Fast men are like fast cars – but not in a good way.
EVERY RUNNING MANUAL has a chapter devoted to speedwork. The back of the pack take about as much notice of that as a gourmand does a sugar-free, dairy-free ‘health café’ that he passes on his way to the artisanal ice-cream parlour.
Why? Because running manuals were written with fast runners in mind.
A new coach had joined our athletics club – a Frenchman. He invited the members in the ‘top category’ to a speedwork session, on the local soccer field, every Thursday.
Unbeknown to the Frenchman, he had also invited Fats van Vuuren. When it came to prowess, Fats had delusions of grandeur.
What’s all this got to do with the back of the pack? I hear you ask.
Let me explain. Of the three certainties in life – death, taxes, and the fact that no runner, no matter how slow, would ever admit that he or she had finished a race behind Fats – the last was most important to us. How utterly shameful would it be, if Fats stole a march and beat us?
Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Runner's World.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Runner's World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
