Shortness and affect on medium-long distance running?

Question

Hi,

I just have a general question regarding shortness, and what affect it has on medium to long distance running i.e. 2,400m upwards?

Does it have a negative/positive affect, and what makes you say this?

Thanks,

Matt

Answer 1

Matt, I think your height is perfect for running longer distances, especially 5K and over.  Most competitive runners (which I consider myself) for guys are an average of 5'6 to 5'10 and weigh around 125 to 145 lbs.  I'm 5'11 and rarely  see a whole lot of fast runners much taller than myself, plus I carry more weight than 145.  The only thing with being shorter is you have to have faster leg turn-over to keep up your fast pace, where as a runner with longer legs can stride out a little further with less leg turn-over.  Hope this helped!

Answer 2

LOL its not about how tall you are its about how much endurance you have. =)

Answer 3

A lot of times it just depends on motivation, commitment, and natural talent.

The two best long distance girl runner on my team are 4'11-5 (sophomore) feet and 5'5. (freshman)

The two best male long distance runners on my team are 5'2 (sophomore) and 5'11. (junior)

In all I think height has very little effect (if at all)

Check this out:

http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2006/09/ta...

Answer 4

id say it could have both.

some people could use their short legs to really strike the ground, but others might not have a very long stride, and come up short in the race. Taller isnt necessarily the better though. Ive seen many people who have incredibly long legs and dont know how to use them. They end up getting beaten by the short person who has no stride whatsoever, when their legs are the size of the opponent.

thats just my opinion.

Answer 5

5'7" is not short for distance runners. Many world class elite runners are about that height.

When you are talking about distance running height is not a real factor in the ability of the runners.

Being able to run at a high percentage of maximum for a long time which is related to efficiency rather than stride length is what is important in distance running.

Answer 6

I think it depends on your shortness really - normal shortness and I dont think it has much effect.

What makes me say this? Ive been beaten by peolpe shorter and taller than me in races.

Having said that, clinical dwarfism, and I dont know - I havent ever run with one so I have no experience there