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Marathon Racer vs. Cross Country Racer

 
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Guest






PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:10 pm GMT +0000    Post subject: Marathon Racer vs. Cross Country Racer Reply with quote

Take two people, a cross country racer, and a marathon racer,
both at the top of their game. (world champs, maybe national champs).

1) Who has the best overall fittness?
2) Who has the best overall health?

Just curious.
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Anonymous
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:49 pm GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

You mean marathon like "running"? And I assume you mean XC racing on a mountain bike.
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strohls freely
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Joined: 11 Mar 2005
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:08 pm GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Being a mountain biking forum . . . of course mtb marathon & mtb xc.
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Anonymous
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:29 am GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Guest: I will give my 2 cents on the questions. Whether it is marathon or xc racing, by definition being fit means performing well. Each discipline requires racers to develop a specific profile on the scale of high intensity / medium duration and medium intensity / long duration.

On health... recreational cycling is great, I think most doctors would recommend it. But faster does not necessarily means healthier. As you pointed out through your 2 questions, one can be in great health but not the fastest rider. And vice versa. From what I've read, the heathiest, proven and documented lifestyle is that of the Japanese from Okinawa, where you can find the highest concentration of centenarians with reliable birth records. Studies highlight a good balanced diet, positive attitude towards life, family bonds, and regular, low intensity exercise like yoga, walks, gardening.

That said, today I like riding my bike fast, more than just doing yoga. Maybe one day my back will convince me otherwise.

Cheers,
Nick
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Nathan Winkelmann
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:59 am GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

They are really both fit and healthy. One just goes longer, while one goes faster shorter. they just happen to train their bodies for different types of abuse.-wink
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Anonymous
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:17 pm GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nick,

Backs and age tend to do that. I hope you have a long time before you find that out.
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The Bike Doc
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Joined: 08 May 2003
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Location: Corpus Christi and Warda, Texas

PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 4:18 pm GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Guest:

The answer is yes for all the noted reasons stated above. They both are fit with emphasis on their specific area of discipline. Now if you asked me who was more fit a world champion curler or Lance Armstrong welllllll..... Laughing
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