# Sprinters' Bodies vs. Distance Runners' Bodies **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [July 10, 2009, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprinters-bodies-vs-distance-runners-bodies/502597 "2009-07-10T19:18:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2009, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprinters-bodies-vs-distance-runners-bodies/502597/21 "2009-07-16T20:36:08Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > It’s a non-weight bearing activity. The bones don’t get the stimulus they need to maintain bone mass. > > Runners are also selected for low weight(at high levels) and have very dense bones. > > After my accident, I was non-weight bearing on my leg for almost 2 years and lost almost half the bone mass. Makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![Taber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ac91a4/32.png) [@Taber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taber)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprinters-bodies-vs-distance-runners-bodies/502597/22 "2009-07-16T23:58:24Z")
It sounds like High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) might be something you are interested in. You will need to eat more to maintain your weight, but it would lead to a more fit cardio system. One caveat is HIIT won’t be very beneficial if you don’t get your cardio system in moderate shape beforehand, as its effectiveness is dependent on you really pushing yourself to the limit. > **[High-intensity interval training](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training)** > > High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a training protocol alternating short periods of intense or explosive anaerobic exercise with brief recovery periods until the point of exhaustion. HIIT involves exercises performed in repeated quick bursts at maximum or near maximal effort with periods of rest or low activity between bouts. The very high level of intensity, the interval duration, and number of bouts distinguish it from aerobic (cardiovascular) activity, because the body significantly Al... ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2009, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprinters-bodies-vs-distance-runners-bodies/502597/23 "2009-07-17T01:55:11Z")
> [@Taber](#): > > It sounds like High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) might be something you are interested in. You will need to eat more to maintain your weight, but it would lead to a more fit cardio system. One caveat is HIIT won’t be very beneficial if you \*\*don’t get your cardio system in moderate shape \*\*beforehand, as its effectiveness is dependent on you really pushing yourself to the limit. > [High-intensity interval training - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training) This is the main drawback of this type of training, it’s not suitable for a beginner. The training described in the Wiki article is pretty much how a middle distance or long distance track runner trains when peaking for a race or series of races. A peak can be reached in the 7 weeks described. What is not addressed is how the body copes with that level of intensity in the long term. [Authur Lydiard](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Lydiard) first promoted the concept of building a base then peaking after observing that track runners of his day often could not predict when a peak would occur, sometimes resulting in subpar performances when a peak performance was needed.(Olympics, Championships) Track runners of that period typically trained with intervals year round, similar in concept to HIIT. Also, not everyone is suited to pushing themselves that hard all the time and will burn out quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2009, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprinters-bodies-vs-distance-runners-bodies/502597/24 "2009-07-17T09:42:40Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > **Omniscient** : Now I’m having difficulty understanding what you’re NOT understanding. Are my posts not clear enough? You haven’t stated what your goal is. Running may or may not be a good solution. You can get all the information in the world about running and sprinting, but that does nothing to indicate if it’s the proper activity for you based on your stated goals. So far you’ve mentioned that you are curious about running, but haven’t said WHY you are. You off hand mentioned that sprinters have good bodies, but it’s not clear if you are trying to achieve that body or if you have other goals or motives. If you want to get a sprinters body there are much more effective ways to do that without sprinting. A sprinters body is built to sprint, not as a result of sprinting if you follow my meaning. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprinters-bodies-vs-distance-runners-bodies/502597.md?page=1)