Breaking Through the "Runner’s Wall"
In Breaking Through the "Runner's Wall", host Harith Iskander explores what happens when runners hit "the wall" during a marathon. This is when they feel like they can’t run any further. As runners exercise, their bodies use up energy from a type of sugar called glycogen. When glycogen runs out, the body starts to make lactic acid to protect the muscles from burning out. The trick to pushing past "the wall" is eating foods with carbohydrates before the race to keep energy levels up. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
Lesson Express
Q: What happens to a runner’s body when they hit "the wall"?
A: When runners hit "the wall," their body has used up most of its stored energy (glycogen) and starts making lactic acid to protect muscles.
Q: How can runners avoid "the wall"?
A: Runners can avoid hitting "the wall" by eating foods like bread or pasta before the race to give their bodies more energy.
Q: Why does our body need energy when we run?
A: Our body uses energy to help our muscles move and keep us going when we run or play.
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