Quote Originally Posted by Dynamo Dan View Post
But how big a difference do genes make? Is it the difference between running a 2.30 marathon and running a 2.04?

My old cycling coach was an international track sprinter and ran a 2.30 something marathon. He's not genetically gifted for running believe me!

He worked hard and fulfilled his potential. Would you agree that genetically there's probably a bigger difference between my old coach and those running 2.04 than most marathon runners?
TBH I think one of the biggest things you can have is the ability to tolerate hard training.. be it steady 80 mile weeks or hard 40's... not many can..

I know many who have broken down on too much intensity too soon...

Maybe its acquired.. I've been competing at sport since the age of 9.. so almost 25 years of training most days..