# What are some human endurance feats not get accomplished **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 25, 2017, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183 "2017-04-25T03:13:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/61 "2017-04-28T00:14:29Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Survival would be longest if you present the lowest cross-sectional area in the direction of travel, so probably diving Superman-style. But that would probably make a difference of milliseconds. Excellent username-topic combination. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/62 "2017-04-28T00:22:29Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Survival would be longest if you present the lowest cross-sectional area in the direction of travel, so probably diving Superman-style. But that would probably make a difference of milliseconds. If you really want to be pedantic, best would probably be feet first to give your brain a few extra milliseconds of life. ---
**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:** [April 28, 2017, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/63 "2017-04-28T00:25:53Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > If you really want to be pedantic, best would probably be feet first to give your brain a few extra milliseconds of life. And you can enjoy the new sensations. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/64 "2017-04-28T00:34:32Z")
There are many mountains, some quite high, that are still unclimbed. The largest one is something like 25K feet (that reason is political, but many more unclimbed mountains exists) ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/65 "2017-04-28T00:44:50Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > And you can enjoy the new sensations. Unfortunately, orbital speed is about two orders of magnitude times faster than a nerve impulse. So you might _just_ see your feet disintegrate in a flash of blinding light, but you certainly wouldn’t feel it. > **[Nerve conduction velocity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_conduction_velocity)** > > In neuroscience, nerve conduction velocity (CV) is the speed at which an electrochemical impulse propagates down a neural pathway. Conduction velocities are affected by a wide array of factors, which include age, sex, and various medical conditions. Studies allow for better diagnoses of various neuropathies, especially demyelinating diseases as these conditions result in reduced or non-existent conduction velocities. CV is an important aspect of nerve conduction studies. > Ultimately, conduction v... ---
**Author:** ![ssgenius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/66 "2017-04-28T03:54:48Z")
Thanks for all the suggestions and explanations especially with the parachuting from orbit. I thought it might be possible (although very difficult) but it seems to be not feasible unless one is surrounded by enough material which would make it a ship. Also, I am surprised that there are still some mountains left unclimbed. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/67 "2017-04-28T15:15:36Z")
I heard that someone tried to swim the pacific, they made it half way and then decided it was too hard and swam back. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/68 "2017-05-06T21:04:52Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > I’d nominate the sub-2:00 marathon as maybe possible. [There will be another attempt](http://www.runnersworld.com/2-hour-marathon/nikes-sub-2-hour-marathon-attempt-will-be-run-in-early-may) at it this May. > > There are some physiological reasons to argue it won’t ever happen, but’s it tough to say never. I think it will be a while, and will probably involve technology improvements (shoes, running surface, doping) if it does. They came close, 2:00:24. > **[Elusive 2-hour marathon barrier remains unbroken | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2017/05/06/health/sub-two-hour-marathon-nike/index.html)** > > Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge came tantalizingly close to breaking one of the most coveted frontiers left in athletics, running a full marathon in two hours and 24 seconds Saturday. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2017, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/69 "2017-05-06T22:33:48Z")
That was a marathon staged by Nike specifically to try to break the 2:00 barrier. The course was selected specifically for low times. ---
**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:** [May 6, 2017, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/70 "2017-05-06T22:41:31Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > That was a marathon staged by Nike specifically to try to break the 2:00 barrier. The course was selected specifically for low times. With a large squad of pacers who rotated on and off of the course. And a pace car. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/71 "2017-05-07T14:07:24Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > I’d nominate the sub-2:00 marathon as maybe possible. [There will be another attempt](http://www.runnersworld.com/2-hour-marathon/nikes-sub-2-hour-marathon-attempt-will-be-run-in-early-may) at it this May. > > There are some physiological reasons to argue it won’t ever happen, but’s it tough to say never. I think it will be a while, and will probably involve technology improvements (shoes, running surface, doping) if it does. I just heard about this on the radio yesterday. While the attempt is real enough, there were several features that made it not a real marathon. First, there were extra special shoes made to give maximum energy storage on the landing and give it back on takeoff. (I guess any marathoner with enough money could get them, though.) Second, it would be run on a level running track not hilly city streets. And third, there would be the usual pace runners for aerodynamic support during the first half of the race and they would be replaced by fresh pace runners at the halfway point, so the real runners would be protected the while way. ---
**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:** [May 7, 2017, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/72 "2017-05-07T14:16:42Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > I just heard about this on the radio yesterday. While the attempt is real enough, there were several features that made it not a real marathon. **First, there were extra special shoes made to give maximum energy storage on the landing and give it back on takeoff.