F= M x A

This classic equation should be known to anyone who has graduated from to high school.  I have recently started using it with my running class.

F=force or speed.

M= Mass or body wgt

A= Acceleration.

So when you look at this equation, it means that if I want to run faster I have 3 options.

Option 1= decrease my body weight. This is common in the track and field community. And I believe the equation is 20sec/mile for each pound of wgt loss.-within limits of course. This is why you see so many anorexic looking runners on the road racing circuits.

Option 2= increase your acceleration ability aka leg power, or as we say at Coach K fitness “get a bigger engine”.  If you have been following my blog, you will see that this is my preferred approach. I do not recall ever reading the famous coach Arthur Lydiard telling his runners to get skinny. He just made them work hard and get stronger and faster.

Option 3= do a little of both. This should happen naturally with Option 2 and sensible eating. No need for fancy diets when you are working hard and eating correctly.

This is version #1 on F=M x A    stay tuned for version #2