marathons even faster. I do not believe my knees could withstand double that distance. Anyone who can drag their body 42km deserves applause.
I doubt I could even sprint 100 metres as fast as these guys maintain a marathon pace. More napkin maths suggest that is 100 metres in around 16 seconds? Usain Bolt did it once in 9.58s. Maintaining a pace of 16s/100m for 42,000 metres in incredible.
If the maths ain’t exciting you see this video of runners attempting to match Kipchoge’s pace.
Elite sprinting in anaerobic. Long distance running is aerobic (aka “cardio”). I wont feign expertise on the exact science. All I know is the 200 metre sprint is notoriously difficult. It pushes the human body beyond what it can maintain for anaerobic sprinting. You gotta just start sucking in oxygen and try to ignore the fact that it feels like you’re dying.
When it comes to superiority over other animals, top of the list is our brain and our dexterity. But more impressive I think is our endurance. Our ancestors started walking upright and evolved as persistence hunters. Prey cramps up and physically cannot move to save its life. Brutal way to go!
Long-distance running is more about breathing, a steady pace, and good form to avoid injury. The perfect running shoe is less important than people want to think. A good fit matters. Pheidippides didn’t run the first marathon in Nikes (fashion sneakers fall apart instantly). He probably wore sandals or was barefoot.
The most important attire is short shorts, underwear of synthetic material to keep your bits in place, and plenty of lube on the thighs. Never wear a cotton T-shirt unless you want bloody nipples. Chafing is like the boiling frog parable. You don’t realise until it’s too late and you’re walking like a cowboy for a week.
Unless you’re running competitively, never compare yourself to others. It does not help you in the slightest. There is no “good” time to run any particular distance.
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