Can a guy with bad genes run under 4 min mile?

Training Advice/Discussion High School

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:30pm EDT

I'm starting to think I don't have the best genes cause time and time again people keep getting better then me and it seems as though it doesn't matter how hard I train. So I was wondering how fast can a guy with bad genetics get??? Does it take good genes to become an elite runner (sub 4 miler)? Thoughts.

P.S. People say Prefontaine didn't have very good genes although he became a legend in the sport, did he really have decent genes and are those that say this are crazy? Or does the really hard work pay off?

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:35pm EDT

re: Loganberries4545

You would need to define what you mean by good or bad "genes". Frankly I have never seen a DNA analysis of Pre so saying he has bad genes is pure speculation. I would be willing to be though his genes where in the top .01% for running fast 5ks.

Often when people talk about "bad" genes they are talking about a look (i.e. Ideal is to look like Ryan Hall). That look has little to do with running potential. The important stuff is locked up inside of the cell walls that you can't see. Or look at test levels. The average for a guy might be 650. But some normal guys have 400. And others have 950. The second guy is basically doping compared to the first.

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:35pm EDT

re: Loganberries4545

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:36pm EDT

re: Loganberries4545

i'd say there are 2 types (okay not really) of runners. runners who are talented and can train semi-hard and get good. and runners who aren't as talented but can pound out 100 mile weeks and get good.

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:41pm EDT

re: Loganberries4545

explain bad genes. On a scale of 1-10 bad to good

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:54pm EDT

re: Loganberries4545

Bad genes, no. Bad cutoffs, maybe.

7 years ago 06/27/2016 8:57pm EDT

re: college runner1743

college runner1743 wrote:
i'd say there are 2 types (okay not really) of runners. runners who are talented and can train semi-hard and get good. and runners who aren't as talented but can pound out 100 mile weeks and get good.

Uhh.. no. They just have different types of talent. Some athletes have the type of talent that allows them to run very fast off of no training. Some athletes have the type of talent that allow them to improve very quickly. Some athletes have the type of talent to keep consistently training without injury/illness. Most of the impressive. but not national level, runners you see have 1 of these in bulk, but lack a lot in the other 2 types. National class runners usually have 2, but they're missing the 3rd. World class runners generally have all 3 or an astonishing amount of 2 of them.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Can a guy with bad genes run under 4 min mile?

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Can a guy with bad genes run under 4 min mile?

Follow Loganberries4545

Block Loganberries4545

Follow glasseater90

Block glasseater90

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.