🚀 go-pugleaf

After doing some thinking over the weekend, I've come up with some other
observations my Kenyans are better distance runners.

1) American coaches seem rather concerned about making sure their athletes
get enough rest.  Kenyans seem to be talking about running harder.  Is there
really any surprise as to who runs faster?

If you think back to successful American runners, guys like Shorter,Ryan,
Prefontaine, Salazar, and Slaney (pre-'84 Olympics) come to mind.  None
of these guys struck me as the types who sat around worrying about getting
enough rest.  Maybe we're over doing the rest thing?

2) There seem to be a zillion Kenyans between 20-25 running amazing times, but
few above 25.  Maybe there hard training gets quick, sensational results,
but is hard to sustain over a long career.

3) Without knowing much about what life is like in Kenya, I would guess,
given the economic differences, that growing up in Kenya is harder, and
requires more "hard work".  I get the feeling Moses Kiptanui didn't grow
up watching MTV and playing Nintendo.


In an atmosphere where distance running commands a lot of respect, I think
their hard work goes a long way.  I've discovered that about 90% of distance
running is hard work.  American runners, caught up in taking too much rest,
and having "softer" lives, no wonder we're getting beat by the Kenyans.
Until the U.S. has runners the likes of Salazar, Prefontaine ect.,
(And I definitely think Todd Williams, Bob Kennedy and posssibly some others
fit that mold.)  we'll continue to get beat.

                                -dp