Lance Armstrong, Human Dynamo

The NYT reports that, no, Lance Armstrong does not have a heart the size of a lunchbox that beats once a minute.

He just has other physiological advantages that are the equivalent of rocket fuel for blood.

I went for an 8 mile run in the heat yesterday with a 10 pound backpack on, and definitely felt the lack of natural athleticism (and regular training). This comparison between Armstrong and normal people is, frankly, awesome:



Collected from this article, and a similar National Geographic story:

Maximum heartbeat:
Armstrong: 200 beats / minute
You: Probably less than that. Sorry.

Lactic acid test - millimoles of lactate per liter of blood:
Armstrong, after chemotherapy: 8
Armstrong, after recovery: 6
Average person: 12

Muscle efficiency rate:
Human range: 18 to 23 percent
Armstrong at 21: 21 percent
Armstrong at 28: 23 percent