Fast times at Amsterdam, relaxation for better running, the secret of zinc, Sonia O’Sullivan, frostbite tips, and Colleen De Reuck.
Just over two years ago in Chicago, Khalid Khannouchi ran 2:07:10 for the win, a time which then stood as the fastest debut marathon ever and the third-fastest of all time. After Sunday's speed binge in Amsterdam, in which an unheard-of four finishers ran faster than 2:07, Khannouchi's time sits fourteenth on the all-time list, and his world debut record has been beaten twice. Kenyan Fred Kiprop won Amsterdam in 2:06:47, followed within ten seconds by Tesfaye Jifar (2:06:49), William Kiplagat (2:06:50) and Tesfaye Tola (2:06:57). And if running sub-2:07 and still finishing fourth isn't shocking enough, think of Kiprop's position: he ran the fourth-fastest marathon ever, but only the third-fastest in 1999!
- Four run under 2:07 at Amsterdam Marathon < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/October/991018.html >
Speaking of runners whose great efforts always get topped, Paula Radcliffe, whose hard work in the Seville World Championships 10,000m this summer only earned silver, lost her 5-mile world record less than six months after setting it. Irishwoman Sonia O'Sullivan, just back to racing after the birth of her daughter this spring, trimmed twenty seconds from Radcliffe's time at a race in Loughrea, Ireland on Sunday.
- O'Sullivan breaks five-mile world record < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/October/991018.html#head2 >
As if enough shocking things hadn't already happened on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press Marathon was won by an American male... and yes, there were Kenyans in the race.
- Man bites tiger < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/October/991018.html#head3 >
We associate frostbite with long exposure to severe cold, but the truth is, your extremities can become frostbitten rather quickly--within 60 seconds when the wind is strong or when hypothermia has reduced body temperature below normal. -- from Ken Sparks and Dave Kuehls’, The Runners Book of Training Secrets, page 110. You can buy this book at: http://rodalepress7.cam-colo.bbnplanet.com:8080/Unity/UrlView/7/10/33/2/4141
Just relax: Practicing deep breathing or meditation regularly may boost your running economy, according to a small New Zealand study. In the study, runners who learned relaxation techniques were able to boost their running economy within 6 weeks.
Get your zinc: Athletes who ate a low-zinc diet for nine weeks experienced a significant drop in peak oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output, which puts the brakes on energy production, according to a study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Make sure to get 12 to 15 milligrams a day.
Concerned about nutrition? Aren't sure what to eat the night before that big race? Have no fear. Visit our Nutrition Forums and learn tons of useful tidbits on training diets from runners who have "been there" and "done that." < http://proxicom.rodalestore.com:8080/servlet/AppServer?t=login/login_rw >
Colleen De Reuck placed second in last year's LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon in 2:27:04. De Reuck, 35, holds world road bests over 10 miles and 20 kilometers, and has a marathon best of 2:26:35. Runner’s World spoke with De Reuck: < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/October/991021.html#chat >
Sunday, Boston Mayor's Cup Cross-Country Championships: The highest quality cross-country event for post-collegians on the East Coast.
Sunday, Casino Niagara International Marathon: Starts in Buffalo and finishes in Niagara Falls, Canada, following course of 1980 and '84 men's U.S. Olympic Trials. Sunday, Great Pumpkin Classic: Trumbull, Connecticut, 4-miler with a health fair, expo, pasta and pierogi party the night before race. Also a kids' run and walk.
Sunday, La Salle Banks Chicago Marathon: One of the great elite marathons in the U.S. attracting world class competition, the race also expects more than 25,000 participants. Web site: < http://www.chicagomarathon.com >.
Sunday, Venice Marathon for UNICEF: Flat certified course through Brenta Riviera to the historic center of Venice.
Trying to mimic another runner’s form is usually a bad idea. Everybody’s a little different, and a stride length or arm swing that works perfectly for someone else may not be right for you at all. Instead, learn the basics of proper form and then adapt them to suit you. -- Alisa Bauman, RW associate editor
With every footfall, feel your connection with Mother Earth. Feel yourself returning energy through the sole, giving back some of what you've taken. -- excerpt from "What's the Rush?" by James Ballard
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 04:32 PM