** (I guess any marathoner with enough money could get them, though.) Second, it would be run on a level running track not hilly city streets. And third, there would be the usual pace runners for aerodynamic support during the first half of the race and they would be replaced by fresh pace runners at the halfway point, so the real runners would be protected the while way. [IAAF steps up investigation into fears over springs in Nike running shoes](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/07/iaaf-investigation-concerns-springs-running-shoes-marathon) > [@](#): > > The IAAF is to beef up its investigations into the next generation of marathon shoes, amid concerns some may contain illegal springs. > > The potential intervention by athletics’ governing body came on the day Nike revealed the design of its new Zoom Vaporfly Elite shoe, to be used by athletes attempting to break two hours for the marathon, will contain a special carbon fibre plate in its sole. > > A spokesman for Nike has told the Guardian the shoe, which the company believes makes runners 4% more efficient compared to its previous fastest marathon trainer, adheres to the specifications of the International Association of Athletics Federations. When the Guardian contacted the IAAF to ask whether Nike’s carbon fibre plate was legal, a spokesman said it was interested in its technical advances but wanted to make sure they – and shoes from other manufacturers – conformed to its rules. Other factors: The pace car was less than 10 meters ahead so the drafting team itself got some drafting off the car. The car was projecting a green laser line for the pacers to key off. Much quicker feedback if the pacers start to slow or speed up. The pacers maintained a specific formation for maximum drafting effect. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2017, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/73 "2017-05-07T14:31:27Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > [IAAF steps up investigation into fears over springs in Nike running shoes](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/07/iaaf-investigation-concerns-springs-running-shoes-marathon) Hmm, of the things Hari mentioned I thought the shoes would be the least of the problems. Unless the IAAF requires marathoners to run barefoot, whatever shoe they do wear will have some amount of springiness in it. How much is too much, and why? ---
**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:** [May 7, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/74 "2017-05-07T14:40:27Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Hmm, of the things Hari mentioned I thought the shoes would be the least of the problems. Unless the IAAF requires marathoners to run barefoot, whatever shoe they do wear will have some amount of springiness in it. **How much is too much, and why?** That’s the question. For the most part, a large amount of energy is absorbed by the shoe but does not return to the runner. Think of jumping on a mattress compared to a trampoline. A runner who has shoes that give back a high percentage of energy will beat an equal runner in typical shoes. Will sponsored runners get the high tech not available to independent runners? ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/75 "2017-05-07T15:09:11Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > That’s the question. For the most part, a large amount of energy is absorbed by the shoe but does not return to the runner. > > Think of jumping on a mattress compared to a trampoline. A runner who has shoes that give back a high percentage of energy will beat an equal runner in typical shoes. > > Will sponsored runners get the high tech not available to independent runners? Yeah, I get why it works. My “why” question is more about the IAAF. Seems to me that they must have some maximum allowable spring rate for shoes. Whatever that number is, I’m curious how they arrived at it; is it totally arbitrary, or something else? ---
**Author:** ![Santelia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Santelia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santelia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2017, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/76 "2017-05-07T17:25:05Z")
How about swimming the English Channel, but instead of Calais-Dover, do it Calais to, say, Penzance? ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2017, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/77 "2017-05-09T00:15:46Z")
> [@Santelia](#): > > do it Calais to, say, Penzance? Too many pirates? ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2017, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/78 "2017-05-09T11:25:50Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Second, it would be run on a level running track not hilly city streets. Nitpick: Monza is a car-racing circuit and not level. ---
**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:** [May 9, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/79 "2017-05-09T13:42:11Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Nitpick: Monza is a car-racing circuit and not level. I looked in Google Earth. 593-609 ft. 17 ft elevation change. [Runners’s World says 18 ft.](http://www.runnersworld.com/2-hour-marathon/nikes-sub-2-hour-marathon-attempt-will-be-run-on-formula-one-oval) ---
**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:** [May 9, 2017, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183/80 "2017-05-09T14:01:24Z")
[Here’s a good analysis](http://sportsscientists.com/2017/05/pursuit-sub-2-marathon-next/) of the Nike sub-2 Hour attempt. > [@](#): > > My opinion is that the single most effective tactic used on Saturday was to have Kipchoge run most of the distance close behind a Tesla vehicle onto which had been mounted a large wind shield pretending to be a clock. > > There was no reason for the size of this clock, or the close proximity of the car to the runners, other than to block air. They even provided lasers to show runners exactly where to run for maximum benefit. It was in fact the most egregious and obvious “cheat” compared to a normal marathon that Nike used in Monza. I’d have no major issue with humans pacing and sheltering another runner, but this was, in my opinion, a step too far, and worth most of the improvement we saw. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-human-endurance-feats-not-get-accomplished/785183.md?page=5)