In 1991 Dr. Joyner published a paper titled Optimal Marathon Performance on the basis of Physiological Factors. The model which considered factors such as oxygen uptake, lactate threshold and running economy predicted that with the right athlete and optimal conditions theoretically a marathon of 1:57:58 was possible. But are we getting faster, getting smarter or both. Now 28 years since his paper, this is the focus of the conversation I have with Dr Joyner. We also talk about his 1991 prediction, both sub 2 hour marathon events with Kipchoge, the limits of human performance and his thoughts on any exogenous factors that may have impacted the recent achievements in running events.
About Michael J. Joyner M.D.
https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/joyner-michael-j-m-d/bio-00078027
Modeling: Optimal Marathon Performance on the basis of Physiological Factors.
https://unique-sportstime.de/site/wp-content/uploads/MICHAEL-J.-JOYNER_Modeling-optimal-marathon-performance-on-the-basis-of-physiological-factors.pdf
David Epstein Ted Talk: Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger?