One of the benefits of Ethiopia from a training perspective are the hills. He would often run the final lap of his events in slightly over 50 seconds. Part of Bekele’s middle distance dominance was based on his explosive kick. He seems to still be finding his optimal mileage, backing back to 160-180km (99-111 miles) a week for Chicago.
Having started at 180-200km (111-124 miles) a week for his debut in Paris Bekele reflected on the race and thought he might have over-trained as he suffered cramps around 27km. Specifically under coach Renato Canova, claims have been made that “he only runs 130km (80 miles) per week”Īfter moving to the Marathon distance, these volumes certainly increased. Through Bekele’s carrier it has been noticed and commented that he runs relatively low volumes when compared to his counterparts. “There still is a lot to gain, training wise, medical care, physiotherapy, everything can be better, but he’s (Bekele) a very natural person. Hermans pointed out how at least with Bekele there are many advances that can be done in his training. It will take a while – perhaps 20 years.” “Eventually we can go under 2 hours I think. Hermens, 64 and a former world class runner himself, was much more optimistic and hopes to see a sub two while he is alive. “In the future maybe, if the scientists create different human beings… A human being can not go that (fast)”. Out of the gate, Bekele and his agent, Jos Hermens, had very differing views on the current pinnacle of the sport, being the 2 hour barrier.īekele simply dismissed it as impossible.
In 2014, after over a decade of middle distance dominance, Bekele turned his sights to the marathon.
At the 2004 Olympics he won the gold medal in the 10,000m and the silver medal in the 5000m. Through these years Bekele also won the gold medal in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Starting as many of his countrymen have, with a sensational cross-country career, Bekele turned his attentions to the track, focusing on the 5,000m and 10,000m.
With the path set by legend Haile Gebrselassie, Bekele not only had the inspiration, but also the road to follow for running development and domination. Born in Bekoji, Ethiopia, the second in a large family, Bekele began running in primary school. Kenenisa Bekele was not short of inspiration as a youngster.
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