TeteDLO wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHSissvOj7AThis will probably the most detailed stuff available on Mechaal. It is not in English though.
Describes life and training in 2017. Focuses on training in spite of potential sanctions. Gives few details about actual training (Specificas concentrated in minute 47 and then in questions).
1. His father took the family to Spain in 1992 to work in construction of the Olympic facilities.
2. Adel won his first XC race at age 6.
3. He didn't start training seriously until 19, after placing high in 1500 on his own.
4. Is one of 7 siblings. Acts as eldest and manages family problems.
5. Adel has already won a position working in a public school. He has job security already.
6. Integration in Serrano's training group was complicated. People were suspicious of him. Some even quit training with Serrano. After getting to know Adel their attitudes changed.
7. Just after starting with Serrano, Adel is sanctioned (provisionally). Disrupts training for XC championship. He's frustrated. Goes for 25km run. Finally they allow him to compete. He finishes 8.
8. Now training for indoor championships. Sanctioned more definitively. Again messes up training (prohibited from entering official training facilities). Serrano insists he is passing all the doping controls.
9. 7th of Feb he gets the provisional to keep competing. 8th of Feb makes qualifying time for European championships.
10. Wins in Spanish championships. Has become leader of training group.
11. Wins European championship in slow tactical race.
12. Talks to the press frankly at coach's urging.
13. Training: works very hard, special athlete. Hard man, strong mentality and body. Loves running. Tries his own ideas, things he learns from others.
14. Needs individualized plan. Does high volume, always has.
15. Summer season: planning on meetings, waiting for final ruling on his case. Hard time mentally.
16. Mid-July - wins appeal.
17. Finishes 4th in World.
18. Minute 47 of video: describes the series he does in his training. Lots of changes of rhythm to get ready for competing. (too many details to repeat here easily - I don't know how to copy and paste from youtube). Penultimate session before worlds: 1200 in 2'49, 3 x 300 in 38-39-38. Rests of 8, 4, 4.
19. Doesn't give any details about overall volume until questions. In base phase does 170-180 kmw. Runs of up to 30km. Serrano designs technical sessions, Adel runs what he feels other days. Doesn't meet specific times in volume runs, does get faster as weeks go by.
20. Question about the personal support Adel received from Ramón Cid. Insinuation is that Serrano is giving himself too much credit. Serrano handles it elegantly.
21. Question: why does Adel run so much on treadmill: Answer: Mo Farah does it. Helps for training for running constant rhythms on track. Does it on very hot or cold days, when oversleeps, in London to avoid having to go to the park, not waste energy.
22. Question: if he trains for longer distances (marathon, half marathon) what volume would he do. Answer: Will do the same, not more. Already does a lot (~180).
Summary: Adel is unusually mentally and physically tough guy who loves running.