scholarly journals Running for Success: Marathon Boom and Middle-Class Bodies in Estonia

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 441-463
Author(s):  
Toomas Gross
Keyword(s):  
Middle Class ◽  
Good Life ◽  
Physical Capital ◽  
The Body ◽  
Turn Of The Millennium ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Economic Changes ◽  
Long Distance Running ◽  
Consumption Practices

Since the turn of the millennium, the number of Estonians running at least one marathon a year has grown nearly twentyfold. This paper links the marathon boom in Estonia to novel ideas about the “good life” among a subset of the country’s middle class, also situating the phenomenon in the broader context of post-1991 socio-economic changes. Drawing on fifty narrative interviews with recreational runners and a content analysis of various runners’ blogs, the article pays special attention to “runners’ bodies.” Recreational marathoners consciously put their bodies at the service of their “selves” by submitting the body to regular physical strain, which fits with their distinctively middle-class ideals of self-discipline, motivation, diligence, and perseverance. But runners’ bodies are also “bodies for others”—they not only encapsulate but also display these ideals. Approaching runners’ bodies as “bodies for selves” and as “bodies for others,” the article makes two arguments. Firstly, a fit body as physical capital and the “purposeful suffering” that long-distance running almost inevitably leads to have recently shifted to the core of living a “good life” in the case of growing numbers of the Estonian middle class. Secondly, the “others” for middle-class runners’ bodies are first and foremost the sedentary and generally overweight bodies of their own class. For a subset of the Estonian middle class, a slim and fit running body, in combination with changed consumption practices and reference groups, serves to distinguish themselves from the generalised idea of a middle-class person in today’s Estonia.

Body image and quality of life for middle-age men practicing long-distance running

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 21-27
Author(s):  
Paula Wesołowska
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Image ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Distance Running ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Long Distance Running

Physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, regardless of an individual human’s stage of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between long-distance running and body image,as well as quality of life amongmiddle-aged Polish men practicing long distance-running. Furthermore, the study was aimed at comparing their group in terms of the above variables with the group of men not undertaking physical activity. The study was conducted in 2018 among 220 men. The research tool consisted of: an original personal survey, the Body Scale Image and the Shortened Version of the WHOQOL-BREF (The World Health Organization Quality of Life) Survey. It has been shown that practicing physical activity aff ects the perception of one’s body among men in the middle of adulthood, while its impact on the sense of quality of life has not been confi rmed. It has been proven that men who practice long-distance running diff er signifi cantly in the perception of their own body from men not performing any physical activity.

Physiological characteristics of the best Eritrean runners—exceptional running economy

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 530-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Lucia ◽  
Jonathan Esteve-Lanao ◽  
Jesús Oliván ◽  
Félix Gómez-Gallego ◽  
Alejandro F. San Juan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Physiological Characteristics ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
East African ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Long Distance Running ◽  
Endurance Runners

Despite their young age, limited training history, and lack of running tradition compared with other East African endurance athletes (e.g., Kenyans and Ethiopians), male endurance runners from Eritrea have recently attained important running successes. The purposes of our study were (i) to document the main physical and physiological characteristics of elite black Eritrean distance runners (n = 7; age: 22 ± 3 years) and (ii) to compare them with those of their elite white Spanish counterparts. For this second purpose we selected a control group of elite Spanish runners (n = 9; 24 ± 2 years), owing to the traditionally high success of Spanish athletes in long-distance running compared with other white runners, especially in cross-country competitions. The subjects’ main anthropometric characteristics were determined, together with their maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and VO2 (mL·kg–1·min–1), blood lactate, and ammonia concentrations while running at 17, 19, or 21 km·h–1. The body mass index (18.9 ± 1.5 kg·m–2) and maximal calf circumference (30.9 ± 1.5 cm) was lower in Eritreans than in Spaniards (20.5 ± 1.7 kg·m–2 and 33.9 ± 2.0 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and their lower leg (shank) length was longer (44.1 ± 3.0 cm vs. 40.6 ± 2.7 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05). VO2 max did not differ significantly between Eritreans and Spaniards (73.8 ± 5.6 mL·kg–1·min–1 vs. 77.8 ± 5.7 mL·kg–1·min–1, respectively), whereas the VO2 cost of running was lower (p < 0.01) in the former (e.g., 65.9 ± 6.8 mL·kg–1·min–1 vs. 74.8  ± 5.0 mL·kg–1·min–1 when running at 21 km·h–1). Our data suggest that the excellent running economy of Eritreans is associated, at least partly, with anthropometric variables. Comparison of their submaximal running cost with other published data suggests that superior running economy, rather than enhanced aerobic capacity, may be the common denominator in the success of black endurance runners of East African origin.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF BMI VALUE ON MIDDLE AND LONG DISTANCE RUNNING OF URBAN AND RURAL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOUTHWEST CHINA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
YUNPENG ZHAO ◽  
LIAOKUN YE ◽  
CHAOHU HE
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
The Body ◽  
Influence Coefficient ◽  
Distance Running ◽  
School Students ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Long Distance Running ◽  
Distance Running Performance

