Supertraining

I agree with most of the comments.  However I believe a few very important
points I have not been explored.  For example great quad strength is not
important because the quads are not used in the pushoff.  That the Kenyons
had weaker quads is thus not surprising.  What is needed is more quad
eccentric and isometric strength to prevent the runner from sinking too low
on every touchdown.
 
As many of you know the trend today is to do supplementary  training that
can enhance performance without continually doing the same event which
typically leads to injury.  Instead of doing more running, which for the
most part is the only method used in the training of a marathon runner, it
is possible to use specialized exercises that duplicate the exact joint
actions seen in running.  Use of exercises such as the knee drive have been
proven to cut minutes off marathon times..  In essence you prepare the
muscles in exactly the same way as they used in the run to enhance
performance in the run.  The rationale and illustrations of this and other
exercises that are specific to running are brought out in detail in
Explosive Running.  
 
Doing this will bring more success to the runner than merely doing more
different kinds of running.  I would also be careful in using plyometrics if
it is true plyometrics (as in the shock method) and not simple jump training
which has been used under the name of plyometrics for runners.  True
plyometrics should be reserved for sprinters.
 
Michael Yessis, Ph.D in
Professor Emeritus, CSUF
President, Sports Training, Inc.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.dryessis.com <http://www.dryessis.com/> 
760-480-0558