Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 95, June 2017 | Page 37

However, once into the rhythm of the race,
these often melt away as the mind is content
with the level of effort. The questioning only
returns in the last section of the race, where the
level of desire is again tested and the winner is
frequently the person who ‘wants it most.’ This
cliché highlights that there is little to choose
between the physiology, whereas the ability to
override the ‘thermostat’ determines the winner.
Engineering’s fail-safe concept has also been
experienced in long distance running. Quite
simply, the mind will not let the body kill itself,
so the normal protection is simply to get the
body to lie down, as is frequently seen in both
dehydrated or energy-depleted runners. Once
on the ground, runners regain homeostasis,
and may even get up and continue, the classic
example being Johnny Halberstadt in the 1979
Comrades: He collapsed to the road, was fed
a litre of Coke (sugar), and recovered to finish
second.
Bigger Things to Come
Clearly there was no lack of fluid or energy in
Nike’s Breaking 2 Hours attempt, as both aspects
were catered for. Kipchoge demonstrated that it
was mental and perception-limitation only, and
his final sprint showed that barriers can fall in
the future. Importantly,
the time of 2:00:23 will
change perceptions of
what can be achieved,
notably with the
marathon World Record.
A World Record takes
the performance beyond
what the mind has been
told is a limit. Conversely,
these are not true limits,
but barriers created by
the mind.
No matter what standard of runner we are,
Nike’s inadvertent demonstration of the Governor
Concept offers the potential of a whole new level
of achievement for each a nd everyone of us, so
turn up your thermostat!
About the Author
Norrie represented Scotland and Great Britain
in numerous ultra-distance events, then
emigrated and represented South Africa in
triathlon. He is an IAAF-accredited coach and
course measurer and is the official Old Mutual
Virtual Coach. He has authored two books
(Everyman’s Guide to Distance Running and
Every Beginner’s Guide to Walking & Running),
and counts 21 Comrades medals amongst his
more than 150 ultra-marathon medals. More
info at www.coachnorrie.co.za.
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