answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

There are two different types of muscle fibers which are beneficial to short distance runners or 'sprinters' and long distance runners - fast and slow twitch fibres.

Short distance runners benefit from fast twitch fibers which contract the muscles more quickly enabling them to run at speed. These muscles can be speed up with training (weights). They also train to run without oxygen in their muscles or anaerobically - 100m runners run the distance with one breath of air!

Long distance running is really about endurance and developing stamina. This requires long training runs because the muscles need to be able to develop a long term and more efficient way of converting energy for the body whereas the sprinter needs to develop the quick release of 'explosive' energy - imagine throwing alcohol on one fire to release the energy in it and then putting charcoal on it. They will both burn and release energy but at different rates.

Training can condition this but people are generally suited physically to one or another.

To answer your question specifically - generally speaking not as effectively, e.g. when Seb Coe, an 800m/1500m Olympic champion and World record holder ran a marathon he recorded a time of around 2hr 50min.

Emil Zatopek won the 5000m, 10000m and the marathon in the same Olympics but al these races are medium - long distance.

Incredibly, typically, a 100m runner can run the 200m but struggles with the 400m!!!

An 800m runner can run the 1500m - Ovett, Coe, Cram etc. but struggles with 3000m.

It depends whether you are in competition or not.

So in short I'd say that for events in the following categories concentrate on one area:

1. 100m-400m

2. 800m-3000m

3. 5000m - Marathon.

Whichever you do have fun - that's what it's all about!

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

I am a long distance runner here are 3 tips you should follow hope it helps:

1. Run 1 to 2 miles a day(for marathon practice-5k-run 3 miles everyday)

2. Get pleanty of rest(sleep)

3. Eat healthy food and drinks( NO JUNK FOOD and drink water)

-Red Mist 13

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

3 miles or 5

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can a short distance runner become a long distance runner?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What are some tips for someone that wants to become a long distance runner?

Train and train! If you want to be a long distance runner you have to have a lot of stamina, strengh and speed.


When was The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner created?

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner was created in 1959.


When was John Graham - long-distance runner - born?

John Graham - long-distance runner - was born in 1956.


Who would win a race between a runner with more speed or a runner with more stamina?

Depends. Is it a distance run? Or a fast run? If it is distance, the stamina runner would win. If it was a track, then the speed runner would win.


What is cross-country runner?

A cross-country runner is a runner who trains and races in a long distance race. The distance are usually 5k and up.


Middle and long distance runner Paavo Nurmi represented which country?

Middle and long distance runner Paavo Nurmi represented Finland


Who wrote the novel The Long Distance Runner?

Alan Sillitoe wrote a novel called "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" which was published in 1959. Grace Paley wrote a story called 'The Long Distance Runner' which was published in 1974. Tony Richardson wrote an autobiography called 'The Long Distance Runner: A Memoir' which was published in 1993


What is the best body shape for a long distance runner?

Generally tall, lean, and low body fat. However, there are many short distance runners out there. short distance runners usually have more fat than long distance runners all runners need to have a lot of muscle and be able to endure long periods of running


What does Beatrice Faumaunia do?

I believe she is a long distance runner


Who was a famous kenyan long distance runner?

Stanley njibiri


Who is the flag bearer for Kenya?

That was long distance runner Grace Momanyi.


What is long distance races?

In track and field there is a long distance heat. In the long distance heat the runner will run over 3 miles. It is not usually as long as a cross country run.