Verzbicas' stride

General form to practice it, although I believe that's just how he runs naturally. But while his tri-athlete background is trolling ground awaiting on this thread, doing all that crap from youth definitely increased his strength and flexibility to the point where he could comfortably run with that kind of stride.

In response: Strength, flexibility, form. They can help you get it, but he's just running how he runs, run how your body wants you to run...

nice job, poland! wrote:

So its all flexibility or is there a way to practice for a stride like that? He was simply floating...

Surely a bit of both, and strength, and muscle fiber composition, and probably some other factors that I'm not smart enough to figure out.

I honestly do wonder if perhaps he has devoted some substantial time and effort to improving his stride, in relation to most other runners (even other similarly good runners). I wonder not only because he runs so smoothly and gracefully (and fast), but because he is a triathlete. This makes me wonder because most athletes I know in almost literally any other sport but distance running (biking, swimming, basketball, football, archery, bowling, you name it) invest a whole lot of time and effort in improving their technique, whereas most runners I know (even good runners) don't invest anywhere near the same amount in improving their technique (stride).

Seriously? We do drills and strength almost every day to improve these things, and I personally don't know any good runner who isn't doing that. If they are denying something as important as that then they are likely just going to hit a plateau until their efficiency can get up to par.

His parents are both track coaches, I think. I'm sure there's substantial time doing something.

Whoever compared him to Pat Porter was right on target. Unfortunately, his loping stride probably hinders his speed, not that he needs much at the moment. Ultimately, 10k-marathon should be his forte.

star imploder wrote:Unfortunately, his loping stride probably hinders his speed

How do you figure?

star imploder wrote:

Ultimately, 10k-marathon should be his forte.

His coach: "Lukas might be the best distance runner in American high school history. Trophies gather dust, but decency and caring for others grows richer with time. As far as talent, I think Lukas' event is the marathon and I think he could be an Olympic medalist in the marathon some day."

doo doo wrote:

How do you figure?

Because look how it hindered John Ngugi.

His metronomic style is not conducive to the quick turnover necessary for kicking with world-class runners on the track. That said, he can easily make up for that for the time being with his superior stamina relative to other young runners. Yes, Ngugi was able to carry such a style to the world level, even on the track, but was one of the very few to be able to, and that was before the Ethiopians changed the game.Marathon is his future.

doo doo wrote:

star imploder wrote:Unfortunately, his loping stride probably hinders his speed

How do you figure?

I think you can get fast turnover out of a big stride. For instance: Bolt, Powell, Gay, Michael Johnson

That is probably part of the reason why his coach is saying he will ultimately be a marathoner.

nice job, poland! wrote:

So its all flexibility or is there a way to practice for a stride like that? He was simply floating...

Just a small point, Lukas and his parents aren't from Poland. My apologies if your name is unrelated to him.

I mostly disagree with you.1) what american has EVER outkicked the best africans on the track? None. So his stride has little to do with whether or not he will achieve this. Instead, it is just a near impossible task. 2) Are we talking about his "metronomic stride" or his long stride length? I think nearly ALL great runners are "metronomic" in that they keep a very consistent stride pattern until the kick or various surges. It's not like one second they are taking short choppy strides, and the next long fluid ones. German is very "metronomic", but he has a much shorter stride than Lukas. We don't know if he can change gears unless he gets in a kicker's race, or one with lots of surges. Who is NOT metronomic unless they are in such a race?As far as Lukas' long loping stride (which I thought others were focusing on), it shouldn't hurt him in shorter races. Watch Daniel Komen run his 7:20 3k. Very long loping, "metronomic" stride.

star imploder wrote:

His metronomic style is not conducive to the quick turnover necessary for kicking with world-class runners on the track. That said, he can easily make up for that for the time being with his superior stamina relative to other young runners. Yes, Ngugi was able to carry such a style to the world level, even on the track, but was one of the very few to be able to, and that was before the Ethiopians changed the game.

Marathon is his future.

doo doo wrote:

How do you figure?

Great runner seem to look like Ed Whitlock

Surprised no one has mentioned that all of the kid's height is in his legs. Tremendous, sexy legs. Reminds me of Craig Mottram in terms of his build.

lohalloran wrote:

That is probably part of the reason why his coach is saying he will ultimately be a marathoner.

That's a biggest lies! Who is that peron, who speaks as Lukas' coach? The couch never gave an interview. It's a shame

doo doo wrote:

Flexibility my ass.

I'm sure that's a part of it.

Mmmm leggy wrote:

Surprised no one has mentioned that all of the kid's height is in his legs.

. Good point, he has very long legs. This of course helps one achieve a long stride.

Mmmm leggy wrote:Tremendous, sexy legs.

"sexy" ?? really? You find the long, hairless, very pale, very slender, almost chicken-like legs of a 16 y.o. boy "sexy" ?? Are you a girl or a gay ? (and no, there is nothing wrong with either. I am just curious) Or, are you a child molester or a tri-sexual/athlete ? (and yes, there is definitely something wrong with being either one of those)

I don't know. I think he's pretty hot too.