Talent vs Training

runnerMATON

RE: Talent vs Training 4/12/2012 11:35AM - in reply to Nah nah

Well, my original post was meant to be taken with a bit more humor...but, alas, the Internet does not allow for the displays of such emotion. Anyway, though, I will answer your questions since you asked so kindly. However, I will say that my answers are coming from a genetics perspective, considering that I work within such a field.

Before I answer any specifics I will say that your questions somewhat answer your original argument in a very subtle way, and that they represent a common misconception that the link between muscular and cognitive functions is at best transparent.

Okay...here goes.

1. and 4.) Genes dictate every single thing that can or cannot be accomplished by a person. Genes code specifically for every protein in our body, which directly defines every aspect of cellular function from respiration to chemical messaging intracellularly and/or extracellularly. This 'control' by DNA means that a runner, for instance, could very easily have better systems that allow for better running mechanics, energy use and storage, VO2 max, etc. These systems are able to be trained, but the person with the better systems originally will always be better than a less gifted person when doing equal or even less training.

2.) You're right! Elites do train differently, albeit by the same fundamental principals. However, there is one flaw in your statement that contradicts your original conclusion. If genes had absolutely no role in running, then everyone would and SHOULD do the same training. It's because every runners' genes make them different that alternative training methods have developed. The fact that certain people respond better to varied training styles should show you that our genetic make-up plays a direct role in what our bodies are able to sustain.

3.) Despite your adamant comment here, I still hold that the two are not so different at all when compared at the cellular level. For runners, our genes give us explicit ratios of muscle fiber types. We are born with these types, and any changes are tiny at best. Our genes also give us specific neuron connections in our brains. The very way that we think is governed by our genes. Again, at birth, a person has the capacity to be a glass half full or half empty kind of person. People with clinical depression are that way because the cells in their brains do not code for the proper amount of 'x' substance to be made or received efficiently. Understanding this idea, it's not hard to see how a person could be genetically talented in seeing patterns or thinking strategically as would be required in chess or any science for that matter. Even artists have different perspectives about the universe that are directly controlled by small amounts of chemicals, coded by DNA itself.

Anyway, I hope I answered your questions. Please feel free to ask more.

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