Is VLM ruining marathon running?
Jul1420119:01 p.m.
Couple of run to update on. Yesterday was a solid six mile in 45:17 with an average heart rate of 141. Today was intervals, half mile repeats with 1/4 mile recoveries. 6 miles in 45:01 with average heart rate of 137. Efforts were done in around 6:30 o 6:50 pace. Should have pushed the intervals a bit more a heart rate only got to 160 on the final rep. Have been looking at heart rate quite a bit laterly. It has dropped nicely after being high since Comrades - shows how a big event can stay with you for ages.
Now to the title of the post. Wouldnt necessarily post this at height of the training season but know you all know me and wont take it the wrong way. Nick gave us some book reviews recently and I will add one - been reading Charlie Speddings autobiography and its worth a read but does in places get a little bit like a list of his races. But fascinating journey - he came last in his first school sports race but eventually went on to win the VLM and a Olympic Bronze.
He puts a lot of this down to his mental attitude - half way through his running career he looked at his life (literally over a beer in the pub) and decided that he convinced himself he was secoind best before he started so he changed his atitude and convinced hismelf he was a winner and it went on from there.
But as to the title....in the last chapter of the book Charlie comments on the state of mens distance running in the UK, Some interesting stats about how the UK used to dominate and are now largely also rans. He believes a lot of this is down to the VLM. His theory is that running used to be something that kids aspired to as their heros were out there roughing it. But now for young people their running role models are their slightly overweight mums and dads jogging round London and if Mum & Dad do it then it isnt cool so they don't bother.
Its a theory but not sure I go along with it asit hardly explains the recent success of UK women marathon runners. Even if it is true then I would have to say the benefits of lots of people running has to IMO outweight the lack of elite runners - better fit masses then a few elites. But its worth reading for a different view.
Hope all is well in your worlds.
Post views 580
Comments (9)
Hat 'Surely if you bring your children up to be interested in health and fitness and aspire to keep as fit as possible yourself, then it will rub off on your kids? Not sure about the overweight mums and dads jogging around London which isn't cool bit...This is a huge discussion isn't it?! However, one's mental attitude can play an enormous part in our own personal running success...I totally believe that! ' added 15th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
peterb 'You could be right there. if you get in touch with Park run they will help you set one up, not a lot of organisin is needed, and park run will help you fund it and train you, in organising a park run that is. www.parkrun.com' added 15th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
Baker001 'I don't think computer games, TV and the sedentary lifestyle a lot of people have is helping. It's all too easy to sit in doors with fast food with our feet up relaxing. Another train of thought is are we being pushed too hard at work covering for those who have been made redundant and therefore feel so totally tired and stressed that exercises is the last thing on our minds. I have been on both sides and can't stop exercising now but that is due to health. Before that I looked after my husband whilst he was ill so had no energy but if I had known what was happening to me I would have changed earlier. I think the marketing of a healthy lifestyle needs to be increased shown as something that can be fun.' added 15th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
HellenH 'Hmm it is oneof those topics that could go on and on. At the front end of VLM are alot of elitely (is that a real word?) fit people - followed by alot of people who spend alot of time training and finish with well respectable times. The mums and dads tend to be raising money for charity (which is also a very good cause) and to say they have completed the marathon route. There is no right or wrong answer - but inspiration is definately there to be taken. With the right motivation. I'll stop now :)' added 15th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
SeanG 'Don't think VLM is the cause IMHO. Just think that parents are now generally lazy and that will rub off onto the children. Catch 22. Who wants to run 100/150 mile weeks and earn a pittance compared to the glamour/money of being a Premier League footballer on £250k a week c/w with WAG. Not a difficult choice!' added 15th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
Nick 'I think the VLM reflects current trends in running, rather than is the cause of them. Back in the eighties the serious running scene and the fun runners were able to happily co exist. Saying that, there are some things the VLM could do to encourage the more serious runners - introduce team prizes for example.' added 15th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
Rob_Barber 'Local authorities that sold off school fields. Schools that choose to teach games just once a fortnight. Games teachers that send children off on cross country as punishment. Double episodes of soap operas glueing parents to sofa's, setting the example to the nippers. The rise of the PC and games consoles. Parents' afraid to let their kids play outside. Driving to school when we could be walking, cycling, catching the bus...... This is way bigger than mass participation racing.' added 16th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
judith 'Just catching up. I like racers where elite runners and 'fun runners' run the same course and the serious club can show their class with an elite field. As for next years challenge good luck and it is hilly compared to most. I know a few people that have run this but just the last one on the Sunday and their main comment is the hills.' added 18th Jul 2011
Report as inappropriate
JSIMMONDS 'Interesting theory, though totally wrong IMHO. You could say the same about any European country now. Running is dominated by the Americans and Jamaicans (sprinting), or the Africans (middle and long distance). We try to be good at everything in this country, and in my opinion, we are doing bloody well. Triathlon for example - we rule the world unquestionably. Cricket too. And we ain't bad at swimming either. I say let's celebrate our successes and then the running good times will return in good time (if you see what I mean). ' added 15th Aug 2011
Report as inappropriate