I have been rereading Noakes of late and rediscovering some fascinating statistics that he cites from various scientific studies about who are the most ideal runners in the world.
If one is to believe the conventional thought pattern out in the marketplace (and please feel free to ask around), then most people are under the impression that in order to be a successful long distance runner, you have to be ‘tall and skinny’. This is quite simply not true. Well the skinny part of things is true with most of the really successful long distance runners weighing between 48-60KG. However as studies have shown, they all tend to be under the height of 1.7m - hardly giants!
In a comprehensive study of relatively good everyday runners in the Comrades Marathon (those able to run silver medals), this research shows that these athletes are mainly under 1.75m tall and 66KG or under. Again this would indicate that even for regular amateurs, being shorter and lighter is the way forward.
What does this mean for the everyday person? Are we all doomed to a life of non running because of our build? Absolutely not!
Anyone can run and attain a great level of fitness and enjoyment through it. This is illustrated each day around the world by all the different shapes and sizes that take part in fun runs and other races.
I used to think that running up to 10KM would have been almost impossible for me. That was when I weighed 105KG - since losing the weight I have been able to overcome so many things life.
Step out the door and start running - stride for stride on a life changing ride! -- Sean Muller
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