Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

Okay, we all know the Kenyans dominate the world in long distance. I'm trying to find out the real reason why. I've read different anecdotal info, such as it's the altitude, it's genetic, they run all the time as children growing up, it's the training, etc. Has anyone seen any concrete analysis of this training, or why they are the best? Any links to websites or directions would be great.

Specifically, I'm looking for info on the training, especially at the youth level. (Did anyone see Sammy Kipketer, 18 yrs old, run a 13:00 5k in California??!!)

[Anonymously Posted by: 'jdav3']

[Dan]

Most of what you will find is anecdotal, but there are some sources such as http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/091152150X/rundown (deals more with sprinting, I believe). I have not read either book but have heard good things about both. Owen Anderson of Running Research News has had the occasional article about Kenyans' training methods, which are very rigorous.

Most likely, all the factors you mentioned come into play, some more than others. As far as ages, I would disregard that as anything more than an ubelievably fast time by a runner, regardless of age. There is so much uncertainty about the accuracy of Kenyan birth records that it seems silly to get caught up in age group performances. 13:00 is a great run for anyone!

Dan

[mjsbossman]

Well, they do almost all of their running at 90 percent their max rate.

[Dan]

You must've read the same article. I think that's the single biggest reason, as you can probably guess from the training methods I espouse.

Dan

[CHSMile]

http://www.umist.ac.uk/UMIST_Sport/2_art2.htm


This is a really good article on the topic.

[Dan]

The author of that article, John Manners, is part of the team behind Train Hard Win Easy, mentioned above. Obviously well respected on the topic of Kenyan running.

Dan

[CHSMile]

If Kenyans spend most their workouts at 90% their max heart rate, what percent of their max do most Americans sustain on a workout? If the heart rate is so crucial why don't Americans crank up their own heart rate?

[Dan]

I think Westerners rarely do more than 20-30% of their training at that high a heart rate, although I'm not sure of the exact numbers. There are lots of possible reasons why people do what they do, but comfort is probably the main one. The title of the above mentioned book says it all -- train hard, win easy.

Dan

[CHSMile]

So you're saying that Westerners rarely run at a 90% heart rate because it's uncomfortable? Do you mean too hard? That sounds like you're saying that Westerners don't like to push themselves.

[Dan]

That's pretty much the gist of it. However, it's not so much an unwillingness to work hard as it is to do the hard work that is more physically and mentally challenging. Many people think they are training hard, when in reality they are basically cruising through their comfort zone. It's not until they are placed in a more competitive group that they realize how much harder they can push themselves.

Sometime when you're bored, watch the faces of people in the weight room and you can really get a feel for how hard people are truly exherting themselves. Ignore the amount of weight being lifted or the number of reps and just pay attention to the focus and determination. The same can be seen on the track, although it's often a bit less obvious.

Dan

[CHSMile]

Are we talking about people in general or are we talking about world class runners?

[Dan]

For the most part, I would say both. You have to figure that the law of averages will dictate that groups of elite athletes will be roughly indicative of the populace they come from, be it physical stature, health, lifestyle, and approach to sports.

Dan

[CHSMile]

There is whole other type of thinking when you compare the elite to the common. I think that if anyone in America considers themselves world class they push themselves. I think that if Westerners saw it beneficial they would run at their 90% heart max. I don't think that someone that is considering the olympics would hold back any because of it isn't comfortable.

[mjsbossman]

Well it isn't easy to train at 90% of your heart rate. Things get hard when I get around 85% and I can't maintain it for more than 20 minutes. It also makes me tired so running that fast everyday can lead to overtraining.

[CHSMile]

Well that is probably why Americans don't do it, not because it's uncomfortable