How to run a sub 2 hour marathon: the psychology of the superhuman.

This is a Sport and exercise science Subject Spotlight with Dr Dan Gordon from Anglia Ruskin University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Sport and exercise science.

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In this captivating Subject Spotlight, Dr Dan Gordon considers: How to run a sub-2 hour marathon: the physiology of superheroes. He starts by thinking about what makes an elite long-distance runner, particularly considering physiology, and the historical context of the marathon as an event. Dan also explores the physiology of marathon running, taking into account an athlete’s VO₂ max, running economy and lactate turnpoint, before delivering an absorbing case study on Kenyan world champion marathon runner, Eliud Kipchoge. Finally, Dan sets you an activity to identify the fastest runner by analysing VO₂ max and lactate turnpoint data.

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About Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University is an innovative global university with students from 185 countries at our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle. These students are at the heart of our University, and we're delighted that our final-year undergraduates are positive about their educational experience. Our community is also incredibly important to us, and we're proud of the role we play in our cities and the wider region – including the positive effect on jobs and the local economy. It is this impact that helped us become the THE University of the Year 2023, a prestigious award that recognises our success in delivering high impact projects focused on the difference we make in the region and communities where we’re based as well as the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Meet the academics

Dr Dan Gordon

Dr Dan Gordon is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Psychology and Sport Science, at Anglia Ruskin University. Dan is an Associate Professor in cardiorespiratory exercise physiology, having over 20 years’ experience in the domain of sports physiology, and an expert in the assessment of endurance physiology and the impact of training and pathologies on this key physiological parameter. Dan joined ARU in September 2000, where he was commissioned with establishing the Sport and Exercise Science degree. He has worked in the field of exercise physiology for over 20-years, working as both an applied practitioner, academic and researcher. Dan brings a wealth of knowledge both as a physiologist working with elite athletes through to clinical groups and his research into the classroom. These are combined with Dan being a former GB Paralympic cyclist, a sport in which he still holds a world record, to provide a unique and fascinating insight into the physiology of sport and exercise. Dan’s research interests include limitations to oxygen uptake during exercise, menstrual function and exercise, marathon physiology, and disability sport.

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