Abstract. BMI is an important index used to evaluate human health status and degree of obesity in the world. The body mass index of middle school students affects the future national health level of our country. With the progress of the country and society, the health of the youth is the “health” of the motherland. In this paper, by sampling the physical index data of some urban and rural middle schools in Yunnan Province, the influence degree of BMI value on middle and long-distance running performance was analyzed by using relevant mathematical statistical methods. According to the data analysis, the influence coefficient is obtained. The BMI value is in the healthy range, and the middle and long distance running performance will be better accordingly. Obese and thin students do worse in middle and long distance running.

scholarly journals The possibilities of the highlands in optimizing the condition of athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-471
Author(s):  
Aleksandr V. Timushkin ◽  
◽  
Andrey V. Popov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Functional Condition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Oxygen Intake ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Outdoor Activities ◽  
Long Distance Running ◽  
Functional Reserves ◽  
Motor Mode

The objective of the research is to study the influence of restorative motor mode at the high altitude on functional condition of the sportsmen body during their stay in the mountains and the subsequent readaptation period. Materials and methods. Ten male sportsmen, whose specialization was medium and long-distance running took part in the research. The research was conducted in Bishkek during the 3-week stay in highlands (2350 m) and after their return to the foothills. During their stay in the mountains the sportsmen followed a specific motional mode in the form of outdoor activities. At the high altitude (2nd, 7th, 12th and 22nd days) and during the readaptation period (5th–6th and 18th–19st days) the condition of the respiratory function, cardio respiratory system and the maximum level of oxygen intake of sportsmen were evaluated. Results. During their stay in the mountains the increase of external expiration reserves and optimization of cardiovascular activity were observed. The level of maximum oxygen consumption after a decrease increased during the period of readaptation by 9,8% (P < 0,05). Conclusions. Outdoor activities at the high altitude conditions allow you to preserve and expand the functional reserves of the body of sportsmen during the transient period of the oneyear training macrocycle.

Popliteal entrapment syndrome and age

VASA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Schweizer ◽  
Hügli ◽  
Koella ◽  
Jeanneret
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Entrapment Syndrome ◽  
Long Distance Running ◽  
Popliteal Entrapment ◽  
Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome ◽  
Atherosclerotic Risk Factors

On the occasion of diagnosing a popliteal entrapment syndrome in a 59-year old man with no cardiovascular risk factors, who developed acute ischemic leg pain during long distance running, we give an overview on this entity with emphasis on patients’age. The different types of the popliteal artery compression syndrome are summarized. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are discussed. The most important clinical sign of a popliteal entrapment syndrome is the lack of atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with limited walking distance. Not only in young athletes but also in patients more than 50 years old the popliteal entrapment syndrome has to be taken into account.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Impact of a Multi-Strain Probiotic on Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Long-Distance Runners

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3758
Author(s):  
Joanna Smarkusz-Zarzecka ◽  
Lucyna Ostrowska ◽  
Joanna Leszczyńska ◽  
Karolina Orywal ◽  
Urszula Cwalina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
The Body ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Total Body ◽  
The Impact

