Running

Running, a method of locomotion in which (unlike walking) both feet do not touch the ground simultaneously at any moment, so that the body makes contact with the ground with one foot or is entirely lifted from it. Running is one of the most common and physiologically valuable physical exercises, forming a component of games, gymnastics, and sport (see). Running gives considerable work to the musculature, heart, and lungs, intensifying gas exchange (at medium running speed - 9 times, and at fast speed - 13 times compared to the body's resting state). The work produced by a runner weighing 75 kg at R. 450 l/min. averages 7,230 kg/m, which equals lifting 50 kg to a height of 1 m 144 times per minute. R. develops musculature, trains the cardiovascular system and lungs, increasing the latter's capacity, develops the chest, intensifies metabolism, blood oxidizability, increases the amount of Hb, strengthens the nervous system, and gives plasticity and grace to movements. The degree of running's effect on the organism depends on the nature of R., distance, and the runner's preparedness (training). Various types of R. and competitions in them constitute the most important part of track and field athletics (see). There is a distinction between running on short distances from 60 to 400 m (sprint; hence a specialist in this running is called a sprinter), medium distances - 800, 1,000 and 1,500 m (runner-mid-distance runner) and long (stayer) distances (runner-stayer) of 3, 5, 10, 25 and 42 km. The latter distance is also called the "Marathon Run" in memory of the messenger of the Marathon victory, who announced it to the Greeks and then fell dead. R. at this distance is not permitted in the USSR. Competitions in R. across fields and forests with overcoming natural obstacles over distances from 8 to 16 km are called "cross-country". There is also R. with artificial obstacles ("steeplechase"), hurdle R. over 110, 200 and 400 m with jumps over hurdles (10) 106 and 91 cm high, and relay R., when each participant runs a specific part of the entire distance, then passing the baton to the next teammate, and so on. Running on short distances is an exercise, mainly, for speed; running on medium distances - for speed and endurance; running on long distances - for endurance. The intense work of muscles during R. causes increased production of CO2 and greater need for O2. In R. on short distances, when a sprinter immediately gives maximum strain and places exceptional demands on the heart and lungs, strong shortness of breath, small and frequent pulse (up to 160-200 per minute) are observed; in addition, blood pressure drops, and sometimes arrhythmia is observed. Excessive strain, congestion of the pulmonary circulation in insufficiently prepared runners can lead to acute heart dilation. Therefore, competitions in running on short distances may be permitted only for young, physically healthy and well-trained individuals. As observations show, shortness of breath and heart palpitations in trained individuals pass quickly, and the strain experienced has no harmful consequences. R. on medium and long distances cannot be performed with such intensity. Speed must be coordinated with distance and endurance. The ability to use one's forces economically, to breathe deeply and evenly, as well as to take an optimal rhythm, has primary importance, which is achieved only through proper, systematic and long-term training. However, long runs [for example, 32 km (Slutsk-Leningrad)], as research has shown, even with satisfactory training, cause such a sharp and severe reaction of the organism that they must be considered harmful. R. is the best physical exercise for children and in young age. Training in R. is the best natural breathing gymnastics. In mature age (after 40 years), when there are signs of arteriosclerosis, exercises in R. should be recommended only with caution, and the speed and competitive elements must be completely excluded. With proper dosing and no contraindications from the heart (organic diseases), exercises in R. can be successfully used as a therapeutic means in obesity, gout, and other metabolic diseases. Athletes should be permitted to compete in R. only after thorough medical control with special attention paid to the study of the functional capacity of the heart and lungs. B. Ivanovsky.