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From: The Turlo
Date: 12/6/2002
Time: 4:54:02 PM
Remote Name: 158.125.1.23
Just thought I'd add a few quick comments.
Firstly I agrre with the points raise by Mr Carter, about the way in which children are brought up in this country. Poor diets, sedentary lifestyles and pathetically low amounts of time allocated to PE and sport by the National Curriculum mean that by the age of 12-14, children in this country are at a disadvantage already compared to other counties, such as Spain, Germany and the Great Afirican Nations.
So there are major problems at grass root levels.
At a more elite level, I don't think Athletes in this country are ptting in the Miles that are required to become a world class MD runner. The great increase of scientific research in this coutry over the last 20 odd years, has led to a more high quality anaerobic/strength training approach to MD running. I've seen examples of many of the so called "Elite MD athletes" at Loughborough carrying out training only consisting of only around 50 miles a week, with the main emphasis on anaerobic training and strength work. This does seem to be the MD training culture at the moment in this country and its clear to see that the approach is not working.
I also have great concerns about our up and coming athletes going off to university, where there seems to be a "booze culture". Again, I often see several "elite" athlete going out on the beers throughout the week and living off the "chips goes with anything" deit that the catered halls provide. Ok there's no problem with going out for a few beers on a satuarday night, BUT is going out on the beers several times thoughout the week the correct way to go about things????
I'm sure people can add to the few issues that I have brought up!
Ian turlington