Physical exertion required by different disciplines

Soldato
Joined
17 Aug 2009
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Finchley, London
Watching the cycling road races it made me think. The men have to ride 150 miles and the women 84 miles I think. That's a LOT of hard physical grind to get a medal. Then you have many other sports which don't require a fraction of that stamina and fitness. And of course there are sports which require a lot of exertion but again not as much as the cycling, or even the marathon. I realise these people choose their discipline because that's what they enjoy and that's what they're good at. But it almost seems unfair that some sportsman/sportswomen have to work so much harder than others just to get the same medals. What are your thoughts on this?
 
Can I just clarify that by physical exertion I mean doing a marathon either on bike or foot is far more exhausting than even swimming heats isn't it? Imagine keeping going for 25 plus miles on foot or 150 miles on bike with no breaks. Enough to make someone physically ill. Swimming heats are tough, sure, but they don't last as long before they get a break.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;22449669 said:
In cycling the exertion is shared though. Most of the effort expended is in overcoming wind resistance so if you hide in the pack or take your turns you conserve a massive amount.

Even so, they're still pedalling almost non stop for massive distances. What about the marathon then, or some of the very long distance track runs? What about ben ainslie in his boat, constantly having to lean both sides of the boat for miles?
 
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