March 2009: Editor's Note

Not an athlete, a runner

February 20, 2009

In 1993, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman John Kruk, when chided for behavior unbecoming an athlete, famously quipped, "I ain't an athlete, lady, I'm a ballplayer."

Kruk's un-athletic status was reinforced  by his euphemistically titled "Ruthian" physique, which didn't prevent him from being a three-time All-Star and leading the Phillies to the World Series that year, thanks to his proficiency at one skill: swinging the bat.

Despite having a decidedly different physique than Kruk, I've always related to his quote. More than once, I've said some version of, "I'm not an athlete, I'm a runner." I've never had an athlete's strength, speed or agility: just a slight build, a tenacious spirit and a willingness to suffer. Those assets were enough to get me on varsity throughout school, and to make me a serious local/regional competitor most of my life, but I never was a champion. I, like most, assumed that the best  runners were just born that way and then ran harder. Like Kruk, I also felt that anything I might do to make myself more "athletic" was not only irrelevant but likely counterproductive.

Lately, however, I've had to change my perspective. As I've had the chance to observe and discuss training with elite runners from around the world over the last decade, I've increasingly discovered that they don't rely simply on running to build their dominance. While you'll rarely find a Kenyan or Ethiopian in a weight room, you will see them doing extensive drills and ancillary exercises to improve strength, agility, explosive power and speed. The same is true if you visit a collegiate practice, or drop in on John Cook and Shalane Flanagan.

Drills by themselves won't get you race fit; they're extras that complement the simple act of wearing off the bottom of your running shoes. But it is increasingly clear that just doing miles, and becoming a stiff, single-strength runner, won't make you the best.

In addition to observing elites, I also turned 40 a few years ago, and quickly found that 25-plus years of running was taking its toll in ways I had never anticipated. A more serious approach to core strength, form and range-of-motion drills has cured all of the new aches, and made me feel stronger and fitter than ever in my life. Discussions with top masters, such as those honored in our Masters of the Year rankings has convinced me that similar para-running activities are almost universal among those surviving and succeeding in the upper age groups. It also makes me wonder what more I might have been able to accomplish had I seen the light sooner in life.

Even though I am a convert to the idea of building athleticism as a runner, I confess I still don't do much along this score. I believe that the main reasons for this are: 1) Unlike running, drills don't provide the sense of flow -- doing something difficult that I know how to do well -- nor give the concrete feedback of accumulation of time over distance; and 2) I don't have a routine for doing drills, and getting one started feels too difficult, particularly if the drills require external equipment like weights, bands, or balls.

To help solve the second problem, we asked coach Nicole Hunt to compile a set of simple but effective drill circuits that require nothing but a hill. You can find them HERE.

To help with the first problem, I've decided I need to use some of the techniques that help new runners get the habit established. These include: 1) Logging my ancillary workouts as thoroughly as I log my running, with times, numbers and "feel," in order to track my progress; 2) Doing drills with a group, for the accountability, fun and feedback on form and progress; and 3) As much as possible, making the drills part of my regular running routes and schedules.

The move toward fully developed athletes isn't unique to running in an increasingly competitive world. Even John Kruk would likely have to build a more athletic body to excel in his sport today. Current Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins recently told Sports Illustrated that ". . . the game is getting back to a game for athletes with speed and multiple skills." Ballplayers or runners, we're all athletes. It's time to behave as such.

Jonathan Beverly
Editor in Chief