My Coach to me: "Work as hard as you like, you just don't have good genetics."

SMJO wrote:

Experience and observation. I have known many people who tried everything within their power to very gradually build their miles. Many crumbled before they even hit 50 miles.

Others managed to very gradually add until they reached 100 while going incredibly slowly to do so. By the time they got there they were too old to run fast.

I don't need to test for a gene to find out why an Albino can't get a tan.

How can you differentiate genes from environmental factors? Things like childhood/in utero nutrition have a major impact on development. Maybe you've known people who crumbled at high mileage, but how do you know that this was caused by genetics rather than some other factor?

Others have already asked you about such details as Starbuck's and luggage--I was a bit confused by all this as well, but I'll proceed to my questions:

You say you've been training with this coach for a year. How has that been? Has he been encouraging in other ways or is this his normal behavior?

If you have an otherwise good relationship with him, maybe talk with him about this comment. Maybe he was just having a bad day or wasn't wearing his glasses and mistook someone further back in the pack for you.

If this coach is regularly not giving you the time of day, why are you still working with him? Maybe it's time for a new coach?

Good luck!

p.s. If he was watching from a Starbuck's, I'm guessing he couldn't have had a very clear view of the race--but then again, I'm not sure what the layout of this track and Starbuck's would have been.

Either way, not much you can do about it. Not too many people have in utero nutrition deficits and those that do may be the best athletes anyway. Plenty of elites come from famished countries.

Lay off the psychedelic mushrooms, dude.

SMJO wrote:

higher miles wrote:

Based on what. Have you actually tested everyone's genes? And which gene limits mileage?

Experience and observation. I have known many people who tried everything within their power to very gradually build their miles. Many crumbled before they even hit 50 miles.

Others managed to very gradually add until they reached 100 while going incredibly slowly to do so. By the time they got there they were too old to run fast.

I don't need to test for a gene to find out why an Albino can't get a tan.

Yes, because there is a gene for athletic ability...pick up Epstein's book (David, not Juan).

holy carp that was a bagful of bad metaphor. Clearly he meant you need to work harder on your use of comparisons in your writing.

Was the Starbucks reference a metaphor or a real starbucks?

Mystifying.

As for your running...eh who cares. 99% of us have genetics that limit us to somewhere back in the pack. We all know this yet we work very hard and have tremendously positive running experiences. I wouldn't think too much about it.

agip wrote:

holy carp that was a bagful of bad metaphor. Clearly he meant you need to work harder on your use of comparisons in your writing.

Was the Starbucks reference a metaphor or a real starbucks?

Mystifying.

As for your running...eh who cares. 99% of us have genetics that limit us to somewhere back in the pack. We all know this yet we work very hard and have tremendously positive running experiences. I wouldn't think too much about it.

... guys, seriously?

Yes, IT WAS A REAL STARBUCKS. Why is everyone obsessed with that?

OP,

I now have to categorize this as fine trolling. Share the info I asked for earlier if you wish accurate feedback about his comment. You coach may be accurate, you may just have crap potential.

higher miles wrote:

Based on what. Have you actually tested everyone's genes? And which gene limits mileage?

Hypocrite. On what do you base your assumption that high mileage is necessary for success? It sure isn't science.

Maybe he is just trying to negatively motivate you into a higher plane of genetic ability.

OP is probably a 5'5 twig who can't break 58 for an all out 400m despite running 60+ mpw

genuine random a hole wrote:

OP,

I now have to categorize this as fine trolling. Share the info I asked for earlier if you wish accurate feedback about his comment. You coach may be accurate, you may just have crap potential.

Not every Starbucks is on the infield of a 400 meter track.

OP: I just reread your post and I can't stop laughing - it is a freaking brilliant piece of work. I love the way you write just on the edge of comprehensibility so it is never clear what the heck is going on.

Don't stop. Stay just like you are.

OP ... are you saying this was even faster than when you were chased by that cow?

beantaxi wrote:

OP ... are you saying this was even faster than when you were chased by that cow?

umm.. thanks for another thread related SERIOUS COMMENT *rolls eyes*

All human capabilities such as mathematical, writing, artistic, musical, and athletic abilities are determined genetically. Whether one puts his talents to use is determined by the circumstances of his life and the decisions he makes, but the abilities themselves are genetic gifts, not the results of practice or training. The people who deny this are the biggest douche bags on the planet.

no talent wrote:

OP is probably a 5'5 twig who can't break 58 for an all out 400m despite running 60+ mpw

Why would he need to break 58 in a quarter to be good at distance running?

What is wrong here is that coaches do not even talk to the back of the packers.