Use of probiotic supplements, the benefits of which have not been proven in sportspeople, is becoming more widespread among runners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in the body. The randomised, double-blind study included 66 long-distance runners. The intervention factor was a multi-strain probiotic or placebo. At the initial and final stages of the study, evaluation of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness was performed and the presence of inflammation determined. In the group of men using the probiotic, an increase in lean body mass (p = 0.019) and skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.022) was demonstrated, while in the group of women taking the probiotic, a decrease in the content of total body fat (p = 0.600) and visceral fat (p = 0.247) was observed. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased in women (p = 0.140) and men (p = 0.017) using the probiotic. Concentration of tumour necrosis factor-alpha decreased in women (p = 0.003) and men (p = 0.001) using the probiotic and in women (p = 0.074) and men (p = 0.016) using the placebo. Probiotic therapy had a positive effect on selected parameters of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of study participants and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation.

Pacing behaviour of middle-long distance running & race-walking athletes at the IAAF U18 and U20 World Championship finals

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Stein Gerrit Paul Menting ◽  
Brian Hanley ◽  
Marije Titia Elferink-Gemser ◽  
Florentina Johanna Hettinga
Keyword(s):  
Distance Running ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
World Championship ◽  
Long Distance Running ◽  
Race Walking

scholarly journals Cardiovascular risks awareness in coaches and amateur athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Markovich ◽  
O Mironova
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Heart Attack ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
The Body ◽  
Treadmill Test ◽  
Cardiovascular Risks ◽  
Sports Cardiology ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Endurance Sport

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Regular physical activity is an important component of therapy for most сardiovascular diseases and is associated with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The promotion of the physical activity and regular exercise is an important preventive measure that affects the prognosis. Purpose To assess the awareness of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in exercising population and its influence on the safety of the patients and healthy adults among coaches and people actively engaged in sports activities. Methods An open non-randomized observation was conducted. The questionnaire created by our team included 45 questions about cardiovascular diseases and sport. 111 athletes and coaches aged from 19 to 46 were enrolled in the study. 61,5% (68) are men and 38,5% (42) of the respondents are women. 30,3% (33) of the respondents are coaches. 45,5% (15) of them have over 5 years of coaching experience. 44% (48) of all respondents prefer endurance sport, 25,7% (28) train strength exercise. 63,6% (70) train 3-8 hours per week, 12,7% (14 [7 women and 7 men]) train more than 8 hours each week. Results 18,5% (20 [6 women and 14 men]) think that ECG is enough for screening for cardiovascular diseases. 20% (4) of them are coaches. Only 69,5% (77) of all respondents know about treadmill test. And 41,6% (32/77) of them know about the necessary screening for arrhythmogenic condition. 13% (10/77) of them train more than 8 hours per week. And only 27,3% (21/77) of people who know about treadmill test, passed it themselves. Also 21,6% (24) of all respondents think that any episode of arrhythmia is the  contraindication for any sport. But 96,4% (107) of the respondents know that it is necessary to regularly screen the cardiovascular system, even in the absence of complaints. 9% (10) of the interviewed think that diet is not important for people with cardiovascular diseases. And 18,9% (21) of the respondents don’t know about the effect of electrolytes on the body and the work of the heart muscle. Only 53,2% (59 [21 women and 38 men]) of the respondents trust the doctors more than coaches or themselves. And this is one of the reasons why it is necessary to talk about the basic principles of sports cardiology not only to doctors. 8,1% (9) of the respondents have never heard about any cases of sudden death of an athlete during training or at competitions due to «heart problems». 63,6% (21) of the coaches would not train a person who has suffered a heart attack. 71,8% (56) of the sportsmen would like to return to training after a heart attack. Conclusions Despite the fact that most people prefer a sedentary lifestyle, high-intensity fitness and long-distance endurance sport is getting more popular. Our survey proves the relatively low level of education about the underlying health conditions and possible risks associated with sports not only among  athletes but  professional coaches as well. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

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