British astronaut Tim Peake was able to complete the London Marathon from up in space, joining about 38,000 runners back on Earth.
Peake was able to complete the 26.2-mile course after exactly three hours, 35 minutes and 21 seconds.
"@astro_timpeake has finished his #LondonMarathon in space!" tweets the European Space Agency.
Peake officially started the marathon via a video message played at the starting line. He said that he was excited to join Earthlings while he was up at the International Space Station (ISS). He wished all particpants luck and said that he hopes to see everyone at the finish line.
Challenges Of Running In Space
Running in space is not easy. It comes with serious challenges and requires thorough preparation, especially if a complete marathon is at hand.
Part of Peake's preparation is to practice running while wearing a harness system, which will prevent him from floating off the treadmill while he competes.
The chains that bind him are linked to a bungee system, which gives him some weight as he runs in the microgravity environment. Weight bearing is essential because it helps stimulate muscles and prevent the excessive loss of muscle mass. It also helps prevent increased loss of bone density.
Behind all the benefits of wearing a harness is uncomfortability, which Peake describes as a clumsy rucksack.
Although the situations before and during running in a microgravity environment sound like a complete hassle, that is not the case after the run.
Peake says microgravity is an ideal environment for runners after a race. He explains that right after the run, the muscles become fully relaxed. He also thinks that runners in space are of advantage particularly in terms of duration of recovery from sprains or other pains.
Feels Like Real
Peake recalled how inspiring the crowd was at the 1999 London Marathon, where he also participated. To imbibe that feeling, he used the RunSocial app to let him see the route and be with other runners who are also running while using the digital technology.
Peake is not the first astronaut to participate in a marathon while up in space. In 2007, Sunita Williams also joined and finished the Boston Marathon while inside the ISS.
