Humans have three metabolic pathways that are used to fuel the body with energy. The first one, the Adenosine Triphosphate-creatine phosphate (ATP-CP) energy system, operates without the need for oxygen and is the fastest source of fuel the body can utilize. A cycle process of creatine phosphate is linked to the used energy, ADP-Adenosine diphosphate, leading to the production of additional ATP, which is repeated as needed. This pathway includes exercises like short-term running for less than 10 seconds and intense powerlifting.
The second process, known as the Glycolytic Pathway, enters after the ATP-CP mechanism has reached its maximum capacity. It is a process that entails a series of biochemical processes which convert glucose into pyruvate, generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an energy source (Hargreaves & Spriet, 2020). Glucose from meals is used in the Glycolysis process to aid in the transformation of ADP back into ATP, which keeps the muscles contracting. Exercises that involve medium to rapid efforts, such as 100-yard swimming or heavy weightlifting followed by two minutes of recovery, fall under this pathway.
The third system, the aerobic or oxidative system, is the only one that needs oxygen and offers ATP a long-term supply of slow-burning energy. This technique is used in activities like long-distance running and mountain climbing since they call for long-term endurance. The lactic acid threshold may be trained through interval running to be more fatigue-resistant, making the glycolic route ideal for marathon runners. Muscles that are resistant to fatigue operate at a top standard and recover more quickly (Hargreaves & Spriet, 2020). Therefore, oxidative or aerobic respiration would be the point of focus for my training. As a long-distance runner, I would concentrate on the aerobic route because it supplies fuel for longer-duration activity. I would use sprints on interval days while preparing for a marathon to boost the training-to-rest ratio. Resistance exercise would still be necessary for me to build my upper body, help to a greater level of fitness, and exercise the oxidative pathway.
Knowing and comprehending these energy channels enables me to coach myself and others on how to exercise and achieve more significant outcomes. The oxidative exercise will be more effective since the glycolic energy pathway will prepare muscles to maintain a greater performance and withstand the oxygen shortage without becoming fatigued. Consequently, I will increase the number of kilometers I run every day in order to prepare.
References
Hargreaves, M., & Spriet, L. L. (2020). Skeletal muscle energy metabolism during exercise. Nature Metabolism, 2(9), 817–828.