Monday, January 6, 2014

How a Medical Anomaly Can Make a SUPER ATHLETE


Do probably know that when you go for a run or do other forms of exercise your muscles begin to feel fatigued after a while.  This is caused from Lactic Acid build up. This occurs when you are doing maximum intensity workouts and your body runs out of ATP (a chemical that is formed from carbohydrates) to be used as energy. To continue to have energy to use so you can keep going, glucose is broken down and Lactic Acid is produced. This occurs during anaerobic exercise, which is when your body isn't getting the oxygen it needs to form the ATP.

To help prevent this lactic build up you should stay in your maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), allowing your body to use the oxygen to make ATP. To get rid of the lactic acid that builds up you need to do a cool down and stretch after you exercise.  This is true for almost everyone in the world, but there is one exception, Dean Karnazes. He is known as the Ultramarathon Man, and he runs for hours and doesn’t get tired.

This is because, unlike the rest of us, his lactic acid levels actually decreases as he continues to run. This means that his muscles never get tired, they don't burn and he doesn't get sore. He could run forever if he didn’t need to sleep.  This biological anomaly has allowed him to run utra-marathons, 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days and other extreme running events.  He is a spokesperson for kids getting out and moving.

To learn more about Dean Karnazes you can visit his website www.ultramarathonman.com