So easy for them, So hard for us!

Elite running made easy (Barabara Sanchez, coach Sebastien Locteau)

Your everyday, normal sort of runner, like me, will be breathless just watching. But

Many of the Elites runners will make it look easy.

We can run up that mountain only in our dreams, no matter how hard I work. The difference between me and them is so great that we find ourselves consumed with
Curiosity over exactly how much of running fast and far is innate, and how much can be attributed to training, motivation and technique.

We wonder how those remarkable athletes got to be who they are. We wonder what they know, and what, if anything, people like me can learn to be more accomplished.

Researchers say elite distance runners share several inborn physiological traits,
Including large hearts, an efficient way of moving and an ability to keep running
When they are exerting so much effort that they are panting for breath, that make them faster than most recreational runners.

Many recreational runners turn their feet out to the side rather than keeping them in a straight line. That wastes energy and slows runners down.

Some Coaches think that your feet should go out one in front of the other and it is not very difficult to learn. I used to run along the line that is painted on a track and I would concentrate on both feet hitting that line.

Stride length is also important. If you have the proper stride length when you push off, then you get the proper extension and flexion, If you take too short of a stride, you look like a shuffler. If it is too long, you look like you are bouncing. A good runner should
Almost be able to run with an apple on their head.

Many people hold their arms too high, making their shoulder muscles work while they run. It is better to hold your arms along your waist, with bent elbows.

With elite runners, the question is not so much technique but rather the tiny
Physiological differences that make one smooth, relaxed, fast runner win every race
While another, who looks equally good, falls behind.

I remember seminars in Limerick at the NCTC, when scientists talk that about 60% of natural abilities are genetic in an Elite athlete, it does not mean that your parents or grandparents had to be exceptional athletes. It is only a natural genetic composition, from million of possibility that genes can make together.

I know it's hurt somewhere, we all want to be a champion but natural ability exists. But remember you do not know your ability until you tried to maximize them at their optimum potential.

Sebastien Locteau

First Published on runireland.com 19/06/17