RE: 'The Road to Beijing': 3 hour marathoner wants to make British Olympic Marathon team in 2008

It would be interesting to hear what his coaches have to say about his chances.

a huge problem is that the 'sport' of runing is crap at selling itself. UKA, clubs and athletes are in general f***ing clueless at marketing. Big up to Alex for getting himself noticed

I agree with your first line. As an Exercise Physiologist, I know that there are genetic limits that will at some point in one's running career come into play and cap the level of success one is likely to see whether that is breaking 17 minutes in the 5K, or making an Olympic team. I have likely reached that place and that's okay with me. It didn't use to be, but I can except my limits because I know I have done everything (almost) that I can to see what my limits are.

As for the question of why continue to run at all, I forst an foremost enjoy it. I also like to compete, whether it is in a little dinky race on the weekend, or at the Boston Marathon. Mostly its competition against myself, to see whether I can best a time from last year, or slow the decline as I begin to age.

There's many reasons why people run. Running a fast time is only one of them.

Stormin, pretty much all the UKA supported enduros on the Lottery funded Podium and , to a degree, Development Progs would have roughly the sort of back up support Alex has (perhaps minus a personal chef and that may be a 'nice to have' rather than a 'must have!). They are mainly middle distance types rather than long endurance. Alex hasn't stated the frequency of contact with his support which may vary anyway with his needs.

I don't get this recurring criticism from some folk that our leading marathon guys should have, or try to develop some sort of populist celebrity status. They are bright, in some cases extremely bright, decent guys and, as somoene suggested above, I would guess that after training, recovering, working, bit of time with partners/family/friends, any Pied Piper role for UK endurance doesn't have priority whilst they are still focused on their own performance. They also take steps to gain some financial support towards their running. If they were really motivated by a high public profile it's highly unlikely they'd have chosen long distance running, in Britain, in the 21st century, as a likely means to achieve it

Stormin wrote:

http://www.theroadtobeijing.co.uk/trtb-supportteam.htm

Can any top distance runner with a serious shot enlist the type of support on above link. Maybe Paula?

I'd say just about anyone could "enlist" that sort of support, he's hardly saying they work full time for him. Pretty much anyone who's been around for a while will know a couple top-level coaches who they could get in touch with, I can think of at least two nutritionists in my running club and I've seen countless physios and masseuse through the years. Finding someone to cook your meals is a challenge of an altogether different nature.

There's no point getting worked up about this. The guy's obviously trying admirably hard, but one glance at the recent progression of results makes it quite clear that that even his upcoming targets are unrealistic. In fact I fear that with a target of 70mins for Reading it will soon look a little silly.

Think about that last sentence. His pb for a half marathon is 75 minutes which is a full 10 minutes behind the runners you are comparing him with. How the hell do you think he has a shot at Beijing? It wouldn't take hard training and first class advice. It would take a bloody miracle! And by the looks of it a dozen or so pounds off his physique.

on his website

I Wanted to take this opportunity to respond to a number of comments made by athletes and fellow runners with regards to the "Road to Beijing" project. A number of you seem deeply offended that an "average Joe" could have aspiration to be an Olympic standard Marathon runner, how this is offensive is way beyond me.

My aim has always been to make a documentary about Marathon running and to show how hard it is to get to the top of the profession but with a little bit of talent you can go a very long way. To achieve this end I need to run a 2:30 marathon to gain the necessary investment to make the documentary and for people to take me seriously. In a sport where first timers and world record holders line up together I want to explore the dedication, desire and talent needed to get to the top, the massive decline in top marathon runners in the country, the emergence of the African nations and how far the average guy can get with a bit of talent intertwined in the narrative and to give some perspective of the gap between average runner and elite.

The area that this sport is so lacking is the way in which it is marketed. I can see how upset some of you who have been training for years and receive no recognition for your achievements feel cheated by what I am doing. Through the documentary I hope to highlight the dedication of year on year training that past and present athletes have put into reaching their aims and the sacrifices needed.

A number of people have commented that what I am trying to accomplish is bad for running and especially for my Running Club (Serpentine RC). I find this absurd, how small minded can you be. If it inspires just one more person to lace up their shoes and get out the door then I have achieved what I set out to do. If it gives a wake up call to those runners with far more talent then me to strive for higher target then great but to say that the project is bad for running, come on, grow up! What is it about human nature when someone tries to accomplish something that is deemed impossible people feel the need to belittle? Is it jealousy or is it just bitterness at having failed yourself?

So a guy we never heard of, who doesn't appear to have a running history, is going to be the new spokesman for U.K. elite marathoners'? Geez, you guys do need some help. Give Paula a call and ask her if she can squeeze you in between her training sessions to break her own record as the world's fastest female marathoner. Tell her, Dan sent you.

alax's reply to lets runpeople wrote:

on his website

etc etc

Yeah, he put the same up here himself about 40 posts ago. And I believe it's spelt "Alex".

[quote]Stormin wrote:

Finding someone to cook your meals is a challenge of an altogether different nature.

quote]

I think that's his girlfriend.

The current level of UK performances is pathetic, and do suggest that there are probably alot more talented people who have not given running a try yet. 2008 is a bit early but who's to say he wont put you guys to shame in 2012? Its not as if he has much to beat!

