There was a time when Meb Keflezighi, an all-time marathon great who will be representing the United States in the 2016 Olympics, would put in up to 140 miles per week to prepare his body for the rigors of the 26.2 mile distance. But according to Keflezighi, who will be 41 when he toes the starting line this August in Rio, the days of rigorous training are well behind him.
"The body is not a machine," said Keflezighi. "I simply cannot handle the volume and intensity I could when I was younger."
These days, Keflezighi takes a more measured approach to training, cutting back on his volume and allowing his body more time to recuperate between runs. He now trains in 38-day cycles, covering 140 miles on his feet and Elliptigoâ„¢ bike within that block only when his body is feeling up to it.
"The body is not a machine," reiterated Keflezighi.
In his preparation for Rio, Keflezgihi starts his days with a modest 1.2 mile walk around his neighborhood block, stopping up to six times to allow his body to rest. After breakfast, he will receive several massages before eating a high-protein lunch, often consisting of six-egg omelettes and gobs of almond butter smeared over toast.
"The body must repair itself with the proper building blocks after every workout," said Keflezgihi. "It is not a machine."
After a two-to-three hour nap, Keflezgihi will then start his second training session of the day, but only when his body is feeling up to it. Normally, his afternoon sessions consist of a 15-minute Elliptigoâ„¢ ride, which is easier on his joints.
"The Elliptigoâ„¢ bike is fantastic because it allows my body to get all of the benefits of running without the viscous pounding of the roads," said Keflezgihi. "Keeping the joints preserved is important because unlike the Elliptigoâ„¢ bike, the body is not a machine."
Upon returning home from his second bout of training, Keflezgihi makes sure to allow his body adequate rest to prepare for the next day of training. Typically, he sleeps 11-13 hours a night, and if he does not feel adequately rested by the next morning, he may forgo all training entirely.
"When I was younger I could train every day," said Keflezgihi. "These days, I am lucky to get in three training sessions per week. The body is not a machine."