I have always wondered why Kenyans always seem to be the ones winning all the marathons or long distance competitions. I had made my own assumptions thinking they have some special jean, or they run all the time in their country from fierce animals, and other things along those lines. I may be right about some of my assumptions, but I really want to know the true reason why they are able to maintain such great speed over long periods of distance.
If one has ever been to a marathon, the chances are a leaned muscled Kenyan is finishing first, far ahead the majority of the other runners competing. Actually of the past twelve Boston Marathons, all have been won by a Kenyan, but one, talk about achievements! Also many other marathons around the world, especially in the United States seem to have this trend as well. The New York Marathon has had Kenyans finishing first for the past five years, for both men and women.
Now why this is occuring, no they don't have an extra special fast jean, but rather were born in a place with high altitude where they also take up one of their favorite pass times of exercise, running. When running at higher altitudes it bulids a greater lung capacity due to thin air and Kenyans get used to this since they run and live in these conditions every day.
Not only are the Kenyans great at running, others are as well, those who also live in higher altitudes and run may experience this great speed in comparison to others. The areas above sea level are usually where the higher altitudes are and great athletes come out of these areas, especially runners.
It isn't only the high altitude that makes Kenyans fast, there are other circumstances as well. The Kenyan Tribe called the Kalenjin Tribe is known for running often, and has produced some great athletes, including Kip Keino, the winner of the 1500 meter race in 1968. Some consider the fact that Kenyan children run to school and back may add to the great speed they have with long distances. Some children are said to have run about 10 miles a day.
Also many Kenyans turn their initial plans of an education to a career in running. Just winning one New York marathon or Boston Marathon could range from $100,000 to $150,000. That amount is considered wealth in the small Kenyan villages, but this pursue in a running career can lead to challenges for them. Other Kenyans bring competition amongst each other since they all are such great runners, sometimes running a 2:15 mile isn't good enough. Most people would feel accomplished for the rest of their lives for just running a time like that, but to the Kenyans if one wants to be the best they have to run at least a 2:10 to get a coach and from that point on, hope the coaching/training goes well and that their time gets shaved down even more so.
I don't know how the Kenyans do it, maybe I'll have to experience the running in higher altitudes sometime in my life. I just know that as a child I wouldn't want to feel the need to run long distances all the time in hopes of becoming a great runner and have a career in running as well.
http://www.slate.com/id/2090658/
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/kenya/100419/kenya-marathon-runners
No comments:
Post a Comment