Inside Exercise

How did Kipchoge break 2 hrs for the marathon?! With Dr Andy Jones

Jul 11, 2022

Dr Andy Jones, a world-renowned professor, discusses the factors behind Eliud Kipchoge's sub-2-hour marathon. They delve into VO2 max, lactate threshold, running economy, pacing, and nutrition strategies. The evolution of super shoes and their impact on running efficiency is also explored. The physical characteristics and running economy of Kenyan distance runners are compared to British athletes. The effects of nitrate supplementation and training methods for Kenyan runners are discussed. The relationship between VO2 Max and performance is explored.

58:02

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Episode guests

Andy Jones

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Quick takeaways

Factors such as VO2 max, lactate threshold, and running economy play crucial roles in breaking the 2-hour marathon barrier.

The use of specific shoes with high levels of cushioning, like the alpha fly, may contribute to increased efficiency and endurance in marathon running.

A combination of factors including pacing, drafting, nutrition, and training approaches lead to significant improvements in marathon times.

Deep dives

The Study to Break 2 Hours for a Marathon

The podcast episode discusses a study conducted by Andy Jones from Exeter University to determine the requirements to run a marathon in under two hours. The study looked at VO2 Max, lactate threshold, running economy, and other factors. The study aimed to select the runners who had the best potential to attempt the sub-two-hour marathon. The episode also discusses the role of pacemakers, the use of specific shoes, and the mindset of elite Kenyan runners.

Introduction

4min

The Running Career and Achievements

16min

The Evolution of Super Shoes

18min

Analyzing the Physical Characteristics and Running Economy of Kenyan Distance Runners

2min

The Effects of Nitrate Supplementation on Athletic Performance

3min

Training Methods and Intensities for Kenyan Runners

10min

VO2 Max and Performance

5min

Dr Glenn McConell chats with Professor Andy Jones from the University of Exeter in England about the incredible Eliud Kipchoge and what it took for him to break 2 hr for the marathon distance. Professor Jones, who has an exception research track record, conducted a study with 16 world class marathon runners to determine what factors are required to run a marathon in 2 hr. He then used this data and other information he had to choose which runners would attempt Breaking2 in Monza in 2017. We discuss this attempt and Eliud Kipchoge’s eventual breaking of 2 hr in Vienna in 2019. Andy outlines the contributions to the record-breaking run of VO2 max, lactate threshold /the highest percentage of V02 max one can hold and running economy. We also discuss the other factors such as the use of pacemakers, drafting, the crowd, nutritional strategies and of course his shoes. Andy also shares some personal Kipchoge anecdotes. He also talks about his 15 years of experience testing the previous world record holder in the women’s marathon, Paula Radcliffe, and estimates what time she could run for a marathon if she had run under the conditions that Eliud Kipchoge had. A really fascinating discussion. Twitter: @Inside_exercise @AndyBeetroot @GlennMcConell1

Inside Exercise brings to you the who's who of exercise metabolism, exercise physiology and exercise’s effects on health. With scientific rigor, these researchers discuss popular exercise topics while providing practical strategies for all.

The interviewer, Emeritus Professor Glenn McConell, has an international research profile following 30 years of Exercise Metabolism research experience while at The University of Melbourne, Ball State University, Monash University, the University of Copenhagen and Victoria University.

He has published over 120 peer reviewed journal articles and recently edited an Exercise Metabolism eBook written by world experts on 17 different topics (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-94305-9).

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