Run-Down Forums

[Shaun Fox]

What would you say is important to become a world class runner? Obviously you are going to need the ability to be able to run that fast but what other characteristics would you say you need?

[Dan]

Wow, that's quite the question! Obviously, talent, discipline, and motivation cannot be underestimated. Proper training/coaching is a must, as are competitive opportunities, financial support (not necessarily sponsorship), well designed competition schedules, etc. Diet, rest, and rehab are just as important as the actual training, but the exact needs of every individual will vary. That's where the coach comes into play.

Dan

[Conway]

Proper mental attitude .. One must be strong willed and strong of mind .. That must be present in order to go through and deal with all of the others ...

[Justin]

You need three things - talent, desire and opportunity.

Talent you get from your parents in the form of your genes. No point thinking world class unless you had the right mum and dad.

Desire is what turns that talent from potential to real. Absolute dedication to hard work, to improving, to mental application. You can be born with 9.50 genes but won't even break 11.00 unless you work.

Opportunity is the chance to actually apply your desire to your talent. Access to proper nutrition, training facilities, time to train, a culture which respects athletic achievement, supportive (and financially secure) parents and education are all required.

To take these in reverse order, only a tiny minority of the world's people get any opportunity. Most are too poor, badly fed, culturaly inhibited, have no facilities and no time. Of those who have the opportunity, only a few catch the bug badly enough to dedicate themselves. Of those, a tiny minority will turn out to have the talent to become world stars.

Oh, and I forgot the fourth factor. Luck. No use fulfilling 1-3 if you rip knee ligaments at age 17. Stay injury free, get your breaks, train like a madman, have the opportunity to compete and, whatever you do, don't be born poor in a developing country - you'll have no chance even if you were blessed with the genetics of a god.

Justin

[Conway]

Well stated Justin ..