Physiologists have posited that the feat is physically possible. In 1991, in a pithy and now famous paper, a polymathic medical student named Michael Joyner calculated the fastest marathon for the perfect athlete in optimal conditions to be 1:57:58. (Joyner, who is now an anesthesiologist and exercise physiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, will be watching the Vienna attempt more closely than most.) Bolstering Joyner’s optimism was the self-evident truth that all athletics records eventually fall. On the other hand, the sub-two has, until recently, been literally unimaginable, perhaps especially to élite runners. Derek Clayton, an Australian who was once the best marathon runner in the world, and whose time of 2:08:33 at the 1969 Antwerp Marathon was not beaten for twelve years, wrote in 1980 that “I might live long enough to see a 2.06 [but] a two hour marathon—4.34 mile pace—definitely not.” Clayton is seventy-six years old and still living in Australia.
Similar to what I posted in the other thread, I hope he does this in a race. He’s run the marathon distance under two hours but he hasn’t run a marathon under two hours. I’m a marathon geek and have watched many, and have raced. I once thought it wouldn’t be done but now I see it happening.
Heard about this project from somekne from work, didn't realize it was this weekend.
It is remarkable to accomplish.
It will at some point happen in a race, but in the short term, it would require the same assistance, which are a group of like minded runners willing to act together for the betterment of the group until the last few hundred meters of a 42200m race.
That will be the largest barrier, if a couple guys break off with 5km to go or even 2km to go, pace and the ability to break wind go out the window. And that assuming that group keep a consistent pace, aided last night by the car with the laser for 41km.
Itd be insane to see that guy's biometric chart during thst race, like heart rate and breathing rate.
When on the treadmill next I'll crank up the pace to 13.1mph and see how long I last, making sure I have the emergency stop cord attached.
It will at some point happen in a race, but in the short term, it would require the same assistance, which are a group of like minded runners willing to act together for the betterment of the group until the last few hundred meters of a 42200m race.
That will be the largest barrier, if a couple guys break off with 5km to go or even 2km to go, pace and the ability to break wind go out the window. And that assuming that group keep a consistent pace, aided last night by the car with the laser for 41km.
Itd be insane to see that guy's biometric chart during thst race, like heart rate and breathing rate.
Yeah, it was mentioned a few times last night that whilst marathon running is an individual competition the achievement yesterday was a team effort with his pacemakers being the best in the world.
The Beeb video in post #2 highlights the science behind the attempt to choosing the location for flatness, temp. wind and humidity to weighing his drinks bottle on disposal to calculate intake so the next bottle could be titrated accordingly.
Anyone ever want a good read, try Running with the Kenyans. The humility of these runners. Yesterday was the first time his wife and kids had ever seen him race.
Eliud Kipchoge. Sub 2hr Marathon attempt. 1:59:40!
