The muscles that are used for a long distance run require plenty of oxygen and the muscles have to make that oxygen last over a long time. For a 100 yard sprint it is a different story your muscles need a quick burst of energy that only lasts a few moments. The oxygen is spent quickly. The difference between the two types of muscles is referred to as fast twitch and slow twitch.

Oxygen and how it is used plays a big part in the way fast and slow twitch muscles work. Like aerobic exercises that need the oxygen to last for a longer duration, the slow twitch muscles also need more oxygen. Distance runners or long distance bicyclists need to develop slow twitch muscles in order to complete their races before fatigue sets in.

Fast twitch muscles are the exact opposite of slow twitch the muscles need a quick burst of energy to complete their task. A sprinter is a prime example of someone who needs a quick burst of energy that fast twitch muscles provide.

The muscle fibers that make up the muscles can be trained to contract in a way that would burn oxygen in a way that would be suitable for aerobic (slow twitch) or anaerobic (fast twitch).