It was not surprising to read that Lance Armstrong faded from second to 23rd in the running leg of the XTERRA world championship. In fact it was to be expected. The reason for this is obvious if you look at Armstrong’s running technique: weak push-off, poor (minimal) stride length and little to no pawback . The same can not be said for Austria’s Michael Weiss who finished strong to win this off-road triathlon in Hawaii.
Until he gets his technique straightened out he will never be a winner in the triathlon or in the marathon. Armstrong already has excellent aerobic/anaerobic capabilities that will allow him to become a winner if he can couple this with better or good running technique. Until that time we can predict that he will be a loser in the running events. This is another example of potential that is not being exploited because of poor technique.
This is also a classic example of how technique is typically ignored even on the highest levels of performance. If technique was considered an integral part of his training the results could be dramatically different. This is especially true if he incorporated some specialized strength exercises that would improve technique and strength and/or muscular endurance as it is displayed in the running. Before this can happen however, he and his coaches most understand that technique improvement is needed.
For more information on running technique and its improvement see Explosive Running and Build A Better Athlete.