"To make the most accurate calls during a soccer match, a referee is told to stay no more than 20 yards from the ball at all times. The only way to do this when the ball whizzes from player to player through 90 minutes of nearly non-stop motion? Run.
When the World Cup starts on June 12 in Brazil, soccer players representing 32 countries won’t be the only ones performing impressive feats of athleticism. In each game, the referees will cover six to eight miles while scrutinizing every move of the action. Players average an estimated seven miles per game, but typically stay within assigned zones, which can allow for short rests. Referees are in constant motion, tracking the ball all over the field....."
Everyone knows how physically demanding a world class soccer game can be, but you never think the referees. They need to be in top physical shape to keep up. Naturally using the standard distance runners workouts of intervals, fartleks, and tempos
Also from Runner's World, the average distance run per game in various sporting events.
Baseball: .046 miles (psh)
Football: 1.25 miles for receivers and cornerbacks
Basketball: 2.9 miles
Tennis: 3 miles
Field Hockey: 5.6 miles
Soccer: 7 miles
I'm thinking a challenge is in order between world class soccer players and distance runners. Maybe a mile race, with points assigned to your time, followed by a soccer game. See if the soccer guys can score enough goals to make up the difference from the mile race.
You should add: PSUXC 15 mile mountain run, 17 miles.
ReplyDelete31.4-Mile Matathon.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was studying, measuring, and practicing how to certify road race and cross country courses, it was astounding how much more distance a runner HAS TO RUN for EACH turn and curve due to use of the shortest possible distance standard. And when you add in the effects of the presence of other runners and moving to the side for hydration the length grows...especially in a marathon and even if you don't run off course:
In 2011, I deferred my entry in the Marine Corps Marathon because of injuries but I started with my two trainees to show them how to best appproach and stay together through the water stops by only running with them through the one at two miles. Well, the newer student confused left and right and beginning and end and thus dissappeared. I then ran a total Garmin-measured 31.4 miles. I doubled-back for over a mile twice and did several circle loops at water stops because even our dozen fans couldn't find him until mile 16.
I found\caught him at 17 and finished together in 5 hours something after I tortured myself with more double-backs, loops, and necessary forefoot and midfoot running.
KKOB80