Running with Jack

From „The Competitive Runner’s Handbook“ by Bob and Shelly-Lynn Florence Glover:

“The primary source of energy during the early stage of a race will be the glycogen stored in the muscles. If the paces unusually fast in the first few minutes, the quantity of glycogen used will be markedly great and the muscle’s stores will be seriously depleted. At the same time, the by-products of rapid glycogen breakdown may result in a large production of lactic acid, which increases the acidity of the muscle fibers. Proper pacing can minimize the threat of glycogen depletion and lesson the chance of premature exhaustion. Start too fast in a short race and “the Bear jumps on your back” as lactic acid builds up; start too fast in a long race and you’ll “hit the Wall” due to glycogen depletion. In a long race, you’ll suffer longer and may run so low on energy that you can’t finish. So go ahead, start fast if you want. You surely won’t be alone. It may work out. But when it doesn’t, let these words haunt you: “I told you so!””

Ouch!