No run today. Leg feels a lot better but I'm going to give it an extra day - just to be safe. Will be back at it tomorrow.
I was listening to an interview on the radio with John Treacy the other night and he was saying that every marathon takes something out of you that you can't put back in. He went on to say that for elite marathon runners, their first5/6 will be their best. This was all in context of Fionnuala Britton running her first marathon prior to Rio etc. He also said (Mark Carroll concurred) that before any serious runner enters into their marathon cycle, they should spend a real concerted effort working on speed - not marathon or half marathon speed - but 5k speed.
I don't know how to do links - it's on the list of things to learn. If you google, Off The Ball interview with John Treacy and Mark Carroll, you'll get it. It's all about how far Fionnuala Britton can go. It's only about 5 mins long.Two guys who really know their stuff. Worth a listen, if not for the top class info from top class athletes, then the mellifluous lilt of the Irish brogue.
The other side (taken from another site): Meb: Olympic medal in 2004, New York City Marathon Winner 2009, USA Olympic Trials Winner 2012, 4th place in 2012 Olympic games marathon despite a stitch that put him back in the twenties mid race. He is also targeting a win at Boston by his recent statements and no doubt he will go close. Expect a top 5 performace in a loaded field. He is 37 by the way.
Gomes dos Santos: New York City Marathon Winner 2006 and 2008. 5th place in 2012 Olympic Games Marthon. He is 35.
Martin Lel: 10 top 3 performances at Major Marathons from 2003 until 2012. This includes 3 London marathon wins, 2 wins in New York and 5th in 2008 Olympic marathon. He is 34 and still going strong when injury free.
Wison Kigsang: 7 marathons in 2 and a half years including 5 wins, an Olympic medal and a 2.03. Is the no 1 marathoner in the world at this moment in decline?
Look at his recovery rates and it would indicate that if the training is specific the recovery from a fast marathon is actually easier than a slower one. This rejects the nonsense that elites go so hard they have only a few good marathons in them. The opposite is the case, the fitter you are, the more quality ones you can do.
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