Maybe I put it wrong. We can all find a little help from friends and UKA. I have a few people giving me nutritional advice and coaching advice. The UKA marathon squad weekends are fantastic in providing these type of expert speakers but this is 3-4 times per year and the masseuse / physiotherapy is the key one most athletes have to fork out for themselves, and many need regularly running such high mileage. This guy seems to have it all on hand as a result of having contacts in the media. Thats fine. Good for him. But the million dollar question is what the hell is the £75,000 for?

Running is indeed a sport for everyone, but the Olympics is not. Since when was personality an important element of running success? There is no need to mention names but I can think plenty of success stories that wouldn't be considered a 'personality'. A for slagging Jon Brown, well thats not very nice is it? I thought he was based in Canada not the US? The current elites are NOT the reason why running is largely ignored. England has become a cultural wasteland obsessed with 'reality tv' and this is just another grasp at 15 mins of fame. Commitment and talent are the basic requirements. It's likely that the guy has bags commitment but why reinforce this notion that a 'little bit of talent' is all thats needed.

It hard for the typical passive observer to understand whats involved to reach the level he aspires to. How would looking at an example of someone who won't make it clarify that? Then again why would anyone be bothered with understanding at all outside the of runnign circles? I believe that if a film project is the main aim then this will provide a slightly interesting 90 or so mins like most of the other 'running films' that are so popular on this site, (none of then are awe inspiring!) Some posters on here use Tracy Morris as an example as if it's some kind of Disney 'Cool Runnings' story. Come off it. She's been quality for ages and qualified because of commitment and talent. If he wants to go for it, more power to him but what would it really illustrate?

I wasn't implying that he has any sort of hope of actually making it to the Olympics. I still stand by my original statement that he has a similar chance to you.

Yo Alex, I like your idea! Its different, motivating and hopefully will highlight to the general public the level required for world class running. Many are truly clueless on the volume, intensity and daily effort of running. Only when one truly loves running can their true potential be reached. it has taken me 10 years to 'feel' like running 100 miles plus a week and its a long road (and i'm not their yet!). To the critics i say F*&^ em!! We are not all blessed with this appetite to run every day, eat all day, look after ourselves 100% but if each day is looked after then the bigger aim is achieved. You may 'only' ever run a 69 min half. That is still very good running and will get you high up (and winning) many a half on the domestic scene in the UK. To the critics I say this... times have changed in the UK over the last 30 years...depth of field is poor. Yet I say this.. What have YOU done to try and change this. I'm fed up listening to old ba$%£"£!%£ moan about the state of British running.. they sit in the pub and go on and on and yet are not involved in coaching, motivating, inspiring , nothing. so F*&^ off. They have put diddly squat back into the sport so Alex gets full respect for what he is trying to do (if he does it or not is immaterial). If you have grub on your plate and a roof over your head you can get there. Look at Ron Clarke. 2 children , full time work, that guy was finishing his session at 10pm.. hard man.There are many yopunger guys (25 - 35) getting involved with children and adult athletics. We are the coaches of the future and are passionate at setting ideals and standards in a generally more and more f(*&^% up society. Running is a result of the standards placed on the individuals by the government of the day. We have a government allowing mass expansion of casinos, reduced tolerance on drug use, increased violence at a younger age, children entering adulthood younger and younger, blah blah blah, but hey, don't serve them a burger at school!! as a slowly fattening chef says it bad! I say feed em and make em run 3 miles! This government is useless and need to be kicked out. Blairs right hand man Mr Prescott sits there picking his lunch out his teeth at question time. Obese, low vitality, half asleep. These are the people we are up against. What a sight! Sadly many parents fall into this group too and to them I say 'get off that ass of yours and be a proper parent' This doesn't just mean running.. music, art, creative thought and play are all lacking in many a childs life. Call me a commie, the older I get the more I see the futures not bright and its certainly not Gold...the whole ideology of the UK needs to be scrutinised, go figure...

I havent actually stated having a personality is an important element of running success, it is just a personal preference. I dont think i was being harsh on Jon Brown at all, he may well train in Canada...but thats my point hes our top distance runner yet we dont find much about him, its hardly inspiring to younger athletes is it? If he was producing world class times id say fair enough, but hes well off that and IMO wont get much closer. The current pro's are doing the best they can with the talent they have.

Stormin wrote:

But the million dollar question is what the hell is the £75,000 for?

I guess 18 month's living expenses / mortgage / paying his support team?

It might be a bit of a mutual eye opener to get him along to the squad days. I can't imagine he'd be too off the pace... of the women ;)

bloody hell - you ask why does Jon Brown live in Canada, why do we not see him much - BECAUSE THATS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A WORLD CLASS RUNNER. Don't you get it? maybe the reason these guys don't appear to have much 'personality' as you define it (although If you;d ever listened to an interview with Brown or read anything he wrote you'd realise he's got a wickedly dry sense of humour) is maybe because they're absolutely knackered all the time from running miles & miles every single day. The thought of getting their mate round with a camera so they can do a nice video diary and do lots of poses to camera probably doesnt appeal as much as eating some food and sleeping.

Brown has worked out what works for him and where the training is best for what he wants to do. He;s come 4th in 2 Olympics and spanked the UK record at 10K, I think that says it all - I wouldnt bet against him coming 4th again next yr.

Jon Brown might train in Canada but he's coached by a Brit, George Gandy. It's not like he's done a Lagat but kept his home nation's vest!