The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation has revealed the list of eleven preselected athletes for the marathon event at the European Championships in Birmingham, to be held from August 10 to 16. Among the names, Ouhaddou and Mayo stand out, two experienced athletes leading a group designed to seek medal opportunities in a always demanding distance.
The science of the long stride: biomechanics and race strategy 🏃
Preparation for a high-level marathon combines biomechanical analysis with pace control using GPS devices and heart rate sensors. The selected athletes work with lactate thresholds and VO2 max, adjusting their stride to minimize energy expenditure. The strategy in Birmingham involves managing the circuit's elevation changes and ambient temperature, factors that can define the difference between a top 10 finish and being left out of the fight.
Eleven brave souls to run as if there were no tomorrow (nor glutes) 😅
Eleven chosen to suffer 42 kilometers and a bit, which is like signing a contract with pain. Ouhaddou and Mayo go as leaders, but surely at kilometer 35 many will curse whoever invented the marathon. At least, if they fail, they can always say it was the pavement's fault or a bad day. The real challenge is not Birmingham, but getting up the next day to go to work.