Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 51, October 2013 | Page 17

WORLD MARATHON STANDARDS 2012 In the past year, South Africa’s top male and female marathoners were substantially off the global pace overall. Men Sub-2:05 Sub-2:06 Sub-2:07 Sub-2:08 Sub-2:09 Sub-2:10 Sub-2:11 Sub-2:12 Sub-2:13 Sub-2:14 Sub-2:15 World 11 23 50 91 152 224 307 432 562 706 848 SA 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 3 6 Women Sub-2:20 Sub-2:22 Sub-2:24 Sub-2:26 Sub-2:28 Sub-2:30 Sub-2:32 Sub-2:34 Sub-2:36 Sub-2:38 Sub-2:40 World 6 18 44 89 144 210 313 407 522 656 798 SA 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 3 3 The pleasant tasting Breakthru Energy Gel sachets are specifically designed to replenish energy stores whilst simultaneously nourishing muscle tissues and balancing electrolyte levels. • Breakthru Boost: Quick energy boost with corn syrup & cramp relieving electrolytes. • Breakthru Rush: Quick energy release with corn syrup; cramp relieving electrolytes and muscle repairing proteins. • Breakthru Jolt: Quick & slow release energy with fructose, glucose & maltodextrin; cramp relieving electrolytes and immune supporting glutamine. Energy Gels Images: Roger Sedres & Courtesy athletes Breakthru Anti-Cramp are chewable, essential tissue salt tablets which assist in reducing cramps and spasms. The tablets assist in maintaining electrolyte and pH levels. Cramping Stephen Mokoka, one of SA’s current stars. Lusapho April has also shown tremendous potential. FACTOR OF SEVEN Riël believes that a combination of interlocking factors is responsible for not only this lack of marathoning depth in SA, but also the overall disappointing performances by South African athletes in global track, road and cross country events: 1 Lack of season structure and planning. 2 Lack of opportunities for top class competition. 3 Lack of money and support for athletes. 4 Over-racing, moving up to marathons too soon and over-importance of ultras. 5 Lack of proper coaching structures and guidance for athletes. 6 Dysfunctional and too politicised national athletics body. 7 Overly stringent and impractical qualifying requirement for Olympics. “I see athletes all over the country racing too much, weekend after weekend. They don’t peak for a big race, they just race at the same level all the time, and I know it’s a question of money for many of them, as they need to put bread on the table. Also, many move up to marathons and ultras too soon, when they should ideally gradually build up distance over a few years, focusing first on speed and strength on the track and in cross country, then step up to 10km on road, and only much later move up to half marathons, still later the marathon, and only much later the ultra-marathons. But we all know the big money is in the marathons and ultras, and that is where many young athletes go.” Riël points to the success of UK Athletics at the 2012 Olympics in London as a model which SA would do well to learn from. “If we can get our season planning right and get a proper coaching structure in place, with a national coach appointed and coaches at all levels working together, from grassroots to Olympic level, as they did so successfully in the UK, then we can turn things around. And with more money we can help athletes like Stephen Mokoka with a 2010 PB of 2:08:33 and Lusapho April with 2:09:25 in 2011 to focus on the Olympics and World Champs, and then we could see our marathoners challenging the world’s best again.” Breakthru Endurance Carb Energy Drink (concentrate) is formulated as a carbo loader and energy booster. Mixed into a water bottle it is ideal to build and restore energy before, during and after any sporting event. Energy Liquid Muscle Recovery Breakthru Sports Performance provides a choice of two advanced protein supplements formulated to nourish and restore damaged muscle tissue and so improve muscle recovery time. • Breakthru Recoup Amino Acid: Full complement of L-isomer amino acids. • Breakthru Protein Shake: The tasty shake provides 70% protein and 16.8% carbohydrate plus a combination of micro-nutrients. Also available: Creatine Caps Available from: Dis-Chem, Springbok Pharmacy, independent pharmacies and selected sport stores. Also available online: www.nutreats.co.za; www.springbokpharmacy.co.za, www.dischemonline.co.za Sport Health & Fitness Technologies (Pty) LTD Breakthru Sports Performance Josiah Thugwane hero of the 90’s E-mail: [email protected] • Tel: [phone] • www.breakthru.co.za @BreakthruSports 15