The realm of athletics has been significantly impacted by groundbreaking scientific and technological innovations. However, amidst this era of advancement, Olympic 5000m runner Andy Butchart chooses to adhere to a training approach that is refreshingly simple and steeped in tradition, resulting in remarkable achievements.
The great coach Renato Canova has a unique approach to marathon training. For Canova, training for the marathon is all about race pace training, not mileage. Race pace sessions are by far the most important element to preparing for the marathon, every other aspect of training is geared towards this goal.
Canova argues that fast long runs, is the reason why the world has seen such a reduction in world record times. Ron Clarke led the way, he was well known for smashing his long runs at close to 3 minutes per km.
Canova’s approach to marathon training is unique to the traditional line of thinking. Below are the key elements to Canova’s philosophy:
Milly Clark – an unfinished work
It is always difficult to judge an unfinished work. And the marathon career of Milly Clark falls into that category. It is at the one time so brief, yet also so brilliant.
A training-run debut – “we just thought it was an opportunity to get used to having drinks and practicing my gel intake,” she said in an iRun interview – was followed by a 2:29:07 serious debut in the October 2015 Amsterdam marathon.
Amsterdam, in turn, earned Clark a spot in the Rio Olympic team where, in just her second serious marathon she was a top-20 finisher and first Australian home ahead of her more experienced teammates Jess Trengove and Lisa Weightman.
‘Flying Finn’ – The Training of Lasse Viren
© 2019 Runner’s Tribe, all rights reserved.
A lot of the below information about the training of Lasse Viren was taken from the book ‘Running with the legends’, by Michael Sandrock, unless otherwise stated. We highly recommend this classic book to anyone who...
A key workout for coach Colm and various Kenyan’s, is called ‘Diagonals’. Performed once or sometimes twice per week, the session is a form of fartlek training, a mix between speed and endurance. The session is not intended to be a ‘max effort’ but more of a strong fartlek, that helps build both speed and endurance without overly flattening an athlete. The session is often completed not as a hard workout but is often done on an ‘in-between’ day. It’s a way to build fitness and speed, while still keeping athletes fresh for upcoming harder workouts.
“Kenya’s Flying Policeman” - The Training of Kipchoge “Kip” Keino
2019 Runner's Tribe, all rights reserved
A lot of the below information about the training of Kip Keino was taken from the book ‘Running with the legends’, by Michael Sandrock, unless otherwise stated. We highly recommend this classic book to anyone...
“In Europe, maybe most youngsters think it is safer to go to university and then get a high paying job. After all, there are easier ways to earn a living than as an 800m runner!" – Andre Bucher
© 2017 Runner’s Tribe, all rights reserved.
Sources
IAAF Andre Bucher Interview 2001.
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Training of Famous Runners - Rosa Mota
Article by Sam Burke - Runner's Tribe
A lot of the below information about the training of Rosa Mota was taken from the book ‘Running with the legends’, by Michael Sandrock, unless otherwise stated. We highly recommend this classic book to anyone who is...
The Training of Steve Cram
© 2017 Runner’s Tribe, all rights reserved.
"Despite what some coaches might say, the majority of past successes were built on a sound endurance background forged by most on the mud and hills of strength-building cross-country events. Bypass this as an integral part of a competitive...
Sydney McLaughlin, the remarkable 21-year-old professional runner, recognizes the indispensability of these effective workouts in her daily routine. McLaughlin first made headlines at a mere 16 years old, shattering the junior world record in the 400-meter hurdles during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. Her exceptional performance led her to represent her country at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where she secured the 17th position in the event.
