|
In the summer of 1981, I was invited to become a columnist for the magazine Ultrarunning. My column was called Comments on Physiology and its purpose was to interpret the scientific literature, relating to the physiology of exercise, for ultra-long-distance runners (people who think a marathon is a short race). Over the next two and a half years, I wrote twelve columns for the magazine. Because the principles presented in those columns are as applicable today as they were thirty years ago, I reprint them here (unedited) for your consideration. Links to copies (.pdf) of the columns are included below, along with a brief description of the subject matter included in each. Richard E. Ecker, Ph.D. @ Discussion of some fundamentals of exercise physiology and how such knowledge can be used to help overcome the effects of fatigue. September 1981 @ A discussion on the management of fuel supplies in the body and how to make the best use of diet to maximize fuel availability. October 1981 @ Recommendations concerning the use of carbohydrates as the most efficient fuel for muscular work. November 1981 @ Discussions on the design of diets high in the carbohydrates that provide the best stores of energy and their most efficient restoration. December 1981 @ After my first few columns had appeared in the magazine, the editors sent me a copy of a letter from a reader who was a physician. Because this reader suggested that runners might die as a result of my recommendations, I felt compelled to respond. This column printed the reader's letter and my response. January/February 1982 @ Discussions on the causes and prevention of terminal exhaustion, commonly known as "running into the wall." April 1982 @ Explanations and recommendations relating the procedure known as "carbohydrate loading." June 1982 @ Discussions on carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body and how to use that knowledge to make the most of your training diet. March 1983 @ Comments on running smart. Making the best use of your capabilities. April 1983 @ Finishing...when finishing is your primary goal. June 1983 @ About the natural attributes that help make a person into a long-distance runner. October 1983 @ Running injuries. How they occur and how to prevent them. January/February 1984
|