Studies observed that their higher blood oxidative capacity makes running more efficient. Given the complexity of genetic research, there are a few identified performance genes and their favourable variants that are possibly unique to the diverse African population and have been associated with world-class marathon running performance. These may facilitate any performance benefits but there are no conclusive studies in this regard.
There are many researchers who emphasise that the number of muscle biopsies obtained from Kenyan runners to date have been remarkably few and additional study is required to determine their muscle fibre composition. Moreover, researchers accept the need for further studies to identify whether the elite non-African athletes with the similar genetic variants when exposed to the optimal East African training environment can achieve similar success. Based on the above discussion, only a few genetic traits and physiological VO2 max, skeletal-muscle-fibres characteristics, enzymatic profile, diet or haematological advantages total haemoglobin mass, total blood volume have been identified that can conclusively explain the unique success of the East African runners.
A well-researched model explains the Kenyan and Ethiopian dominance with the following three factors:. Biomechanical and physiological: Ectomorphic body type leading to exceptional biomechanical and metabolic efficiency.
Training: Consistent aerobic training from young age at high intensity and altitude. Psychological: High motivation to succeed and continue the tradition of running excellence. The Kenyan and Ethiopian lifestyle might be difficult for us to adopt. Even if we can adopt a fraction of their methods, we can improve our own training and our love for running. The opportunity for improvement and enjoyment is everywhere, the Ethiopians and the Kenyans are just better at noticing them.
Mix up the runs: Do not always run same the route or run down on the same side of the road or surface. Invent your runs. Running a lot is the key to distance running and the elite runners log in many kilometres sometime even twice a day day in and day out.
So, run as much as you can, in accordance to well-proven marathon training plans. Harness the power of group: Research shows that running in a group encourages you to run harder, faster, and longer. Do your tough runs interval sessions or hill reps in the company of other runners. Just think of how many times you have really gone back and looked at those details other than just sharing them on social media.
An important factor in the success of the elite runners is their ability to do high intensity training on a consistent basis without over-training. Be consistent with your training. Do not ignore the importance of easy runs. They are just as important as the sprints or intervals or long runs.
Make the most of your environment: Enjoy the run as much as you can. Learn from your mistakes and be better prepared for the next one. If your plan is hill running, become the master of hills. Success in any sport is multi-factorial and often a complex phenomenon to study. It cannot solely be the result of physiological or genetic composition. Training plays a large role in determining what the race clock reveals when a runner crosses the finish line.
In the case of elite East African runners, we have seen that there is considerable evidence that their training differs dramatically from the other elite endurance runners.
The writer is a fitness coach from Hyd who has been running for over 15 years now. She is Sports Injury rehab specialist and a Sports nutrition advisor. Instagram iamjyotikhera. You must be logged in to post a comment. Can't find what you are looking for? Ask Question. Abstract Author Notes. Your current browser may not support copying via this button.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. Related Articles. PubMed Citation Randall L. Wilber Yannis P. Pitsiladis Similar articles in PubMed. Pitsiladis Similar articles in Google Scholar. Since bursting on the scene at the Mexico City Summer Olympics, Kenyan and Ethiopian distance runners have dominated. Six factors contribute to this. Even those only casually aware of distance running probably know that runners from African nations dominate distance running, especially in the marathon.
More specifically, it is East Africans that usually win major marathons. Since the Olympics, men and women from Kenya and Ethiopia have dominated the And East African women have worn the laurel wreath 21 times in the last 24 years at Boston. And perhaps the greatest marathon runner of all time is Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge who recently became the first human to run the The feat won't count as a world record because Kipchoge was not running in competition, he used pacers and he was given fluids on the run.
The event was staged to allow Kipchoge to challenge the 2-hour mark. Bear in mind that, throughout sporting history, just 24 non-East African runners have ever run the m that fast. They let me in as a journalist, to sleep in their camps, eat their food and train with them, often for weeks at a time. I never had the sense that anything was out of bounds or hidden. Of course, the convictions are proof that doping exists, but when you consider the number of top-level athletes in the area, the percentage caught cheating is similar to the rest of the world.
The Kenyan story is certainly not simply one of superior doping practices. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Find out more, and sign up to This article was originally published in Populous Magazine, our biannual publication featuring news, information, and trends from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and major public events.
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