Fight or Flight Fitness

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Alex Hutchinson, over at Sweat Science, when discussing the article that came out (and covered by many blogs) about the optimal running pace, asked a question I have found interesting for a while:

Well, I’ve often pondered the scenario where you’re stranded in the desert with no food, 100 miles from the nearest aid, and you have to decide what your strategy is. Do you run? Walk? How fast? Seems like if you know your optimal pace, you can maximize your odds…

This same question is part of the impetus for this blog. Can a human travel by food 100 miles without food, without food and water? And since biking is 4-6 times more efficient what about traveling 500 or so miles by bike without food (and/or water)?

I have searched around and haven’t come across any mention of anyone having accomplished or even tried these tasks. No doubt our ancient (maybe not so ancient) relatives were faced with having to travel a 100 or so miles without food.

Now maybe most people would think it is impossible to travel 100 miles without consuming any calories - but I guess we won’t know until somebody is willing to try.

We do have enough energy in our fat stores for 11 days of walking or 3 days of running (on average).

Are you up to the challenge?

(H/T to Andrew)

Tags: 100 miles, endurance, long distance walking

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