Running

Running Efficiency
Is Lance Armstrong a more "efficient" runner than Mathew McConaughey?
March, 2012



Is Matthew McConaughey a more efficient runner than Lance Armstrong? The answer may seem obvious, but first we need to understand a few things when using the word "efficiency." First, it’s extremely difficult to measure efficiency while running. Second, you cannot say someone is a more efficient runner by just looking at them.

Efficiency is a word that is often used in conjunction with sports/athletics, but in many circumstances it is used incorrectly. We use the word to express the ratio of the amount of work you are doing to the amount of oxygen you require to do that work. Efficiency is something that can easily be measured in cyclists, because we can measure a cyclist's power output (work required to perform a task) using fancy machines in a lab that can measure your power and oxygen uptake. Imagine that two cyclists of equal ability decide to do a 40k Time Trial. Rider A is using 3 liters of oxygen to hold 200 watts while Rider B is using 4 liters of oxygen to hold 200 watts. Rider B is clearly less efficient because he is consuming more oxygen and working harder to achieve the same results as Rider A.

Efficiency cannot truly be measured in running or swimming, because the runner or swimmer's work (power) cannot be measured directly. We can measure oxygen uptake while running, but it’s very difficult to measure a runner's power. This is why in the world of physiology we use the word "economy" in running, rather than efficiency. An example of the principle of economy in running can be seen in the following (imaginary) scenario: If Lance and Matthew were on a 10-mile run, running at a rate of 5 minutes per mile, Matthew would inevitably require more oxygen to maintain this pace, therefore making Lance a more “economical” runner.

Also, please remember that you cannot say someone is a more efficient or economical runner by just looking at them. I often hear people say, “That person runs like a gazelle, they are so efficient.” Just because a person looks smooth when they run does not automatically mean they are a better runner. In fact, there are no studies showing that a “smoother” stride or certain running technique is the most efficient.

With all that said, it's safe to say Lance is a more economical runner and a more efficient cyclist than Matthew!

- Head Coach Jason Kilderry