Energy System:

Energy System:

The targeted energy system used is the Aerobic energy system (long-term energy system). This energy system relates to my challenge (1/2 marathon) as it is an endurance run therefore the long-term energy system is required. The food we eat such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins, is used as fuel for reactions in the body to keep us functioning. To use these fuels for muscle action, the body converts them to a common energy currency called adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). There are two mechanisms for producing ATP, the aerobic and anaerobic pathways. I will be using the aerobic energy system. There are three different fuels used when doing endurance running, 1. Creatine phosphate is energy used within the first few seconds, 2. Glycogen stores are used for energy until this runs out, 3. Fatty acids are used for energy for the rest of the endurance time. All these fuels break down to make ATP which is crucial for muscle action and is crucial to my training and when completing my ½ marathon. It is important that I fuel my body with the correct nutrition before the run to make sure I have the energy for the ATP system to work and for good muscle endurance.