Written by Michael Beisty
‘The less we interfere with the natural movements of our feet, the better we are going to perform, so shoes have to be avoided which promise to cushion and control what fits inside them in accordance with what the designers think should happen.’ (Arthur Lydiard, 2000)1
‘It...
Written by Michael Beisty
Danny Boltz’s relationship with distance running is complex. He was a kid of prodigious talent who built his early reputation on fun runs, eventually to become a dual international and Olympian. However, his journey was bitter sweet. Hampered by the vagaries of the Australian marathon selection...
Article written by Michael Beisty for Runner’s Tribe
Disclaimer: The author is not a qualified medical practitioner or accredited coach. The information provided is not intended as medical advice or to replace advice given by trained medical or allied health professionals or qualified coaches. Content herein does not constitute specific advice to...
Article written by Michael Beisty for Runner's Tribe
David Forbes, affectionately known as Forbsey, was one of those distance runners with plenty of talent who never quite found his feet in the hurly burly of elite middle distance track racing. Hailing from Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW), he was known...
Though I have referenced issues relating to the heart in some previous articles for Runner’s Tribe, I have not discussed this topic in any depth. This article is dedicated to a closer examination of contemporary research into the heart health of mature endurance athletes, building upon Parts One and Two of the Fundamentally Speaking series. All of the available literature indicates that the risk of serious heart events for mature endurance competitors is very small, physical activity being highly beneficial to the human body. However, the risks are real for those with particular susceptibilities.
Anaerobic threshold is, seemingly, a well understood concept. The focus on this threshold could be described as excessive in the world of middle-distance running, viewed by some as a shortcut to exceptional performance outcomes. Training at, or above, this threshold is a key consideration in the programs of all distance runners. In this article I identify aspects of the anaerobic threshold that may require attention as we age, and its application to training.
In this article I attempt to provide information in a simple fashion and minimise overly technical descriptions of physiological processes. To assist those who want a very high level of detail, I point you to the reference/sources listed at the end of the article.
This article marks the beginning of a new series for the mature aged distance runner. My previous two series about training principles and practical philosophy have discussed many topics that relate to the competitive among us. While I have covered a range of information within these series, there have been some gaps in the examination of biological and other factors that are critical to high performance.
Margert Beardslee’s story is not all flash and glamour. Known by many ‘old hands’ as Margaret Ricardo, she commenced running as a young girl, in what I would call a Ground Zero period of women’s distance running in New South Wales (NSW). Women’s participation during the 1970s was in its infancy, a small appendage to a male dominated competitive activity.
Lifetime runners are a rare breed. I certainly was not able to manage it, the selfishness of the commitment dousing the fire of competitive desire and the level of dedication that lifetime running entails. Though a flicker remained through midlife, primed to become a raging inferno once I was ready again. I have come back to running, and I will not, cannot, let it go. This may sound melodramatic, and it is, quietly so, representing the flourish of commitment to a running life that faltered and is now renewed.
