No, but I always thought people were more interested to hear what someone had to say if that someone was a big name. Although in this country (sadly) then perhaps not. Years ago I remember speaking to Tony Milovsorov (who went on to run a 2:09 marathon). Tony said he rang up Charlie Spedding for advice after Charlie had won his Olympic bronze medal. He told him "do you know, you're the only one who's bothered asking me!" This to me sums up how we don't seem to want to learn from the best.Originally Posted by christopher leigh
We'd rather listen to someone with a 'coaching theory' than someone who's been out and done it. Didn't Billy Bland fall foul of the authorities because he dared say people should train hard?!
Yes if a coach tells a young athlete of today that, oh he musn't push himself too hard because he might overdo it, then that's music to that kid's ears (who will then genuinely believe there are short cuts to success!). I think the snag is that the likes of Billy genuinely don't realise that not everyone has the ABILITY to push their body as hard as he did. That that was part the reason he was so good.
Which is what you have said all along Chris. This is where the scientists will all be smiling, but I stand by my assertion that there is no substitute for learning from the best. AS LONG AS, you apply what they did to your own individual needs (which may involve for example only doing 2/3 the mileage) . If only people realised.
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