"The marathon attracts people of all shapes, sizes and abilities, and it is perhaps from this that has strung the belief that anyone can run one as long as they train properly. However, while it may be true that most people could complete a marathon, research suggests that 20 per cent of people genetically would be incapable of running a marathon in a good time, even if they dedicated plenty of time to training properly.
Researchers at the University of Loughborough found that the ability to run a marathon in a good time requires a specific combination of genes, which nearly one fifth of the population simply don't possess. According to the researchers, those without this combination of genes will struggle to improve their performance no matter how much they dedicate themselves to training.
The reasoning for this is because this one fifth of people have muscles which don't extract as much oxygen as runners with this right mix of genes, and intensive training can actually further reduce their body’s ability to carry oxygen to their muscles. The researchers suggest that these runners would be better served by building up their strength and muscle tissue in the gym."
Written by
pinkaardvark
Half Marathon
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Yeah we have some work to do. But we haven't been at it long so give us time 😜. These really shouldn't be titled good for age or at least they should be understood as at the very top of the age group nationally.
Oof - I should have added a smiley-winky face to my comment really... Might be able to squeeze a sub-four marathon, but I'm not sure I fancy all the pain and suffering involved!
Just wanted to say after reading this and your replies and previous stuff on here, Statistics is a very mathematical and conceptually simple and powerful tool.
I know this research is a little different.
I would not be surprised if the marathon sample size and prediction stats may have been done by this same body.
Whether anyone thinks differently or not, we all sit somewhere from 0-100% on most normal distribution curves.🤔🙈😂
If you are ever looking for indications or guidance the info is valid. The researchers also have the humility and sincereity to acknowledge certain limitations also.
Some famous politician said , there are lies, dam lies and statistics.
That’s just ignorance.
I took a final year subject called Operationl Research or Operational Analysis Techniques,as it was called and used during the 2nd world war,instead of mathematics in my Engineering Degree.
Sub 3.45 😐 I don't think I'll ever go sub 3.45! The Garmin race predictor said something like that when I took a look the other day, and I laughed in its wee face. I don't know if I have the marathon gene but I do have the 'I shan't stop unless my legs fall off' gene, which ties nicely in with the first point in the list!
It's OK, for the London marathon you also have the options of either raising £2000+ for charity, or entering their lottery with a 1/14 chance of a place - simple!
I think it's the main thing that puts me off London—I know it's iconic, but for all that effort and money I feel like I'd rather get a guaranteed entry somewhere a bit more, dare I say, interesting...
I'm guessing with it being popular they have to do something to narrow it down fairly. Most events I've seen are on a first come, first served basis but that would be a nightmare for something this big.
It's all very interesting though.
I've been watching some super-ultras on Netflix (e.g. The Barkley Marathons, Finding Traction and Karl Meltzer: Made to be Broken) and I'm just in awe of these people. Their dedication and hard-work is phenomenal. The trails in the US are amazing.
Oh yes, I'm sure you're right! I think the ballot is rather fun - as long as you don't care whether or not you win a place - although I don't have all that far to travel so it's easier for me than for many.
Ooh, I loved that Barkley Marathons documentary, must check out those others...
If you loved Barkley then yes, you'll absolutely love the other 2. They each follow the journey of the athlete, one male Karl Meltzer and the other female, Nikki Kimball. Now, I may be bias, but what Nikki is doing for females in sport is just awesome.
Genes , talent and hard work! That’s the background of any sport, whether we like it or not. Everyone can dive in the sea or play recreational basketball but only a handful can actually ‘do’ it at top level. Marathon ain’t walking in the park, especially if you run the whole distance without stopping or walking breaks. That is not to say that people should not attempt and do it their own way. Over here, being an astronaut, an F1 driver and a successful concert pianist (or at least a world heavyweight boxing champ) were job descriptions that l decided not to apply for quite early in my development.
That is so 'athletic' which is great for those athletes and people that have that focus to push so very hard. I do not aspire to nor want super times, more that I enjoy it and feel strong at the end from a strong and fit body, but we are all different in our goals which is also good
Oh no that is extremely distressing as I have strong reason to believe that I am one of the 20% of those unfortunate people. I wonder how I can take that test now...
Me too Ju. I ran one at 60 and from being a C25k graduate not long ago.
On paper I had a four hour projected time, based on sub 2 hour HM. Doesn’t work like that though, sadly, and it took me nearer six hours. I did it though, and strongly,and was fine afterwards.
We can’t know if we’re geneteically suitable can we. We have to find out, and so we train. I’m glad I didn’t know or I might not have tried it 🤷♀️
Depressing stats, Michael.Genes, even the one about not running more than 20 miles a week.🤔
I was just about to throw my toys out of the pram and thought about getting on the blower to my deceased parents to ask them what’s going on.🤔
Abi’s links came to the rescue.👍Age related stuff.👍Magic 🌟
I am probably not in the right bit, but I think it may have just made me more determined to run🤔 every step of the way for a 75-80 age related in under 7 hours.
That’s a long shift,do not think it is a winter event, not enough daylight hours.🤔🙈😂😂
One thing people don't seem to consider is that Usain bolt and mo farah have been training since children. Other club athletes have been running for years if not decades. Sure sub 3 hours seems far away for me at my age but in 5 years time after I have run a good handful of events and done significant work. Then maybe I could say my genes are not right for it and those times are unachievable. We seem to aim so high so quickly with running. I know no snowboarders who pull off a triple Cork 1080 rodeo after 12 months slope time so I don't expect many of us to be smashing the barriers in that article. But I know many of you can 🤜
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