Stupid question about fat

[IronMan]

Hi Jordan,

Endurance events rely heavily on fat for energy. However, endurance athletes are often extremely lean, with low bodyfat, and don't typically eat a lot of fat in their diet. Where does their energy come from?

The fat around my midriff can be mobilised for energy (can't it?). Is it simply the case that their fat is used before it can be stored? Confused.

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Actually, the data suggests most male endurance athletes run about 11-17% BF with intramuscular fat stores being one of the many adaptations that occur with the volume and type of training the do in order to be very, very good. Also, people who are good at running marathons (i.e. those who successfully complete them at decent paces) are very efficient at running. In other words, the expend a much lower calorie level than you or I would even if we ran a shorter distance.