What Is Elasticity and Running?

Elasticity refers to the ability of an object to return to its original state after being stretched. If you think of a rubber band, you can stretch it very far and it will quickly return to the way it was before you stretched it. The quicker an object returns to its original state, the more elastic it is said to be.

  1. How Elasticity Relates to Running

    • When referring to the body, elasticity means the ability of our muscles and tendons to quickly return to their original state. Elasticity is important to running because the more elastic your muscles and tendons are the faster you can run. Most of us run faster by pumping our legs faster which uses a lot of oxygen. If we can improve the elasticity of our muscles and tendons, then we can run faster while using the same amount of oxygen.

    Why Elasticity Makes You Run Faster

    • When your foot hits the ground while running, both the tendons and muscles of your lower leg are stretched. As you push off the ground, the calf muscles and lower-leg tendons contract back to their original state. The more elastic these muscles and tendons are, the faster this contraction will happen which provides more power for your push-off and will allow you to run faster without having to use more oxygen or pump your legs faster.

    Study on Elasticity and Running

    • A study by a Japanese research team showed that the calves of elite Kenyan runners have more elasticity than white non-runners. Researchers have long thought that Kenyans are such fast marathon runners because their smaller calf muscles weigh less. They are now realizing that it is not the weight of the muscles that help them run faster, but the elasticity of the muscles and tendons. This is good news for runners because with training, muscle elasticity can be improved.

    Easy Ways to Improve Elasticity

    • Activities that improve elasticity include jumping rope, running up stairs, long leaps, two-footed jumps and low hurdles. These activities rapidly stretch and then rapidly shorten the calf muscles. By repeating these quick and powerful contractions, your muscles develop elasticity that would be difficult to develop by simply running faster. Sprint intervals increase muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, but don't improve elasticity as noticeably or as quickly as these other activities.