Table of Contents Track and Field Events Warming up Training Training Tips Cells and Bones Joints and Muscles Movement and Muscle Fibers Energy Production in the Body The Cardio-respiratory System Nutrition and Calories Nutrients, Proteins and Carbohydrates Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, Water and Fiber Record Breakers Did you know? (Cool Track Facts) Track and Field Links Bibliography Chimacum Middle School ThinkQuest Jr. Please give us Feedback about our site. Contact us! Meet the Team Featured site: The International Amateur Athletics Federation

Around the Track and Back Anatomy and Phisiology Basics, cont'd: Energy Production There are three ways in which energy is produced in our muscles, aerobic, anaerobic alactic and anaerobic lactic. The aerobic energy system is where the muscles use oxygen to work. The anaerobic alactic energy system is where the muscles do not require oxygen to work and no lactic acid is produced, that waste mentioned in the previous page. The anaerobic lactic energy system is where the muscles do not use oxygen and lactic acid is produced. Making the best of Energy production Different events require athletes to use combinations of the three energy systems. Training programs need to take into account which types of energy systems are the most important for the athlete and work to increase the capability of the specific energy systems and muscles which the athlete will need. A Muscle Cell Muscles can run using the anaerobic alactic system for about 10 seconds. That means that a sprinter can run at full speed without needing to take a breath for about 10 seconds. This usually means a distance of 20 to 80 meters. It will take two to three minutes of rest before the body is ready to do this type of activity again. From 11 seconds to about one minute the body uses the anaerobic lactic system. This is usually for distances of 80 to 400 meters. Since the muscles are not getting oxygen to do the work, large amounts of lactic acid are produced causing fatigue. After a sprint race, runners need to walk or jog lightly to help the body get rid of the lactic acid. Still, it may take up to over an hour for the body to get rid of all the lactic acid produced in a 400m race. After about 1 minute of activity, such as running or sprinting, the aerobic system takes over. The muscles need oxygen. The aerobic system is the main system that we use in everyday life. We breath to do work. Distance events use the aerobic system of energy.