Running economy is a crucial concept in sports science and exercise physiology. Let’s explore this term to enhance your IELTS vocabulary and overall test performance.
Definition: Running economy refers to the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running.
Part of Speech: Noun phrase
Pronunciation: /ˈrʌnɪŋ ɪˈkɒnəmi/
Understanding the Context of ‘Running Economy’
Examples in Context
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Athletes with good running economy can maintain faster speeds while using less energy.
Analysis: This sentence highlights the efficiency aspect of running economy, showing its importance in athletic performance. -
The coach focused on improving the team’s running economy through specialized training techniques.
Analysis: This example demonstrates how running economy is a trainable aspect of athletic performance. -
Research shows that running economy can be a better predictor of performance than VO2 max in elite runners.
Analysis: This sentence compares running economy to another well-known fitness metric, emphasizing its significance. -
Factors such as biomechanics and muscle fiber composition can affect an individual’s running economy.
Analysis: This example introduces some of the physiological factors that influence running economy. -
Improving running economy is crucial for long-distance runners aiming to reduce fatigue and enhance endurance.
Analysis: This sentence connects running economy to specific benefits in endurance sports.
Common Contexts
Running economy is frequently discussed in contexts related to:
- Sports science and exercise physiology
- Endurance training and marathon preparation
- Biomechanics and movement efficiency
- Athletic performance optimization
Frequency in IELTS
While ‘running economy’ is not a high-frequency term in IELTS, it may appear in:
- Reading passages related to sports science or fitness
- Listening sections discussing athletic training or performance
- Writing Task 2 essays on topics related to health, fitness, or sports technology
Analyzing ‘Running Economy’
Word Structure
- Running: Present participle of the verb ‘to run’
- Economy: Noun, derived from Greek ‘oikonomia’ meaning ‘household management’
The combination creates a specialized term referring to efficiency in running.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Running efficiency
- Movement economy
- Locomotor efficiency
- Energy cost of running
- Metabolic efficiency in running
Memorization Techniques
Mind Mapping
Create a mind map with ‘Running Economy’ at the center, branching out to related concepts:
- Factors affecting (biomechanics, muscle composition)
- Measurement methods (oxygen consumption, heart rate)
- Training techniques (plyometrics, strength training)
- Benefits (improved endurance, reduced fatigue)
Storytelling Technique
Imagine a runner named Eco (for Economy). Eco learns to run more efficiently, using less energy with each step. As Eco improves his running economy, he can run faster and longer, outpacing his competitors who tire more quickly.
Practicing ‘Running Economy’ in IELTS Context
Application Exercises
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Writing Task 2: “Some people believe that competitive sports contribute to society, while others think they are a waste of resources. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Sample paragraph using ‘running economy’:
“Proponents of competitive sports argue that they drive advancements in human performance. For instance, research into running economy has not only helped athletes achieve remarkable feats but has also contributed to our understanding of human physiology and energy efficiency. This knowledge can be applied beyond sports, potentially benefiting fields such as healthcare and ergonomics.” -
Speaking Part 3: “How has technology changed the way people approach fitness and exercise?”
Sample answer:
“Technology has revolutionized fitness training in numerous ways. For example, advanced sensors and analytics now allow athletes and coaches to measure and improve running economy with unprecedented precision. This focus on efficiency helps runners optimize their performance, reducing injury risk and enhancing endurance. Such technological applications demonstrate how science is making exercise more effective and accessible to everyone, not just elite athletes.” -
Reading Practice:
Identify synonyms or explanations for ‘running economy’ in a passage about marathon training. This exercise helps you recognize the concept even when different terminology is used. -
Listening Exercise:
Listen to a lecture on sports science and note down factors that affect running economy. This practice enhances your ability to identify and understand key concepts in academic discussions.
Repetition and Review
To internalize ‘running economy’ and related vocabulary:
- Use the term in your own sentences daily for a week
- Review your mind map weekly, adding new connections as you learn more
- Discuss the concept with fellow IELTS candidates or in English conversation groups
Conclusion
Mastering terms like ‘running economy’ not only expands your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of specific subjects, which is invaluable for IELTS success. This approach to learning – combining definition, context, analysis, and practice – can be applied to any new vocabulary you encounter.
Remember, the key to retaining and effectively using new vocabulary is consistent practice and application. Try incorporating ‘running economy’ into your IELTS preparation exercises, and don’t hesitate to explore related concepts to build a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
We encourage you to share your experiences with learning this term or ask any questions you may have about using it in the IELTS context in the comments section below. How might you use ‘running economy’ in a sentence or an IELTS task? Your engagement will help reinforce your learning and might assist fellow test-takers in their preparation journey.