On Sunday, Dutch distance star Sifan Hassan received the Paris Olympic marathon in her ordinary thrilling type, setting a brand new Olympic report solely days after capturing bronze in each the 5,000m and 10,000m occasions. Hassan has created a reputation synonymous with excellence in distance operating, and all athletes can incorporate a few of her extraordinary qualities into their coaching, no matter distance targets or capability.
Hassan’s race victories always show unparalleled versatility, psychological resilience and a strong ending kick. She made historical past by profitable the London Marathon on her debut, and her trifecta of medals in Paris showcased her fearless method to attempting new challenges. Right here’s how one can channel Hassan in your personal coaching.
Dominate the end
Hassan’s capability to shut races from behind is known. Irrespective of the race distance, she persistently outkicks her rivals when it issues most. To construct your personal ending energy, incorporate some strides or accelerations on the finish of your simple runs. Including only a tiny quantity of pace reminds your legs the best way to transfer rapidly even when fatigued, and helps you develop the energy to complete robust like Hassan.
Be courageous and check out new issues
Considered one of Hassan’s most admirable traits is her braveness to step out of her consolation zone, as seen in her marathon debut and distance triple in Paris. She is open about going through self-doubt and worry, however she nonetheless strains up and offers every race her all. This willingness to attempt new issues, even when they frighten her, has been key to her success and progress as an athlete. To channel this mindset, don’t draw back from attempting new distances, races or coaching methods. Embracing challenges won’t solely make you a greater runner but additionally construct your psychological toughness.
Embrace versatility
Hassan’s success throughout a variety of distances, from the monitor to the roads, is rooted in her versatility. This adaptability was on full show in Paris, and he or she was capable of transition from monitor races to the marathon distance. Be sure that to change up your coaching by incorporating a mixture of exercises—pace work, tempo runs and longer-distance classes (with a lot of simple runs in between)—to construct a flexible talent set that may adapt to any race situation.
Construct that base
Successful the London Marathon on her debut, and pulling off a distance triple in Paris, are testaments to Hassan’s unbelievable endurance. She’s recognized for her high-mileage coaching weeks, which put together her for every part from the 800 metres to the marathon. Progressively rising your weekly mileage whereas permitting for satisfactory restoration will make it easier to construct the stamina essential to deal with any distance.
Hassan’s mixture of pace, endurance, versatility and braveness units her aside on the earth of distance operating. By incorporating these 4 methods into your personal coaching, you can begin to emulate the qualities which have made her one of many best athletes of all time.
Athletics occasions on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games are going down from Aug. 1-11. Right now’s protection is delivered to you by Canadian Operating and ASICS Canada. Comply with us on Twitter on Instagram for all issues Staff Canada and up-to-date unique information and content material.