Training for a long-distance run is tough and usually requires many hours of training. But is there a faster alternative? For some people, this might be Sportrusten — a method that claims nearly anyone who can run 10 kilometers in 65 minutes can prepare for a marathon in just 100 days.
The training plan consists of running three times a week (never more than 14 kilometers) and doing breathing exercises twice a day.
According to a medical biologist and a sports physician, there are two major concerns with this so-called “marathon revolution.”
First, during the first 90 minutes of running, the average person can mainly rely on carbohydrates for energy. After that, the body switches to burning fat. Fat burning is slower, meaning your running speed drops to about 60% of your normal pace. Runners who are used to long runs over 90 minutes are familiar with this metabolic switch and can handle the shock. Sportrusten runners, however, experience this “hit” for the first time halfway through the marathon. While they may still finish, their finishing time will likely suffer.
Second, it concerns the muscles and joints. Long endurance runs train your muscles to keep contracting for several hours. Sportrusten runners aren’t prepared for this. As a result, their muscles may experience microtears more quickly during the marathon, leading to more severe soreness. There’s also an increased risk of joint injuries for these runners.
Sportrusten isn’t discouraged entirely, but the method isn’t suitable for everyone.