Running Economy
[ruh-ning ih-kon-uh-mee]
/ˈrʌnɪŋ ɪˈkɒnəmi/
Noun
Running economy is the measure of the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running, reflecting the efficiency of a runner's movement.
Running economy refers to the energy demand for a given running velocity, measured as oxygen consumption (mL/kg/min). It indicates how efficiently a runner uses oxygen at a specific pace. Better running economy means less energy is needed, enhancing endurance and performance. Factors influencing it include biomechanics, muscle fiber composition, and training adaptations. Elite runners often have superior running economy, allowing them to maintain faster speeds with less effort. Improving running economy involves strength training, technique refinement, and consistent practice. It matters because it can be a better predictor of performance than VO2 Max alone.