Comments on: The Elite vs. the Near Elite

By: Balto

Balto — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:52:51 +0000

Crowther was the USATF 50K and 100K champion in 2007 and I believe has run sub-seven for 100K at least twice. I’m not sure how such a level of performance would be categorized as less than elite. Perhaps you are suggesting that he’s only “national class” and not “world class”? I’m not sure I understand…

By: crowther

crowther — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:11:26 +0000

Hi Matt — I can certainly accept a “near-elite” classification…. I’d also agree that some ultramarathoners race way more often than seems sensible to me, and that Scott and Uli are good examples of people who train intelligently. Still, I don’t think my approach to rest is what has prevented me from becoming the next Uli. Aside from 2007, my schedule of racing and recovery has been fairly “Uli-like.” I’d argue that the key differences between myself and Uli are that (A) he has more natural footspeed and a higher VO2max, (B) he grew up doing a lot of mountain running and thus is a better technical trail runner, and (C) his body is better able than mine to survive punishing 100-mile weeks and so forth. Likewise, Brian spent a year training with Scott and absorbing his general approach, which he still follows, so I’d look elsewhere for reasons behind their different levels of success.

By: John M.

John M. — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:18:01 +0000

Rest is greatly underrated and seldom understood as a major part of endurance running at all levels.

rgot.