I've seen some athletes run with a stick on their back as if they're going to squat, especially some sprinters. What does this accomplish? Is it a method of training to improve running mechanics?
I've seen some athletes run with a stick on their back as if they're going to squat, especially some sprinters. What does this accomplish? Is it a method of training to improve running mechanics?
Yes.
Alberto has used this method with Galen and Ms. Jordan Hasay to great non-effect. He even used an uncomfortable harness called the Nike FormFixâ„¢ to try to improve their form. It came in only an evil black color and was not a big seller.
(You can guess that this was another stupid idea by Alberto.)
It may sound silly what Alberto Salazar tried, but innovation was always a way to be in front of others.
Zatopek ran in military boots and also in bathtub, he tested all sorts of breathing methods and different training plans. He remained in history as probably the best long distance runner of all times.
If innovation and wearing duct tape is a way to be ahead of others, then why was Galen behind so many people at the 5k Olympic trials who were not wearing duct tape (e.g. Bernard Lagat)?
Zatopek had what Renato refers to as that "wild type mentality".
Renato said that Gelindo Bordin was also a "wild type".
Bordin would not even take an aspirin (or an autologous blood transfusion).
Zatopek remained in history as probably not the best long distance runner of all time.
(Kenenisa Bekele is the best long distance runner of all time.)
An innovation is not born from the first attempt. There are failures. So what? Not every training session ends well, but runners will keep training.
Same with Alberto's innovations; some of them will work, some not. At least he is trying something new. Maybe one of his attempts will change the view on performance.
As for all time best distance runner, it depends on how people evaluate them.
I put Olympic medals together with performance, runner personality, vision and the value they bring to the sport.
I know that Renato says that Haile G. is the all times best distance runner, because he achieved a great performance when the competition was high, but Zatopek didn't had an army of medical staff and neither the science was not that advanced.
I wonder what Haile could do if he lived in Zatopek's days.
Witch event?
TrackDoctor wrote:
Witch event?
I was swept away by your comment!